Composting (堆肥) makes use of the decomposing activities of microorganisms, fungi and bacteria, to change organic remains of plant matter back to absorbable mineral nutrients, or " organic fertiliser 有機肥料 ". This term is confusing, because the formed mineral nutrients are inorganic, yet they are derived from an organic source. Any undecomposed fibres, when added to soil, may improve its texture and water holding capacity. Compost, or humus, makes soil suitable for cultivation.
Plant remains are mixed with animal manure or pressed groundnut for composting.
As shown in the farm, there are several major types of organic fertilisers :
1. peanut debris 花生_ (after peanut oil has been squeezed out)
2. ash 草木灰 (formed by burning crop remains)
3. compost 堆肥 / humus 腐植土 (decomposition product of micro-organisms)
4. legume 綠肥 (= leguminous plant, 豆科植物), rich in Nitrogen.
(Plant parts rich in nitrogen compounds are ploughed back to soil)
5. bone meal 骨粉 (from slaughter house), rich in Calcium and Phosphorus.
[Note : The following photographs were taken from an exhibit in HK flower show 2008.]
