Compost feedstocks

Feedstocks, the raw ingredients for composting, are organic materials, usually solid, and usually in an active state of decomposition. Many organic materials can be composted ranging in diversity from garden plant debris to food processing residuals. More than any other factor, feedstocks determine the composting conditions and the qualities of the resulting compost. Often, multiple feedstocks are mixed together in suitable proportions to create favorable composting conditions. Those conditions include moisture, carbon and nitrogen content, and physical characteristics. Feedstock properties that are important to the qualities of the resulting compost include organic matter, plant nutrients, particle size, and contaminants.