Compost Ready! Scientific Analysis Confirms Its Quality

One of the main objectives of our Erasmus+ project Kompostiraj – Recikliraj! was not only to produce compost from organic waste but also to ensure that it was safe and suitable for use in our school garden.

After several months of composting fruit peels and plant-based waste, students carried out the first physicochemical analysis of the compost. They evaluated its colour, smell, texture, moisture and pH using digital pH meters and indicator strips, following a scientific protocol designed during the project.

The first results showed that the compost was still maturing. Although decomposition was progressing correctly, some fresh organic material was still visible and the compost had not yet reached the stability required for agricultural use. Students learned that using immature compost can introduce harmful microorganisms and unstable organic matter into the soil, making quality control an essential step in sustainable composting.

Several weeks later, the analysis was repeated. This time, the compost presented all the characteristics of a mature product: a dark brown colour, a pleasant earthy smell, a crumbly texture, no visible undecomposed residues and a neutral pH suitable for most garden crops.

These results confirmed that the compost was ready to be used as an organic fertiliser in our school garden. The scientific analysis also allowed students to understand the importance of evidence-based decision-making and to experience the complete cycle of compost production, from organic waste to a valuable natural resource.

The next challenge will be to produce larger quantities of compost during the next school year so that it can become a regular source of fertiliser for our school garden.