Despite advancements, a significant portion of the food produced globally ends up as waste, contributing to environmental degradation and resource wastage.
Globally, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted, amounting to about 1.3bn tonnes annually. Yet only a minuscule portion of this waste finds its way to composting sites. Shocking, right?
To combat this, Organica Biotech is on a mission to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost, combating odors and pests, and nurturing greener, more sustainable lifestyles.
Generation of toxic methane from landfilled waste
Unpleasant odors and pest infestations, including rodents
Environmental hazards due to improper garbage disposal practices
Composting kitchen waste is a great initiative to recycle food scraps for gardening and horticultural use. Soilmate is an excellent solution for degrading food waste of vegetable and animal origin.
It not only helps get rid of odor and deter pests but also converts your food waste into nutrient-dense compost that is a gardener’s delight!
With the introduction of Soilmate, our composting process experienced a profound evolution. In a mere 20 days, household waste was fully composted, marking a remarkable 50% enhancement over conventional methods. Soilmate's efficacy surpassed all expectations, catalyzing a paradigm shift in our waste management strategy.
I had a major problem with odor and flies but all my problems have been solved within a month! I’m very thrilled with the quick results!
Soilmate is really good, we had difficulty composting meat scraps and dairy but we were able to use the odor-free compost pile within the month! Thank you!
I have been using your solution for 6 months, we are using as little as 10 KGS a month for composting within our neighborhood, Great pricing and performance!
In a natural environment, organic material is subjected to decomposition with the help of insects, worms, and microorganisms to break down into smaller materials and return back to earth in the form of nutrients.
Composting is an accelerated decomposition of organic material in a controlled environment with the help of microorganisms and worms to obtain a nutrient-rich compost at the end of decomposition with various applications.
It is a key tool that is used for better management of biodegradable waste in solid waste management.
Firstly, the composting process produces a nutrient-rich end product containing humus that can be used as a soil conditioner in agriculture, horticulture, and gardening, improving the organic content of the soil and thus reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.
It improves the moisture-retaining capacity of the soil, preventing soil erosion due to rainfall.
Composting reduces the load on local municipal bodies to transport and decompose organic material in already exhausted dumping grounds and helps in building a much more efficient solid waste management system.
Composting completes the natural cycle where the organic material (that is generated from the earth), eventually returns back to earth in accelerated conditions, as is naturally intended.
Microbes are the ultimate mediators of biodegradable solid waste management on the planet. Their diversity makes them suitable for decomposing all types of organic waste.
The composting process relies mainly on a diverse group of microorganisms that decompose organic materials such as kitchen waste, farm waste, garden waste, animal waste, dead animals, and plants.
The microbes produce a wide range of enzymes that break down organic material and convert it to nutrient-rich humus, carbon dioxide, water, and heat. The humus thus produced is an excellent additive to the topsoil and helps boost its fertility.
In the process of composting, two classes of microorganisms contribute. The first set of microorganisms that grow between 20 to 35ºC is called mesophiles. Mesophiles perform the initial degradation and perform curing of compost in the final phase of the process.
The mesophilic microbes grow and reproduce rapidly, producing heat during the initial phase, whereas, during the final phase of composting, they help in the maturation of degraded organic material.
Between the initial and final composting phase, there is an increase in the core temperature of the composting mixture, known as a thermophilic phase, where temperature can rise up to 55 to 70ºC.
This is caused due to rapid heat production in the initial phase of composting. Thermophiles can grow at such high temperatures and help in breaking down complex organic material.
The high temperature helps in the killing of pathogens and weeds. Having a microbial ecosystem is key to ensuring composting is an efficient solid waste management process.
Both techniques of composting have their pros and cons when it comes to organic solid waste management. Some key differences are as follows:
The parameters that favor the growth of microorganisms and help degrade the organic material are required for ideal composting. Some of these parameters include:
a) Particle size: A particle size of 2 to 5 cm provides a larger surface area for microbe and substrate interaction, causing faster degradation of the material.
b) Moisture: Moisture content is an important factor that dictates microbial growth. Less moisture content slows down microbial growth, whereas high moisture content creates an anaerobic environment with the growth of undesirable microbes and the generation of a noxious odour.
c) Aeration: A well-aerated composting system helps accelerate the degradation of complex organic molecules.
d) C: N ratio: an optimum balance between carbon and nitrogen availability is essential for good microbial growth and proper degradation of organic material.
