Compost is organic matter that is broken down by decomposers and recycled as fertilizer.

The organic matter created from decomposers is called humus and ranges in color from dark brown to black. Commonly used decomposers are worms in dirt, food wastes, water, manure, wood chips, and other decomposable items. Typical composters are homemade and very simple to construct. To construct a composter, certain materials are needed. For starters, a container is needed to contain all the humus that will be made. Many people choose to put their compost in a giant heap in the backyard. A cardboard box is not suggested as water will be needed to create good compost and the cardboard would end up being recycled too. Controlling decomposition requires the proper balance of organic material (such as grass clippings, food scraps, manure, etc.) that contains a very large quantity of nitrogen. Other organic materials needed include dry leaves, wood chips, and branches, which contain large amounts of carbon and little nitrogen. When creating a composter, particle size should also be taken into consideration. If the particles are too small, it will prevent air flow for the microorganisms, but if the size is just right, it can create a homogeneous mix and can improve pile insulation to control temperature. Temperature of a composter must be kept within certain temperatures. Decomposition can heat up the compost core up to 140 degrees (F). If the temperature isnt kept within certain conditions anaerobic decomposition occurs; anaerobic decomposition creates rotting. When rotting occurs, the temperatures dont increases from the decomposition. Another thing to keep composting going well, it needs an adequate amount of moisture. Water can either be added through certain organic material or through rainfall and intentional watering. Oxygen flow is the last element needed to create a compost pile. In order to keep oxygen flowing, turning the pile will be necessary. Turning the pile allows a compost pile to function without anaerobic conditions. The problem with turning the pile though, would be giving the pile too much oxygen. Too much oxygen can cause the pile to dry out and halt the composting process. Naturally, compost piles are made in nature. Vegetation falls to the ground. The vegetation slowly decays, providing very high temperatures that destroy pathogens and weed seeds that are not decomposed naturally. There are many different types of composting. Vermicomposting is a very common form of compost. Vermicomposting is composting with red worms. These worms are not nightcrawlers or average field worms found in gardens. Temperature ranges for this composter range from 55 degrees (F) to 77 degrees (F) and are recommended for apartment dwellers and school teachers to educate kids about composting. Some other forms of composting include aerated (aka turned) windrow composting, aerated static pile composting, and in-vessel composting. Some benefits of composting are eliminating chemical fertilizers, promote agricultural crops, facilitate environmental restoration, remove solid wastes from runoff, avoid methane formation in landfills, reduce a need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides for gardening, and extend landfill life.

Resource: http://www.epa.gov/compost/types.htm#back