Glossary

Here are the definitions arranged in alphabetical order:

Aerated static Pile Composting– Organic materials are mixed and placed in bays over perforated pipes typically attached to blowers to keep piles aerated without physical manipulation of the Compost Pile.

Aerobic– Refers to a biological process or organism that requires or occurs in the presence of oxygen.

Anaerobic– Refers to a biological process or organism that occurs or thrives in the absence of oxygen.

Biodegradable plastic– Plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms. They are known to create small fragments called microplastics, which, when ingested by animals, can eventually make their way up the food chain. Biodegradable plastics cannot be added to any composting system.

Browns – Describe the Carbon Rich Materials. These are usually dry and dead materials such as fallen leaves, wood chips or sawdust, paper or cardboard, straw, etc. Typically with Composting Food Scraps, you will need two parts of “Browns” or Carbon-rich materials to every one part of “Greens” or Nitrogen Rich Materials. This ratio can be adjusted throughout the Composting process to create the best end product.

Carbon – The chemical element that is the fundamental building block of life. Carbon-rich material commonly referred to as “browns” includes items like straw, wood chips, sawdust, paper, fall leaves, etc. Carbon is balanced with Nitrogen in the Composting process to transform the raw organic material into the stable humus product recognized as Compost.

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio – Refers to the relative proportions of carbon-rich materials to nitrogen-rich materials in a compost pile. For Composting, the ideal Carbon to Nitrogen ratio is around 25:1 to 40:1.

Compostable plastic– A type of material derived from renewable resources or biodegradable polymers that, under specific conditions, can break down into environmentally benign components through composting processes. Not all composting processes will break down compostable plastics.

Composting– A natural process that turns organic material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The process involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers.

Flow through Worm Composting systems – Refers to Vermicomposting systems that employ a system allowing for feeding on the top and harvesting the finished vermicast product off the bottom of the system.

Food Scraps – The leftover or discarded portions of food that are not consumed or used.

Greens– Describe the Nitrogen Rich Materials. These are usually wet and alive materials such as food scraps, grass clippings, plant material harvested while still alive, and manures. Typically with Composting Food Scraps, you will need two parts of “Browns” or Carbon-rich materials to every one part of “Greens” or Nitrogen Rich Materials. This ratio can be adjusted throughout the Composting process to create the best end product.

In Vessel Composting– An advanced composting method that takes place within a closed container or vessel, providing a controlled and accelerated environment for the decomposition of organic materials. This approach is particularly suitable for large-scale composting operations.

Nitrogen– A chemical element crucial for living organisms and plays essential roles in various biological processes, including composting. Nitrogen-rich materials, often referred to as “greens,” include items like kitchen scraps, fresh plant material, and manure. Nitrogen is balanced with Carbon in the Composting process to transform the raw organic material into the stable humus product recognized as Compost.

On Site Composting – The practice of composting organic materials directly at the location where the waste is generated. Instead of transporting organic waste to an off-site facility or landfill, on-site composting involves creating a composting system within the premises of a residence, business, farm, or institution.

Organic Material– Substances derived from living organisms or once-living matter. These materials originate from plants, animals, microorganisms, and other living organisms.

Organic Waste– Any biodegradable waste material that originates from living organisms or contains organic compounds. This category of waste includes materials that can decompose naturally through the action of microorganisms. Organic waste can be both plant-based and animal-based.

Solvita Test– A Compost Maturity Test that measures CO2 and NH3 respiration.

Vermicast– Nutrient-rich organic material produced through the process of vermicomposting, also known as worm castings or worm poop.

Vermicomposting – Composting with red wiggler worms in a controlled and enclosed environment to produce a nutrient- rich compost called Vermicast.

Water Cress Test– Compost Maturity test that utilizes watercress seeds to determine Compost maturity. Watercress is susceptible to compost immaturity and will not germinate or thrive in immature compost.

Windrow Composting– In the context of composting, a windrow refers to a long, narrow pile or row of composting materials strategically arranged to facilitate the decomposition process. Windrows are typically formed outdoors and are commonly used in large-scale composting operations.