A curing period is the final stage in composting also known as the maturation period, where the composted material is stored in a slightly moist condition for a long duration of time.
Curing occurs at mesophilic temperature as there is no heat production due to microbial activity. Uncured compost can have phytotoxins present in it and can be harmful when applied to plants, while the presence of high organic acid content could reduce the oxygen and nitrogen from the soil.
A composting process for more efficient solid waste management must take into consideration the curing time for compost, as it requires both space and time to cure.
C: N ratio is described as the carbon to nitrogen ratio. It is the ratio of the mass of carbon to the mass of nitrogen in any substance. Microbes require carbon, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, and other elements for their growth, maintenance, and reproduction.
For every 8 units of carbon consumed by a microbe, it requires 1 unit of nitrogen. Some carbon used by microbes is used as an energy source, and some are lost as CO2 during respiration.
Hence, microbes require an optimal carbon and nitrogen ratio to perform their metabolic functions.
An ideal C: N for microbes is found to be 24:1. If the C: N ratio is higher, microbes will not have enough nitrogen to consume all the carbon, resulting in incomplete decomposition, whereas a lesser C: N ratio will cause rapid utilization of carbon, generating ammonia from the excessive nitrogen in the system.
Any compost maker powder worth its salt must contain a mixture of mesophilic and thermophilic high enzyme-producing facultative microbes. One must note that, with even the best compost maker, it is still important to perfect your composting method as well.
A rotten egg smell is an indicator of a failing composting process. Due to high moisture in the composting mixture, it cuts off the oxygen making the system anaerobic (depleted of oxygen). Aerobic composting microbes require oxygen to carry out the composting process properly.
A completely depleted oxygen environment causes certain bacteria to produce hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas in the system. H2S gas has a typical odor of rotten eggs.
Your compost will not undergo the thermophilic phase of composting in this state. You can correct this by adding more dry waste, like dead leaves, coconut husk, etc., to reduce the moisture and aerate the mixture well.
During the process of making compost, the waste is broken down into humus, carbon dioxide, and water. The water released during the process mixes with a high concentration of nutrients produced during the process and carries it to the bottom of the bin.
This brown liquid is known as leachate or ‘compost tea,’ and it can be used as fertilizer in diluted form. It is important that the leachate is let out during the composting process. If this does not happen, it could cause the composting mixture to turn anaerobic.
This is a positive sign of a good composting process. In the initial phase of composting, there is rapid microbial growth and reproduction of the mesophilic bacteria.
This microbial activity leads to a rise in temperature where the temperature can reach from 55 to 70ºC. And also heating your compost bin in the process. This indicates an ideal composting process where the mesophilic phase is followed by the thermophilic phase.
Can I try home composting in a simple bin? What are the different types of systems available for composting?
Depending on the type and volume of waste you generate at home, there are various systems available for composting. Even a simple bin can be used for composting, but it should allow the turning of piles and circulation of air.
Some of the composting systems include:
a) In-Vessel composting: Waste material and organic compost maker are added to a covered bin facilitated with a proper aeration or mixing system.
b) Bokashi composting: It is an anaerobic home composting process where the waste and compost maker are added to the bin and allowed to pickle anaerobically for two weeks, which is then buried in the earth for further degradation.
c) Vermicomposting: This composting process uses earthworms and microorganisms to convert organic waste into compost. It is a highly sensitive process where a change in temperature, pH, or moisture can affect the composting process.
Kitchen waste in any home composting system naturally attracts flies and other insects, so it requires added effort to control the continuous emergence of flies from the system.
Make sure the system is enclosed, as an open system attracts the flies to lay eggs. Organic waste naturally contains eggs laid by worms and insects that are naturally associated with food waste.
Ensure ideal conditions are maintained while making compost, as the increased temperature of the system during the thermophilic phase kills the eggs and larvae.
Turning the pile at regular intervals aids the destruction of eggs and larvae.
