Compost - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Compost

Train the Trainer WorkshopSlide2

LIVING SOILSSlide3

Ecosystems and Food Webs

An

ecosystem

is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

Producers

harness energy from the sun

Consumers

feed on other organisms to get what they need to survive

Producers are eaten by plant eating organisms called

Herbivores

Herbivores are eaten by either

Omnivores,

that eat both plants and animals, e.g. humans, or

Carnivores,

that eat only meat.Slide4

Organic matter is important because:

It improves soil structure which improves aeration, infiltration of water and makes it easier for roots to grow

It holds water – very useful in dry periods

It holds soils particles together forming stable crumbs (aggregates)

Other beneficial organisms e.g. earthworms feed on organic matter

It hold and releases nutrients continuously which increases nutrient supply to plants and reduces leaching.

It helps balance/maintain healthy soil pH

Slide5

“

So what

’

s so great about compost?

”

Benefits of compost

It turns waste into something useful.

It provides food and the energy that is needed by the soil organisms

improves structure, aeration and moisture in the soil to help our crops grow.

Compost makes soil healthy and helps crops to growSlide6

Generally

High C:N ratio materials are

Dry/Brown

Generally

Low C:N ratio materials are

GreenSlide7

What can I put into my compost?

Food scraps from the kitchen, including egg shells, fish waste

Garden waste

Newspapers and other paper

Coconut husksSlide8

What

can

’

t

I put into my compost?

Large quantities of meat products

Dairy products – cheese PlasticsMetal – aluminum, steel etcSlide9

Compost should be a balanced mix of –

greens : browns : air : waterSlide10

Layering the materialsSlide11

Moisture and Air

Composting organisms need both moisture and air to survive.

Moisture content should be around 60%

Some moisture will come from the materials, but you will also need to add water

Check the moisture level by squeezing some material with your hand – it should feel like a wet spongeSlide12

To ensure there is enough air the heap should be turned regularly

Speeds up process by aerating the heap

Moves material from outside into the centre

Should be turned about once a month

Turning the compostSlide13

Temperature and pH

The process of composting has 3 main stages – heating, cooling, maturing.

Temperatures

- Heating phase: 60 to 65°C

- Cooling phase: 25 to 40°C

- Maturing phase: 20 to 40°C

Different things are going on inside the heap at the different stagesSlide14

Surface area and volume of the heap

Minimum size – 1m x 1m

Maximum size – no wider than 2.5m, no higher than 1.5m – this is for practicality of managing the heap e.g. turning

It can be as long as you like…this is termed a windrowSlide15

What can go wrong – problems and solutions

Problem

Indication

Solution

Too dry

Look for white fungal growth in the heap

Add water

Too wet

Material will be slimy and have a strong smell

Turn the heap and add more dry material.

Lack of oxygen

Material becomes compacted, forming tightly packed clumps

Turn heap and break up material

Low quantity of

material

Temperature too low.

Add more nitrogen rich materials

Lack of microorganism

None of the other conditions apply

Add old compost, manure or soil to the heap to introduce

microorganismsSlide16

Making the compost

Decided on method and on size

Selected site

Tools are ready

Some ready made compost to show

Now……to the fieldSlide17

Summary of demonstration

1. Planned

2. Introduced topic

3. Chose site

4. Discussed types of materials and size

5. Building up layers

6. Turning and monitoring7. Asked and answered questionsSlide18

DAY TWO

Help others learn how to compost –

Training skills

1. Communication –

Chinese Whispers

2. DiscussionSlide19

Good communicator – verbally, non verbally, in writing

Patient

Well organized – including outlining structure of training to the group

Flexible

Good people skills

Sense of humor

Enthusiasm for learningOpen to feedbackGood research and problem solving skillsGood time management skillsHave respect for those they are teachingDesire to share what they knowHelping to make everyone feel comfortable

What makes a good trainer? Slide20

Clear communication is essential

Includes verbal, non verbal, written etc

Whether in the field or classroom, body language and vocal projection is very important.

Body posture – how we stand and sit

Gestures – hands, head and body movements

Eye contact – maintain an appropriate amount

Proximity – distance from the participants.Slide21

Communication cont.

Voice projection – which direction we face when we talk, whether we whisper, mumble, shout etc

Voice speed – talk too slow or too fast

Language – use of local language is better understood, but sometimes, technical detail may be lost. Use of technical terms shows knowledge but often a point is lost as trainees do not understand the words used – adapt language appropriatelySlide22

Preparing your training session

Consider the following

Who

Needs

Content

Planning

Method Evaluation Handout- Training session plan