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 Composting is a “hot-topic” literally and
figuratively. Duane Friend, Extension energy and environmental
educator, along with Dr. Paul Walker, retired Illinois State
University professor taught 35 people the practical application and
the science behind composting at a workshop held in March at the
Tazewell County office.
“It was a nice mix of people,” mentioned Christine Belless, ag and
natural resources program coordinator. “We had a lot of Master
Gardeners and Master Naturalists who will use the information for
both their home composting as well as educating others. There were
also 14 who indicated their composting practices are part of a
community garden.”
Duane stated several benefits to composting during the class: adds
organic matter to the soil, improves water retention in sands,
improves movement in clay soils, attracts earthworms, provides
limited nutrients, and suppresses certain diseases. A pre-workshop
survey indicated most participants (84%) were already composting.
All of those composters were actively adding the correct type of
materials into their mix.
“From our post-workshop survey sent 5 months after the workshop, we
learned just over half of the group began applying the science of
the carbon to nitrogen ratio to their composting practices,”
mentioned Christine. “We also tracked behavior changes that
indicated participants began adding additional materials such as
shredded newspaper, old soil after repotting plants, husks, stems,
and coffee grounds.”
Duane taught a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25:1 is ideal for rapid
composting. Blending materials also plays an important role in
speeding up the process. [to top of second
column] |
“I started being more intentional about layering the different
materials I put into my compost pile,” explained Master Gardener and workshop
participant Trudy Yazujian. “I also made some changes to help with the carbon to
nitrogen ratio, and I noticed my compost pile heating up better.”
Other survey results indicated 47% of participants began
monitoring moisture and temperature levels of their compost. Some monitor by
touch and others noted they are using a thermometer. Duane noted that composting
does not have to be rocket science. He encouraged everyone to use what suits
their lifestyle.
During the five months between the workshop and follow-up survey, 47% of
participants made structural changes such as buying a new compost bin or
changing locations of their bin or pile. Some started composting for the first
time.
When asked what they do with their finished compost, survey respondents offered
a variety of descriptions such as soil amendments in vegetable and flower
gardens, media for new plantings or transplanting shrubs and flowers,
ingredients to enrich potting soil from previous seasons, and donating it to
community gardens.
University of Illinois Extension offers a variety of programs and educational
materials related to horticulture and natural resources. Visit the local
Extension office or online at
https://extension.illinois.edu/fmpt to get connected with Extension staff
and upcoming events.
[Anita Wilkinson
Communications Program Coordinator
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION
Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit]
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