How does composting help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, where it would release methane - a potent greenhouse gas - during the decomposition process. Instead, when organic waste is properly composted, it undergoes aerobic decomposition, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2), a less potent greenhouse gas. Moreover, using mature compost as a soil amendment increases soil carbon sequestration and improves soil quality, further contributing to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Long answer
Composting plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as it diverts organic waste from ending up in landfills. When organic matter such as food scraps, agricultural residues, or yard trimmings decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills, they produce methane (CH4), which is approximately 25 times more potent than CO2 in terms of its heat-trapping capacity over a 100-year period. Methane is a significant contributor to global warming.
Composting offers an alternative approach that promotes aerobic decomposition of organic waste. The controlled conditions of composting facilitate the breakdown of material by microorganisms under oxygen-rich environments. This aerobic decomposition significantly minimizes the production and release of methane associated with traditional landfill disposal techniques.
Furthermore, when properly conducted, composting results in the conversion of organic matter into stable humus-rich material known as mature compost. When this compost is used as a soil amendment for agriculture or landscaping purposes, several benefits arise. Firstly, applying compost to soils enhances their fertility and water-retention capacity, leading to improved plant growth and productivity. Secondly, healthy soils enriched with humus act as carbon sinks by sequestering atmospheric CO2 through increased rates of photosynthesis in growing plants.
By diverting organic waste from landfills and utilizing the resultant mature compost appropriately, we can effectively decrease methane emissions and promote CO2 capture through enhanced soil carbon storage. Thus, adopting composting practices helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to climate change resilience, and foster sustainable waste management systems.