How to Make and Activate Organic Compost Piles
There is GOOD healthy compost and BAD unhealthy compost. Using DIRT BOOSTER we show you how to make natural HEALTHY garden compost in just seven days. Unlike regular compost piles that can take months to produce good results, these piles can be made by anyone, anywhere. You can have an AMAZING GARDEN without using fertilizers.
How compost piles work
Compost is partially decomposed organic matter. It’s dark, easily crumbled and has an earthy aroma. It is created by biological processes in which soil inhabiting organisms break down plant tissue and other organic matter. When decomposition is complete, compost has turned to a dark-brown powdery material called humus.
The processes occurring in a compost pile are similar to those that break down organic matter in soil. However, decomposition occurs much more rapidly in the compost pile because the environment can be made ideal for the microbes to do their work
Why do they heat up?
As microorganisms decompose the organic materials, their body heat causes the temperature in the pile to rise dramatically. The center of a properly made heap should reach a temperature of 110 to 140 degrees F in four to five days. At this time, the pile begins “settling,” which is a sign that the pile is working properly. The pH of the pile will be very acidic at first, at a level of 4.0 to 4.5. By the time the process is complete, the pH should rise to about 7.0 to 7.2.
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Composting
Aerobic composting requires the introduction of oxygen to compost piles to allow aerobic microbes to thrive. The only byproducts of aerobic composting are heat, water, and a small amount of carbon dioxide. The heat produced in aerobic composting is sufficient to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens as these organisms are not adapted to these environmental conditions.
Anaerobic composting is the method of composting without introducing oxygen, which means the breakdown of the organic materials takes much longer and produces little heat. This lack of heat often results in the survival of many pathogens, weeds, and seeds, and causes a significant amount of methane to be released into the atmosphere.
Products for making compost piles
Dirt Booster for garden composting
DirtBooster will be available on Amazon soon. It contains everything you need to create an active compost pile. It can also be tilled into your gardens.
Bulk Soils – Leveling Mix – Humic Compost
Available in many areas of the southeast CLICK to check your areas.
HUMICHAR for adding carbon to the soil.