How to Maintain a Healthy Compost Pile and Accelerate Decomposition
Learn three methods that will speed up the rate at which your compost pile generates viable compost. This article details how to compost effectively.
There are several practices and methods one can implement while composting that will increase the productivity and health of one’s compost pile.
In this article, one will learn about three methods for productive composting; each benefiting the pile in a different way. It is best for one to try all of these methods and observe which fits his or her pile best.
The following three methods may be combined or implemented alone depending upon one’s personal preference. All of these methods benefit your pile; it just depends upon how much time and money one wants to spend working on his or her compost pile.
Churn and Mix the Compost Pile Frequently
Churning and mixing one’s compost pile is one of the most beneficial activities for several reasons. Primarily, the biggest benefit of mixing the pile is to aid in decomposition.
When one mixes the pile he or she allows the fresh material on the top of the pile to blend with the more decomposed material on the bottom.
Churning allows the decomposing bacteria and other materials to aid in the overall decomposition of the entire pile. If one never moves around the material in the compost pile, the material will smell, become stagnant and decompose much slower.
Another beneficial aspect of mixing the compost pile is that the action provides the pile with oxygen. Numerous species that decompose compost require oxygen in order to function and break down materials.
Thoroughly churn the compost pile at least once every two weeks to ensure optimal health. Although mixing the pile is beneficial, one may over do it; don’t mix more than once a week.
Supplement the Compost Bin With Garden Soil
Adding a thin layer of garden soil to the top of one’s compost bin provides micro nutrients and bacteria which promotes and aids in overall decomposition. It is best to add the layer of garden soil every other time one churns or mixes the compost pile.
In addition to aiding in decomposition, adding garden soil to the compost bin will control odor as well as give the compost bin a tidy look. Not to mention, this soil (which is already healthy and completely decomposed) will act like roughage to accelerate the production of viable compost.
Purchase Worms to Speed up the Rate of Decomposition
2,000 worms have the capacity to break down approximately one pound of food or yard waste each day. Use this figure to determine how many worms you need to supplement the compost pile.
Consider one’s waste production, the size of the compost bin and consider one’s budget. Worms are fairly inexpensive but buying a large quantity may cost up to forty dollars.
The best type of worm to purchase for composting is Red worms. In nature they are typically found in manure and thrive in the presence of organic material, making them the best choice to decompose organic waste.
