For the compost elaboration any organic matter can be used, with the condition that it is not contaminated. Generally these raw materials come from:
- Remains of crops. They can be used to compost or as padding. Young vegetable remains such as leaves, fruits, tubers, etc. are rich in nitrogen and poor in carbon. The most adult plant remains such as logs, branches, stems, etc. are less rich in nitrogen.
- Green manures, grass mowing, weeds, etc.
- Pruning branches of fruit trees. It is necessary to crush them before joining the compost, since with large pieces the decomposition time is extended.
- Leaves. It may take 6 months to two years to decompose, so it is recommended to mix them in small quantities with other materials.
- Urban Remains It refers to all those organic remains from kitchens such as fruit and vegetable remains, slaughterhouse animal remains, etc.
- Animal manure Stresses cow dung, although others of great interest are chicken, rabbit or sirle, horse manure, sheep and slurry.
- Mineral supplements. They are necessary to correct the lacks of certain lands. Highlights limestone and magnesium amendments, natural phosphates, rocks rich in potassium and trace elements and powdered siliceous rocks.
- Sea plants. Every year, large quantities of seagrasses such as oceanic Posidonia are collected on the beaches, which can be used as raw material for the manufacture of compost since they are compounds rich in N, P, C, trace elements and biocomposites whose use in agriculture as a green fertilizer can be of great interest.
- Algae. Numerous species of seaweed, rich in antibacterial and antifungal agents and fertilizers can also be used for compost manufacturing.
