Eleanor+Burnette

The Power of Compost ISP Proposal #1 by: Eleanor Burnette

Do different ways of composting organic material produce different amounts of water? Is composting better than sending garbage to a landfill? Why?

Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. In landfills, it leaks up through the ground and into the atmosphere. From here, it breaks down bits of our atmosphere, like many other pollutants.

Can compost solve the issue of methane and global warming? Compared to other fertilizers, compost is an easy and odor-free way to provide fertilizer to a yard or field. Composting speeds up the natural process of decomposition, creating a near perfect conditions for organic materials to break down. The work of composting is done mostly by microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, even though it's turned and mixed by a person. Compost is also a valuable resource. Instead of peat or topsoil, compost can be used as a more effective seed-starter. For farmers, they can use manure from cattle to create a potent compost that fertilizes their fields. Not only would they reduce their expenses, but they would be doing it green-ly! Some of the terms in your background could be explained. (Hanna Kulavic)

Composting is a good way to recycle organic material. It is also a good source of methane gas. Composting produces heat, because of the breakdown of materials. The goal here is to put together multiple composting bins, all different, and see which one would be the safest for human contact and produce the most energy through methane gas and heat.


 * If you test terracotta composting versus garbage can composting, then terracotta composting will be more successful due to it's composition and set up. It will also be more pleasing to the eyes and easier to take care of. **
 * If you're testing composting versus landfills, then composting will be the more eco-friendly choice. **

Did you base your statement above on research that you found? (Hanna Kulavic)

>>
 * Materials (cost*): **
 * 3 Terracotta Pots ($2.50)
 * '13" Round Planter - Terracotta'
 * []
 * 2 Terracotta Pot Covers ($15)
 * 14.2" Red Clay Saucer
 * []
 * Drill ($50-$100)
 * 1/2in. twist bit OR hole saw bit ($5, rough estimate)
 * old newspaper ($1 or less)
 * 4-6 bricks ($0.60)
 * []
 * 2 Rubber Garbage Cans ($16 a piece; 1 grey, 1 white)
 * []
 * 2 Rubber Garbage Can Lids ($6 a piece; 1 grey, 1 white)
 * []
 * Shovel ($5)
 * [|__http://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/garden-landscaping-tools/digging-tools/round-point-deluxe-shovel/p-1495022-c-13243.htm__]
 * Safety Goggles
 * Wood Scraps/paper scraps/saw dust pellets (free)
 * food scraps/rotten produce/grass clippings (free)
 * Tray < >


 * Procedure: **
 * 1) Gather materials.
 * 2) Set up composting bins in yard.
 * 3) Create table to record findings.
 * 4) Turn compost when required with shovel. *wear goggles & gloves*
 * 5) As composting goes on, record observations of what happens weekly.*
 * Observations include amount of water produced, amount of compost produced, appearance/texture of compost, speed of decomposition.

Trash Can Composting-- Materials - 2 Rubber Garbage Can with lid, 10gallon Drill with ½in twist bit or hole saw bit 2-3 bricks yard waste safety goggles work gloves **Compost will be ready to use in a few weeks.
 * 1) Gather materials.
 * 2) Label garbage cans. (Light - 1, Dark - 2)
 * 3) Using drill, put holes in bottom and sides of garbage can 1.
 * 4) Place Garbage can on bricks to raise it off of ground.
 * 5) In between bricks, place small tray to catch water.
 * 6) Add waste to bin.
 * 7) Keep compost moist.
 * 8) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check water tray every other day.
 * 9) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Turn waste every 2 weeks.
 * 10) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">put can on side
 * 11) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Roll can around
 * 12) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">make sure lid is locked in place
 * 13) Record all observations, checking on bin every few days.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Terracotta Composter-- <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Materials- <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 Terracotta Pots <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 terracotta covers <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">drill <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">metal mesh <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">sharpie pen <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">bricks <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">tray work gloves goggles Keep compost in top tier damp. Check water level every other day.
 * 1) Purchase 3 Terracotta Pots, at least a foot in diameter, and 2 Terracotta covers.
 * 2) Gather other materials. (drill, goggles, pots, lids, paint).
 * 3) Label pots A,B,C.
 * 4) Drill 1” holes into all three pots on the sides.
 * 5) Drill 3 large holes into base of all 3 pots.
 * 6) Place piece of metal mesh in bottom of pot C.
 * 7) Stack the pots, carefully, on a layer of bricks. (A on top/C on bottom.)
 * 8) Put a layer of newspaper between level A and B.
 * 9) In between bricks, place tray to measure water produced.
 * 10) Add kitchen waste to composter, pot A.
 * 11) When A is ¾ full, switch A and B.
 * 12) Repeat step 1-2 until middle tear pot is ¾ full.
 * 13) Empty middle tear to Pot C.
 * 14) Restart process as necessary.
 * 15) When C is ¾ full, empty and use as compost.
 * 16) Record observations.
 * Whole process takes about 90 days.**

Will your results be influenced since you aren't using the same size containers and/or same amount of starting material? Ms. Miller Will the garbage can set up work outside in the winter? Where are you going to do this? Is there a smaller scale that could be set up in the lab? Ms. Miller Do you have all materials or do they need to be purchased? Ms. Miller

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