What's the Best Compost? Lessons from a Decade in the Field and My Own Backyard
After nearly 10 years of training communities across diverse regions on composting, I finally had the chance to put my teachings into practice on my own land.
I chose a method that's simple, effective, and family-friendly.
So, what is compost, really?
At its core, compost is decomposed organic matter—transformed through biological mineralization and humification into a living, soil-like substance rich in nutrients and microorganisms.
Composting is a managed, aerobic process that relies on the activity of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to break down organic materials. The right balance of carbon-rich “browns” (like dry leaves, straw, and cardboard) and nitrogen-rich “greens” (like food scraps, grass clippings, and manure) is essential for optimal decomposition. A typical recommendation is to use two to three times more browns than greens by volume, which helps maintain the right moisture and aeration and prevents unpleasant odors.
I built two compost bins, each 1.5m x 1.5m. We feed them daily with kitchen scraps and weekly with chicken droppings and rabbit waste, including food remains and bedding. Early on, I introduced vermiculture worms. They start at the bottom, quietly moving upward as decomposition progresses. Over time, beetle grubs from rabbit manure also joined in, working the pile from the top down.
Introducing worms (vermicomposting) accelerates the breakdown of organic matter. Worms, especially red wigglers, are highly efficient at converting kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich castings. These castings improve soil structure, aeration, and water retention, and are packed with plant-available nutrients. The presence of both worms and beneficial microbes creates a dynamic ecosystem that enhances the quality of the compost.
I only turn the compost once every three months. Six months in, the pile is rich, dark, and teeming with life. Any excess grubs and worms become protein-rich feed for our chickens—a beautiful example of circular farming.
While frequent turning can speed up composting, a low-turn approach is perfectly valid, especially when bins are well aerated and the material mix is right. Covering the compost pile can help retain heat and moisture, further supporting microbial activity. Finished compost can be used as a soil amendment or mulch, improving soil fertility, water retention, and resilience to drought and erosion.
A recent compost test showed phenomenal results:
- Optimal fertility
- Moisture just right
- A slightly acidic pH, pointing to a fungal-dominated system, is ideal for long-term soil health.
We're still waiting on microbial counts, but I suspect the numbers will speak volumes.
Compost that is slightly acidic and rich in fungi is particularly beneficial for perennial crops, trees, and soil restoration. Mature compost is more stable, with higher levels of humic substances and beneficial microbes. It also reduces the risk of nutrient leaching and supports long-term soil health.
Research shows that the longer compost is allowed to mature, the richer and more stable it becomes. There are more fungi, more humic compounds, more soil-like structure, and less nutrient leaching. In nature, soils take millennia to form. So why rush?
Sometimes, the best compost is not just the one made fast, but the one made right.
If you're exploring low-maintenance composting methods or want to integrate small livestock into your soil-building strategy, I'd be happy to share what’s worked for me.
Further reading
Bio-composting by using agricultural by-products
The Role of Organic Farming and Its Essential Components
Soil Health and Soil Biota: Building Resilient Ecosystems for Sustainable Agriculture
Healthy Soil, Healthy Gut: How Microbes Link Food, Farm & Wellness
Soil Biodiversity: The Key to Regenerative and Sustainable Farming
