St. Louis Composting
Earthways: Living the Green Life Exhibit
Did you know that composting is a natural process that happens all around you? When leaves, grass or any other organic matter mixes together, it breaks down over time into a rich, dark mix. That’s how the composting process works and that’s how compost is made!
Here we have some compost mixed with Dirt in this tube where we’re growing a plant. Follow the eyes to see that the plants roots are reaching down into the soil and getting more nutrients. Also notice that the eyes are made of 100% recycled material just like the compost.
St. Louis Composting does what nature does on a very big scale. They take the lawn bags that people put by the curb every week and turn it into compost.
How do they do it? Well let’s look where the hand is pointing!
They start with brown material like dried leaves and twigs which are full of carbon, then they add green material like grass clippings which are full of nitrogen. That’s what we have here in box #1.
Next, they grind the brown material and green material together in a horizontal grinder and mix thoroughly. That’s what we have in box #2. You can see that the mixture in box #2 is a lot finer than the mixture in box #1.
Then they put the mixture into large rows called windrows. These rows allow microscopic organisms to feed on the chopped yard trimmings which helps decompose the organic matter. The windrows have to be turned occasionally to add moisture and air to the material to help maintain a certain temperature. Adding moisture and air helps the microbes do their work and keeps the compost process happening. The windrows will cook at a temperature of 130 - 150ºF for 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, nutrients form in the mix that will feed plants and heal soil later. The material in box #3 is about ½ way through the composting process.
Finally, the finished material is put through a screener to produce compost small enough to easily incorporate into gardens, yards and agriculture fields. That’s what we have in our large sniff box. The large nose invites to take a whiff; why don’t you give a try?
Doesn’t it smell clean and fresh? It’s not stinky at all is it?
Why is composting a good thing?
St. Louis Composting recycles 100% of the lawn bags, brush and wood material they take in their facilities. This keeps this material out of landfills and reduces green house gases which keeps our Air cleaner. It also produces finished compost which feeds the Dirt and helps plants like Trees grow. Compost also helps the soil retain more moisture which conserves Water, one of our most precious resources.
