Composting & Circular Soil Economy: Transform Waste Into Fertile Soil

Introduction:

Composting & Circular Soil Economy empowers professionals to implement sustainable waste-to-soil strategies, driving organic matter recycling and fostering a circular economy. This course focuses on understanding composting processes, utilizing diverse organic waste streams, and integrating compost into soil health management. Participants will learn to design composting systems, produce high-quality compost, and promote closed-loop nutrient cycling. This course bridges the gap between linear waste disposal and the regenerative potential of organic matter, enabling professionals to create fertile soils and minimize environmental impact.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in waste management, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, including:

• Waste Management Professionals
• Compost Producers
• Farmers and Agricultural Producers
• Urban Gardeners
• Environmental Consultants
• Sustainability Managers
• Municipal Officials
• Educators

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Composting & Circular Soil Economy course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and benefits of composting and circular soil economy.
• Implement techniques for designing and managing composting systems (aerobic, anaerobic, vermicomposting).
• Utilize diverse organic waste streams (food waste, yard waste, agricultural residues) for composting.
• Analyze compost quality and ensure safe and effective compost application.
• Understand the role of composting in reducing waste, enhancing soil fertility, and sequestering carbon.
• Implement strategies for integrating compost into soil health management and sustainable agriculture.
• Understand the principles of closed-loop nutrient cycling and resource recovery.
• Implement strategies for promoting community-based composting and waste reduction.
• Understand the role of policy and incentives in supporting composting and circular economy initiatives.
• Evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of composting and circular soil economy.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement effective composting and organic waste management programs.
• Improve soil health and reduce waste through sustainable organic matter recycling.
• Contribute to the development of a circular and regenerative economy.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in composting and circular soil economy.
• Become a knowledgeable and effective composting and circular economy professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in waste management and resource recovery.
• Learn how to use compost analysis and monitoring tools effectively.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Composting and Circular Soil Economy

• Overview of the principles and benefits of composting.
• Understanding the concept of a circular soil economy and its importance.
• Introduction to key concepts (organic matter recycling, nutrient cycling, waste reduction).
• Review of relevant environmental policies and regulations.
• Setting the stage for transforming waste into fertile soil.

Module 2: The Science of Composting: Decomposition Processes

• Understanding the biological, chemical, and physical processes of decomposition.
• Analyzing the role of microorganisms in composting.
• Understanding aerobic and anaerobic composting conditions.
• Analyzing the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio and its importance.
• Understanding the importance of moisture and aeration.

Module 3: Designing and Building Composting Systems

• Implementing techniques for designing and building various composting systems (windrow, bin, tumbler, vermicomposting).
• Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different composting systems.
• Understanding the principles of site selection and system layout.
• Building small scale and large scale systems.
• Safety considerations.

Module 4: Feedstock Selection and Preparation

• Utilizing diverse organic waste streams (food waste, yard waste, agricultural residues, paper, etc.).
• Analyzing the properties and suitability of different feedstocks.
• Implementing techniques for feedstock preparation (shredding, chipping, mixing).
• Understanding the importance of avoiding contaminants.
• Understanding the value of local resources.

Module 5: Composting Management and Monitoring

• Implementing techniques for managing and monitoring composting processes (temperature, moisture, aeration).
• Utilizing tools for measuring compost parameters.
• Analyzing the signs of successful composting and troubleshooting common problems.
• Understanding the importance of turning and aeration.
• Understanding the different stages of composting.

Module 6: Vermicomposting: Utilizing Earthworms for Compost Production

• Understanding the principles and benefits of vermicomposting.
• Implementing techniques for setting up and managing vermicomposting systems.
• Analyzing the role of different earthworm species in vermicomposting.
• Understanding how to harvest and use vermicompost.
• Troubleshooting common problems.

Module 7: Compost Quality Analysis and Testing

• Implementing techniques for analyzing compost quality (nutrient content, pH, maturity, pathogens).
• Utilizing laboratory and field testing methods.
• Understanding compost quality standards and regulations.
• Analyzing the importance of compost maturity and stability.
• Understanding how to read a compost analysis report.

Module 8: Compost Application and Soil Integration

• Implementing strategies for integrating compost into soil health management.
• Utilizing techniques for applying compost in different agricultural and horticultural settings.
• Analyzing the effects of compost on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Understanding the principles of compost tea and liquid extracts.
• Understanding how to use compost for soil remediation.

Module 9: Nutrient Cycling and Resource Recovery

• Understanding the principles of closed-loop nutrient cycling and resource recovery.
• Analyzing the role of composting in reducing nutrient losses and pollution.
• Implementing strategies for maximizing nutrient recovery from organic waste.
• Understanding the relationship between composting and sustainable agriculture.
• Understanding the importance of reducing synthetic fertilizer use.

Module 10: Community-Based Composting and Waste Reduction

• Implementing strategies for promoting community-based composting and waste reduction.
• Utilizing techniques for organizing community composting programs.
• Analyzing the role of education and outreach in promoting composting.
• Building partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
• Understanding the importance of public engagement.

Module 11: Composting and Carbon Sequestration

• Understanding the role of composting in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
• Analyzing the mechanisms of carbon storage in compost-amended soils.
• Implementing strategies for quantifying carbon sequestration potential.
• Understanding the principles of carbon accounting and reporting.
• Understanding the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Module 12: Policy and Incentives for Composting and Circular Economy

• Understanding the role of policy and incentives in supporting composting and circular economy initiatives.
• Analyzing national and local policies related to waste management and composting.
• Implementing strategies for promoting policy reforms and funding opportunities.
• Understanding the principles of extended producer responsibility (EPR).
• Understanding the importance of regulatory compliance.

Module 13: Economic and Environmental Benefits of Composting

• Implementing methodologies for evaluating the economic and environmental benefits of composting.
• Utilizing cost-benefit analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA).
• Analyzing the role of ecosystem service valuation and environmental impact assessment.
• Understanding the principles of sustainable waste management economics.
• Understanding the importance of long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in Composting and Circular Economy

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful composting and circular economy initiatives.
• Learning from best practices across different regions and sectors.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and adaptation.
• Sharing knowledge and experience.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for Sustainable Organic Waste Management

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in composting and circular economy (digital technologies, bioenergy, advanced composting methods).
• Developing action plans for advancing sustainable organic waste management within organizations and communities.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding how to stay up to date on composting and circular soil economy information.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.