On the carbon in composting raw materials

created by heaven and earth, all things contain carbon, and the raw materials of composting, carbon is the most important. Composting, combined with organic materials, through the action of microorganisms, becomes fertile soil fertilizer. And the carbon source is the foundation of the composting process, related to success or failure and fertilizer efficiency.

Looking at all composting raw materials, there are various carbon sources. Plant residues, such as stems and leaves, and straws, are rich in carbon. Its cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are all carriers of carbon. During the autumn harvest, the field straw is a pity to discard, and it is used as a good compost material. Such materials have a high carbon content. At the beginning of composting, they provide energy for microorganisms and lead to the beginning of fermentation.

There is also animal manure, which is also one of the carbon sources. Livestock and poultry are discharged daily, which contains organic carbon. However, the form of carbon is different from that of plant residues. The carbon in manure is mostly stored in protein and fat decomposition, which is easier to be used by microorganisms and can promote the transformation in the middle of the composting process.

Industrial organic waste, such as food processing scraps, brewing residues, etc., also contains rich carbon sources. Such materials, when properly handled and put into the composting system, can increase the diversity of carbon and optimize the quality of compost. Food processing scraps, sugar and starch concentrate, provide a variety of carbon sources for microbial metabolism, so that the compost flora is rich and fermented fully.

The carbon of composting raw materials needs to be rationally allocated. The ratio of carbon to nitrogen is the key parameter of composting. Carbon is more and less nitrogen, microbial reproduction is limited, and composting is slow; carbon is less and nitrogen is more, nitrogen is easily lost, and fertilizer efficiency is damaged. Therefore, the preparation of raw materials should be accurately weighed according to the characteristics of carbon sources to ensure that carbon and nitrogen are appropriate and fermentation is smooth.

Furthermore, during the composting process, the transformation of carbon is subtle. Microorganisms decompose carbon sources, release energy for their own growth and reproduction, and generate carbon dioxide and humus at the same time. Carbon dioxide is scattered in the air, while humus is the essence of compost, rich in organic carbon, which can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, retain water and fertilizer, and benefit plant growth.

Making good use of carbon from compost raw materials can turn waste into treasure and become fertile soil. It has great contributions to the agricultural cycle and ecological protection.