Anna Timmerman, the LSU AgCenter Agent for Jefferson Parish, will discuss “The Benefits of Composting,” at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and is open to the public.

Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost. Invertebrates (insects and earthworms), and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) help in transforming the material into compost. Composting is a natural form of recycling.

Today there are several different reasons why composting remains an invaluable practice. Yard and food wastes make up approximately 30 percent of the waste stream in the United States. Composting most of these waste streams would reduce the amount of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) requiring disposal by almost one fourth, while at the same time provide a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Compost added to gardens improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and water retention. When mixed with compost, clay soils are lightened, and sandy soils retain water better. Mixing compost with soil also contributes to erosion control, soil fertility, proper pH balance, and healthy root development in plants.

The standard means of disposal for most yard and food waste include landfilling and incineration. These practices are not as environmentally or economically sound as composting. Yard waste which is landfilled breaks down very slowly due to the lack of oxygen. As it decomposes, it produces methane gas and acidic leachate, which are both environmental problems.

During the presentation, Timmerman will explain how to create compost areas in one’s yard

Anna Timmerman is the LSU AgCenter Agent in Jefferson Parish. She has been working in the horticulture industry for fifteen years in a variety of applications, including greenhouses, residential landscaping, urban farming, and large-scale organic market gardening. She is currently pursuing her masters degree in horticulture at LSU.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.