By Andi Anderson
Urban agriculture continues to expand as cities look for ways to reduce food waste, improve soil health, and support community gardening projects. As these efforts grow, composting has become an important tool for maintaining productive and sustainable urban farming systems.
To support these needs, the Iowa State University Urban Agriculture Program has introduced a new publication titled “The ABCs of Urban Composting.” This guide is designed to help urban growers and community groups compost effectively while meeting state and local guidelines.
The publication was authored by Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. It provides a clear, step‑by‑step explanation of how composting works and which materials are suitable for the process.
The guide also outlines Iowa’s permitting requirements and important Iowa Department of Natural Resources guidelines that must be followed when operating a compost system in an urban area. These rules help ensure that composting is done safely and responsibly.
Another major focus of the guide is best practices for managing compost. Readers will learn about monitoring temperatures, turning materials, curing compost properly, and understanding quality standards. The guide also highlights the importance of worker safety at compost sites, especially in community gardens, shared spaces, and urban farms.
“The ABCs of Urban Composting” is especially useful for growers who want to expand beyond basic backyard composting. It also offers helpful advice for transforming empty city lots into efficient composting sites that support larger‑scale community projects.
With easy instructions and practical examples, the publication aims to make composting more accessible for anyone working with urban soils.
The guide is available for free download through the ISU Extension Store, making it simple for community groups, schools, and growers to access the information they need.
The Urban Agriculture Program website also provides additional resources for those looking to improve their composting knowledge or explore more urban farming practices.
This new publication serves as a valuable tool for anyone interested in building healthier soils, reducing waste, and strengthening urban agriculture through responsible composting methods.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, General