By By JAMES TABABA
Composting is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to reduce waste and enrich soil. It’s not only about throwing kitchen scraps into a pile; it’s a complex natural process involving various organisms, including worms and insects.
Composting is the biological decomposition of organic matter into nutrient-rich humus through the activity of microorganisms. It’s a natural recycling process that can be done in your backyard. Compost improves soil structure and fertility, leading to healthier plants and increased crop yields.
Here are the two most common organisms used to hasten decomposition and composting of the organic waste from the kitchen and the garden.
African night crawler
The African night crawler is a species of earthworm native to tropical regions of West Africa. African night crawlers are larger and more robust than many other earthworm species. Their size allows them to process a significant volume of organic material, making them highly efficient composters. African night crawlers have voracious appetites for organic matter. They consume a wide range of materials, including kitchen scraps, garden waste, and manure. Their continuous feeding helps break down organic material more rapidly.
African night crawler (MarvinBikolano/Wikimedia Commons)
These earthworms are adaptable to various environmental conditions, including different temperatures and moisture levels. They can thrive in both tropical and subtropical climates, making them suitable for composting operations around the world. The African night crawler can thrive in compost bins or directly in garden beds. Proper care, such as maintaining an appropriate temperature and moisture level, ensures their well-being and efficient composting performance.
Black soldier fly
The larvae of black soldier flies are voracious eaters of organic waste. They have a strong preference for decomposing organic materials, including food scraps and agricultural waste, making them excellent candidates for composting. When introduced into compost piles or dedicated systems, they rapidly consume organic waste, reducing its volume and breaking it down into nutrient castings. These byproducts are highly valuable in agriculture as natural fertilizers and soil conditioners, rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Black soldier fly larva feeding on organic materials (MOs810/Wikimedia Commons)
Moreover, the introduction of black soldier fly larvae can help manage and reduce the risk of pests and odors in compost piles. Their presence competes with other fly species and inhibits their development, leading to a more controlled and sanitary composting environment.
Composters can establish a dedicated habitat for black soldier fly larvae known as a “grub bin.” This controlled environment encourages the breeding and growth of these insects. The harvested larvae can be processed into valuable products, such as animal feed, further enhancing the sustainability of composting operations.
Composting is a remarkable natural process driven by a diverse community of organisms such as earthworms and insects. Each organism plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter and transforming it into nutrient-rich compost. Providing them with the right environment can hasten the process of composting to efficiently reduce waste and improve soil quality.