There can be multiple reasons that your bin is not hot. The waste may contain a high amount of moisture, due to which the heat produced due to microbial activity is reduced.
A smaller pile of waste material inside your bin can cause easy heat exchange between waste and air, not allowing the rise of temperature.
It may also be because your home composting mixture does not have enough green matter, making it difficult for the microbes to degrade the waste owing to a suboptimal C: N ratio.
The thermophilic phase starts after 3 to 4 days of initiating the home composting process and continues for a week to 10 days.
You can experience reduced temperature when you observe the bin prior to or after the post-thermophilic phase.
The moisture content of the compost mix is a crucial factor when making compost at home. It is essential to maintain moisture content to 50 – 60 % to achieve good composting conditions.
High moisture during home composting can lead to anaerobic conditions inside the bin.
To counter the issue of high moisture, organic material with high moisture absorbing capacity, such as cocopeat, sawdust, chopped cardboard pieces, etc., can be added to the bin, which will help in the proper distribution of moisture.
A dry compost mix can lead to reduced microbial activity as microbes prefer a moist yet aerated for their growth.
To compensate for the dryness, you can slowly add water or green waste to the compost mix until a balance is struck.
You can use the hand-pressing process to understand the moisture content of the compost mix. Hold the compost mix in your hand and press it.
Make sure that the material sticks to each other, but there is no water seepage upon pressing, or the mix doesn’t separate when you open your palm.
Moisture is the most critical component while home composting, so regular monitoring is important.
No, it is not necessary to overturn your compost mix every day. The composting process produces heat due to microbial activity that breaks complex organic material, kills pathogens, and destroys harmful weeds.
Overturning of compost mix every day will lead to heat loss and also requires manual labour. Turning after every 3 to 4 days will serve the purpose of agitation and aeration in a home composting process.
It is quite simple, sprinkle 500 grams of Soilmate onto your kitchen scraps within a composter or bin, spray water and ensure that the compost pile is kept moist (30-40% moisture). Ensure that the pile is well aerated and turned regularly. Follow all the steps for general composting.
You can put all food waste in the compost bins along with paper goods, hot and cold cups, napkins, utensils, and compostable (bio-based) plates.
Straws, bottles, cans, aluminum foil, plastic film, and packaging should not be placed in the compost bin.
Compost typically crumbles in your hand, has a deep dark brown hue, and smells earthy when it's ready. This process typically takes 20-25 days with Soilmate but may take up to 45 days without any additive.
Mulch trees and shrubs with compost to keep weeds out and help the plants withstand drought. Apply a layer of compost, ideally up to two inches thick, beneath the tree or shrub and extend it to the bed's border or the drip line—the outermost leaves on a tree. This will assist in stabilizing soil temperature and minimizing moisture loss.
Kitchen waste is all the waste that is generated in the kitchen in the form of vegetable & fruit peels, food and cereal waste, etc. These can be treated at source by using home composting techniques to generate nutrient rich compost. Human waste can be treated either in septic tanks or at a centralized sewage treatment plant. These techniques degrade the human waste and release the treated matter.
Home composting and septic tank treatment are the solutions for treating your human and kitchen waste at your home. These solutions can help you to manage the waste at the individual and community level.
Solid waste management is the process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. It is a process that is necessary to keep our environment clean and safe.
Innovations in microbial technology have led to identifying strains of beneficial microbes that help in degrading organic waste. A consortium of effective microbes in the form of septic tank enzymes help in septic tank cleaning. Similarly, a set of microbes identified for solid waste management help in degrading waste for making compost.
SoilMate is a multi-strain microbial culture for the speedy composting of kitchen & garden waste. In addition, it is infused with activated carbon for controlling odour and enriched with herbs to keep flies at bay.
SoilMate can treat all kinds of kitchen, garden & agricultural waste. It can be used for making compost at home and in community composting.
SoilMate, our compost maker for home, has been specifically designed for meeting the requirement for making compost at home.
Home composting at an individual household level needs very minimal space. There are compact home composting bins that are available in the market, which have minimal space requirements.
Making compost at home or at communities is a very simple process; simple steps need to be followed to effectively degrade all the waste that we generate daily.
