Because farming itself involves the efficient management of a variety of natural processes, in many ways, composting is a natural fit for the farmer. Composting is the efficient management of the biological decomposition of organic matter. Ideally, the basics required for compost are readily available on the farm: feedstocks to be composted, such as livestock manure or crop residues; readily available bulking materials to thicken feedstocks, such as sawdust; and air, water, space
and time. Microorganisms already present in the feedstock break down the material to a stable, beneficial product, free of pathogens and plant seeds.