On-Farm Compost
Composting is a fundamental part of organic systems. This natural process, in which organic material is broken down, is critical to cycling nutrients back into the soil. For farmers, having the ability to craft compost for their lands and crops enables a stronger growing foundation. Each compost is as diverse as every farming operation, and as with any tool, compost is shaped by the hands that create it. On-farm composting simplifies the process of compost procurement, cutting costs and creating a more circular system. This blog brings together resources to start to understand different on-farm compost methods, as well as an introduction to the process compost requires to meet organic certification.
Making and Using Compost for Organic Farming is a great starting point in the introduction to the benefits of creating a compost system. The article goes over the accepted materials in an organic system as well as production methods you can use. You will also learn about the regulations on compost application, including the timeline for manure-based compost application onto crops.
In No-Till Grower’s Composting for Beginners - A Market Gardener's Guide, you are guided through a simple compost recipe. This is a great first video to get started on your composting journey. It breaks down the different tools and materials you will need to start, location selection, and ratios required to get started.
If you are interested in windrows, which is the design of composting in long, narrow rows, On Farm Composting in Pennsylvania: Turned Windrows is a great resource. It explores the practice of composting in windrows with multiple example farms composting with different recipes.
If you want a low-maintenance method, check out static aerated compost. A Simple Composting System for Small Farms explores this system of compost used by a New York farm, which is mainly manure-based. Static Aerated Composting System for Organic Farms is a video explaining the no-turn compost system that fits into the organic regulations.
On Farm Compost - Will it Work On My Farm? answers questions you might be having about the practicality of implementing compost onto your farm. The article also includes other recommended resources on farm organic composting.
These resources are only the start of what you can accomplish with an on-farm composting system. It will take trial and error to decide which method of composting works best for you and your farm. There is much to be gained from having a hand in the compost you grow with.
To learn more, check out the resources below:
On-Farm Composting Handbook PDF by Cooperative Extension
Small Farm Composting or in the Backyard
This resource was funded in partnership with the Transition to Organic Partnership Program