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"Nature does not compost, she
mulches. Nature does not build piles of organic matter, mix in water and
nutrients, turn the pile, and spread finished compost over the countryside.
Nature mulches using thin layers and lets low temperature or "mesophilic"
organisms do the decomposition at temperatures up to 120°F. Composting
supports a different group of "thermophilic" (heat-loving) organisms that
operate at a higher temperature range from 120°F up to 160°F. The
organisms themselves generate this heat from the organic matter." The
Joy of Composting.
Compost
for the gardens can be created using three primary methods -
cold composting, vermi composting with red wiggler worms, and hot composting. Each comes with its own teaching possibilities.
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At this time, most of our "waste" comes from leaves
and garden debris. We have such a large volume of this material that
it is not practical to turn it by hand. For the most part, we practice
nature's way of passive
"cold" composting.
- In the future we hope to establish a whole school
composting program that will capture food waste from the cafeterias through
vermi
composting.
- Our third method of composting is the
three
bin "hot" method most touted for home use.
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Related lesson plans |
Grade |
When in Our Garden
Cycle |
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Compost Skit
- Interactive skit to teach
students about things that happen in the compost pile. Skit is
located in the barn for signing out. |
1,2 |
inside |
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Living Things Cause Changes - Compost is examined to understand the
parts of the compost habitat and what changes leaves into compost. |
2 |
September
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Animals in the Ground Habitat -
Students examine
animals in the ground or compost habitat to explore
animal adaptations unique to that
habitat. Information is compared their observations from the garden
organisms lesson to show that organisms can survive only in certain
environments that meet their needs. |
3 |
September |
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Putting the Gardens to
Bed - Students learn about the benefits of adding compost to the garden,
remove and compost plants that will not overwinter, and add compost to
their beds. |
1 |
October |
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Putting the Gardens to
Bed - Students understand that a compost pile is an energy
source for the organisms inside and learn about the benefits of adding compost to
the garden. |
2 |
October |
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Putting the Gardens to
Bed - Students understand how organic material is decomposed
and the benefits of organic material in soil. |
3 |
October |
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Putting the Gardens to
Bed - Students understand how the process of decomposition
impacts the Earth’s surface, and learn about the benefits of adding compost to
the garden. |
4 |
October |
Benefits of Using Compost
- Although the soil surface appears solid, air moves
freely in and out of it. The air in the upper 8 inches of a well-drained
soil is completely renewed about every hour.
- Improves the soil structure, porosity, and density,
thus creating a better plant root environment.
- Increases moisture infiltration and permeability
of heavy soils, thus reducing erosion and runoff.
- Improves water-holding capacity.
- Supplies a variety of macro and micronutrients.
- May control or suppress certain soil-borne plant
pathogens.
- Supplies significant quantities of organic matter.
- Providesnutrients for
plant use.
- Supplies beneficial micro-organisms to
soils and organisms.
- Can bind and degrade specific pollutants.
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