Composting is the breakdown (or decomposition) of organic material (anything that was once alive) in the presence of oxygen (i.e. aerobic decomposition). Organic material can also decompose without oxygen, but this is slower and smellier, and tends to be called anaerobic decomposition or digestion. The composting process involves many tiny organisms, including bacteria, fungi, insects and worms. These organisms utilise the two main components of organic waste – carbon and nitrogen – and work in a series of stages. Each group breaks down organic material a little more and converts it into a form suitable for the next group in the chain to act upon. The end result is a beautiful, crumbly compost that contains a mix of minerals that plants can absorb as nutrients.
Composting Factsheet
