Hi Bobby
We're working to regenerate some depleted land in Niigata Prefecture. In our experience, the best way to get loads of great compost is to grow rabbits and feed them stuff you forage from unused land. You can load up with reeds, kudzu vines (high protein!), veg leftovers, tree branches, and whatever else you can find on unpolluted ground that the rabbits will eat. The rabbits aren't stupid - they won't eat stuff that harms them, so you can offer them things and see what works. They turn all this free feed into organic meat (and pelts) plus loads of compost from their manure mixed with floor bedding, and they're happy with the diet. You're also helping to prevent idle land vanishing under waves of kudzu vine etc. Everybody wins.
Chickens are also a good source of compost, but more complicated.
If you learn the wild foods that work for humans, you can forage for food for youself at the same time. I'm sure your old lady would be happy to teach you what to pick, and where to pick it without offending anyone.
Good luck!
Matt
