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Abstract

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We sought to characterize compost produced at Bergen Community College using an in-vessel composting machine utilizing elemental analysis and plant growth. By growing radish and arugula and analyzing our compost with the assistance of a lab, we found that our compost is in line with other successful composts.

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Introduction

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Did you know that “landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 15.1 percent of these emissions in 2019?"² These landfills store wasted renewable resources, some of which are quality ingredients in compost production. By producing and analyzing our homemade compost, we will prove its capability of accelerating plant growth.

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Methods and Materials

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To create our compost, we added a 1:1 ratio of wood chips and food waste or unacceptable compost. To propagate our seeds, we used Miracle-Gro. To ensure fair plant growth, we watered each side of our garden for an equal amount of time when the soil was dry. To analyze our compost, we sent it off to a lab and we calculated the plant growth by height and mass.

Results

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Discussion

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Chemical analysis and plant growth tests of the campus compost lead to the conclusion that the compost is sufficient in producing crops. The C:N ratio is consistent since “the optimum ratio in soil organic matter is about 10 carbons to 1 nitrogen, or a C:N ratio of 10:1.”¹ The moisture content and pH levels are in line.⁴ Optimal amounts of elements C, N, P, and K were observed in the two samples which “are the primary nutrients required by the microorganisms.”⁴ Two of which, C and N, “microorganisms use carbon for both energy and growth, while nitrogen is essential for protein production and reproduction.”⁴ We anticipated that for each addition of compost to the plants, an increase in crop yield was proven true.

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Conclusion

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We sought to answer one question: can we produce our own compost capable of accelerating plant growth? The answer is yes. Our results are consistent with the characteristics of a successful compost. Despite using a similar article³ for the basis of our experiment, we created our own compost for which Mu et al., 2020 did not do to grow radish and arugula.

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Starting in August 2021, this

research will continue under the

support of the NJDEP REA Program.

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