Home composting can be carried out by using different kinds of equipment that are available in the market. SoilMate is designed to meet the requirements for all equipment meant for Home Composting.
SoilMate is a consortium of microbes that also contains Facultative microbes which work in both aerobic and anaerobic processes, for making compost at home, it is preferable to choose the aerobic composting process.
SoilMate compost maker comes in 1 kg packets which is good to treat up to 1 tonne of solid waste.
Solid waste management comprises multiple techniques to degrade waste; equipment like automatic machines, OWC machines, or manual composting methods can be used. The choice of an ideal solid waste management technique will depend on your waste generation and requirements. It is important that the right solid waste management technique is adopted for optimum results.
The Soilmate home compost maker can be used for windrow composting, but we have a specialized product, Bioclean compost, that is specially designed for making compost of agricultural waste.
Vermicomposting and microbial composting are two separate processes of making compost. Vermicomposting is carried out by earthworms that feed on complex organic matter and excrete out simple organic matter, which enriches this soil. Our specially selected enzyme-producing microbes accelerate the further degradation of this relatively simple organic matter in bioavailable form for plants to use. So to answer your question, SoilMate may not have a direct impact on the first stage of the vermicomposting process, but it will prove very useful in accelerating the second part of the process, i.e., enriching your compost by increasing the bioavailable nutrients.
Few of the common mistakes people do while home composting are: - Moisture content is not maintained - Brown waste (dried leaves/grass etc.) is not added enough - Not adding enough compost microbes powder - Addition of animal and fish bones to the bin - Opening the cover of the bin too often for the addition of even small waste. - Addition of foul-smelling rotten leftovers to the bin - Not giving enough for the process of making compost to naturally complete.
The Soilmate compost maker can be used for windrow composting but we have a specialized product Bioclean compost that is specially designed for making compost of agricultural waste.
Odour, moisture, and temperature are the three most important parameters while monitoring the home composting process.
It is not advisable to disturb the bin too often while making compost. The addition of fresh waste once or a maximum of twice a day is recommended in a home composting process. Refrain from mixing the compost with bare hands. Use a tool for even mixing of compost.
Moisture content can be estimated by a simple hand squeeze test while making compost at home as it does not require any instrument. Wear a glove, take the solid fraction of the sample in your palm, and press it, don’t overdo it. If the solid fraction doesn’t stick together or is dusty, the moisture is low. If the material releases a drop of water on pressing, the moisture content is high. The material must stick together and feel moist to achieve ideal moisture content.
Controlling moisture is a very crucial step while making compost. If the waste added to the bin is too dry, spray water to add moisture. If the waste looks too wet add brown material like cocopeat, sawdust, dry leaves, etc., which can soak the moisture.
For making compost, the ideal moisture content lies between 40 – 55%. If the moisture level is below 35%, the bacterial activity may be hindered, and if it rises above 60%, there are chances of the system turning into anaerobic and giving off a rotting odour.
Yes, following the right composting technique along with the SoilMate compost maker can help in reducing the foul odour in your composting process.
A compost maker or compost microbes powder is a consortium of effective microorganisms specially selected for their ability to accelerate the degradation of organic waste. Kitchen waste at our home contains different kinds of organic matter such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, etc. Hence while home composting, it is necessary to choose a compost maker containing diverse microflora that is able to degrade all kinds of organic waste effectively, giving you nutrient-rich final compost.
Proper degradation of waste material and reduction in the volume of waste minus the emanation of ammonia-like or rotten egg-like odours is the easiest way to understand if you have maintained a proper C: N ratio for your home composting.
Most of the time, the foul odour coming from the composting bin is due to the occurrence of anaerobic conditions inside the bin; a low C: N ratio of the waste can also lead to the release of an ammonia-like smell from your home composting bin.
If the C: N ratio is high, the degradation process will slow down due to nitrogen deficiency. In a low C: N ratio, the microbes will not proliferate due to lack of carbon which in turn affects the process of making compost, encourages bad odour, and causes incomplete degradation of waste.
The dry leaves are high in carbon content, containing material like lignin that takes longer duration for degradation. Addition of a compost maker and nitrogen-containing materials like kitchen waste, urea, etc., can accelerate the composting of garden waste.
