جامعة كربلاء/كلية التربية للعلوم الإنسانية/قسم الجغرافية التطبيقية

م.د. هيام فاضل فتاح

“Compost: Black Gold for Sustainable Agriculture”

Compost is an organic fertilizer produced from the decomposition of organic matter such as food debris, dry leaves, and animal droppings. This is done through a biological process carried out by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down these substances and turn them into nutrient-rich soil.
Benefits of compost:
Improving soil fertility: contains nutrients necessary for plant growth.
Improve soil structure: helps in soil aeration and moisture retention.
Reduce waste: Contributes to recycling food scraps and organic waste instead of throwing them away.
Reduce the need for chemical fertilizers: provides a natural source of nutrients for plants.
Environmental protection: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the decomposition of waste in landfills.

How to make compost at home:
Choose a suitable site: preferably in a well-ventilated and shaded place.
Collection of organic matter: such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee residues, tree leaves, animal manure (non-meat and dairy products).
Provide a balance between green and brown materials:
Green materials: rich in nitrogen such as vegetable residues, fresh grass.
Brown materials: rich in carbon such as dry papers, torn cardboard, straw.
Moisturize the pile: It should be moist but not saturated with water.
Stir the pile regularly: Helps in its ventilation and speed up the decomposition process.
Wait until cooked: It takes 2 to 6 months to be ready to use.