Composting has numerous advantages for the environment: for example, avoiding organic waste in residual waste or providing natural nutrients for plants. But how exactly does composting work? Here we'll tell you all the "magic tricks" behind it and how you can easily make compost yourself at home with an indoor composter.
Nature as a model – this is how compost works:
During composting, the main components of organic waste (sugar, starch, proteins, fats and later also cellulose) are broken down by microorganisms and converted into humic and mineral substances with the help of oxygen from the air.
You want to know exactly? This is what happens during composting:
The microorganisms are various bacteria and fungi that occur naturally on all foods, or through hand contact or from the air. The microorganisms cannot utilize the solid waste directly. With the help of water, oxygen and enzymes produced by the microorganisms, the complex organic molecules are first broken down into smaller fragments via a so-called hydrolysis process, which can then be used for the growth and reproduction of the microorganisms. This also produces so-called humic substances and mineral compounds, which are an ideal source of nutrients for plants.
Without a sufficient amount of water, these enzymatic decomposition processes come to a halt. If, however, there is too much water, there is not enough oxygen available for these reactions. Fermentation and rotting processes then set in instead, which can also break down the organic waste, but are associated with the development of a very strong odor.
Furthermore, the temperature plays a crucial role in composting: As with many chemical reactions, these take place faster when the temperature is higher. The warmer it is, the faster organic waste can be broken down. On the other hand, the temperature must not be too high (<60 °C), otherwise the microorganisms responsible for decomposition will die.
Nature and high-tech combined: This is how the soilkind indoor composter works
You see: water, temperature and humidity regulation are essential in composting. Soilkind uses smart sensors and sophisticated controls to ensure all of this, so that the biochemical processes take place optimally and at maximum speed and the microorganisms can multiply optimally. In this way, a large proportion of organic kitchen waste can be broken down in a very short time and converted into nutrients that are valuable for plants. The best thing? All of this happens without you having to do anything except make soilkind happy with your organic waste.
