I. Material Preparation & Classification

1. Compostable Materials

• Recommended Materials: Fruit/vegetable scraps, tea leaves, coffee grounds, eggshells (washed & dried), fallen leaves, wood chips, shredded newspaper.
• Avoid: Meat/fish scraps, grease/oils, bones (attract pests), plastics/metals (non-degradable), diseased plants (may spread pathogens).

2. Tools & Containers

• Containers: Plastic bins, burlap sacks, or compost tumblers (ensure ventilation & sealing).
• Accessories: Shovel, thermometer, spray bottle (for moisture control).

II. Core Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio (C:N) Balancing

• Ideal Ratio: 25-30:1 (kitchen waste is nitrogen-rich; add carbon sources to balance).
• Practical Method:
  • Layering Technique:
    1. Bottom layer: 5cm soil or mature compost.
    2. Alternate layers: 2cm kitchen waste (nitrogen) + 2cm carbon material (e.g., wood chips, leaves).
  • Proportion Guide: 1 part kitchen waste : 0.5-1 part carbon material.

2. Fermentation Environment Control

• Temperature:
  • Target: 55-65°C (kills pathogens).
  • Adjustment: Turn pile every 2-3 days in summer; insulate with old blankets in winter.
• Moisture:
  • Target: 50-60% (like damp sponge).
  • Adjustment: Spray water if dry; add dry wood chips if soggy.
• Aeration: Turn pile regularly (every 2-3 days) to introduce oxygen.

3. Accelerating Fermentation

• Microbial Additives:
  • Recommended: Effective Microorganisms (EM) or compost starter (follow dosage instructions).
  • Effect: Reduces fermentation time to 4-6 weeks (vs. 2-3 months naturally).
• Liquid Fertilizer:
  • Rice Water: Ferment sealed for 1-2 weeks, dilute 10x.
  • Fruit Peel Enzyme: Peels:sugar:water = 3:1:10, ferment 3-6 months, dilute 50-100x.

4. Maturity Check & Application

• Signs of Ready Compost:
  • Appearance: Dark brown, crumbly texture.
  • Odor: Earthy smell (no foul odors).
  • Temperature: Center cools to ambient temperature.
• Usage:
  • Soil Amendment: Mix 10-20% into soil.
  • Top Dressing: Bury lightly around plant roots (avoid direct contact).
  • Caution: Unfinished compost may harm plants; ensure full decomposition.

III. Common Issues & Solutions

1. Odor & Pest Control

• Causes: Anaerobic conditions (poor aeration) or excess moisture.
• Solutions:
  • Add carbon material (e.g., wood chips).
  • Turn pile frequently to improve airflow.
  • Cover with citrus peels or coffee grounds to mask odors.

2. Slow Fermentation

• Causes: Imbalanced C:N ratio, improper moisture, or lack of microbes.
• Solutions:
  • Adjust carbon content (add wood chips/newspaper).
  • Spray water or add dry material to regulate moisture.
  • Add EM bacteria or compost starter.

3. High Salt Content

• Risk: Excess salt from kitchen waste may cause soil salinization.
• Mitigation:
  • Mix with salt-free carbon materials (leaves, wood chips).
  • Periodically rinse soil with water if salts accumulate.

IV. Practical Examples for Home Composting

1. Small-Scale Bin Composting

• Steps:
  1. Bottom layer: 5cm soil + EM bacteria.
  2. Alternate layers: 2cm kitchen waste + 2cm wood chips, spray lightly with water.
  3. Top layer: 5cm soil, seal bin.
  4. Turn every 3 days; compost ready in 4-6 weeks.

2. Bokashi Composting Method

• Steps:
  1. Line bin bottom with newspaper + EM.
  2. Add kitchen waste in layers, sprinkling EM between layers.
  3. Seal tightly; vent weekly to release gas.
  4. Collect liquid fertilizer (dilute 50x for plants).
  5. After 2-3 months, mix solid compost with soil.

V. Scientific Principles & Environmental Benefits

1. Decomposition Process

• Microbial Action: Aerobic bacteria break down organics, generating heat (55-65°C) to kill pathogens.
• Nutrient Conversion: Carbohydrates → CO₂ + water; proteins → ammonia → nitrates (plant-absorbable).

2. Eco-Friendly Impact

• Waste Reduction: Kitchen waste (50%+ of household trash) diverts from landfills.
• Soil Health: Organic compost boosts soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity.

This guide provides a systematic approach to transforming kitchen waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, promoting sustainability while enhancing garden productivity.