Compost is the decaying organic matter that provides nutrition for plants grown geoponically. A healthy mixture of non-organic matter (soil) and compost can vary from a 50/50 ratio to 80/20 in favour of soil. If the soil is just sand, then an even balance of soil and compst is needed to reconstitute the soil. With the addition of sticks, stone, and gravel, the amount of compost being added can be reduced.
Compost Materials[]
- Sawdust & Wood Chips
- If there is no sawmill in the vacinity, then sticks can be used instead, although these will slow down the decaying process.
- Manure (No Human or Pet Feces and chicken manure is too high in Ammonia content)
- Leaves
- a wide variety of leaves can be introduced, and depending on the desired soil type (some plants enjoy acidic soil) specific leaves can be used to achieve ideal results.
- Lawn Cuttings and hedge trimmings (speak to a local gardening service or the local municipality)
- Woodash (the ash from cigarette ash-trays can also be collected, provided the cigarette butts are removed, although it would be advised that regular checks for toxicity be done if cigarette ash is used.)
- Kitchen Waste (Citrus peels should be shredded or blended before being added to compost, and should be added in moderation as they significantly increase the acidity of the compost and thus the soil mixture)
- Comfrey Tea (acts as an activating agent)
Composting Methods[]
There are various methods for creating compost, but they can all be classified under 3 major types
- Slow-Cycle Composting
- Turned Composting
- Rapid Composting
Slow Cycle Composting[]
If conditions are right for ground planting on sloped ground, it is advised that a compost heap be placed at the highest point in the planting area, and if the area is particularly large, more mounds should be placed strategically to ensure soil enrichment. The compost material should be layered in the order listed above initially and the mound should be watered regularly and thoroughly in areas with low levels of precipitation. A slow cycle does not require turning, but will decay from the bottom up, meaning that new layers need to be added regularly to ensure continuous decomposition.