Composting just allows the materials to sit and rot on their own Environmentally-It makes for a friendly fertilizer
Compost should be considered a slow-release source of nitrogen. Most nitrogen remaining after the composting process is bound into organic forms and thus not available immediately for plant uptake unlike mature.
Compost improves soil structure and sta­bility, increasing the number of beneficial micro-organisms in the soil
What to consider during composting.
Nutrient Balance: Achieving a good balance of carbon and nitrogen. The ideal compost pile should have a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of about 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. Note The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of mature compost is commonly in the range of 8:1 to 14:1.
Moisture Content
Microorganisms living in a compost pile need enough moisture to survive. An adequate supply of moisture and oxygen is needed for a compost pile to break down efficiently. The moisture con­tent should be between 40% and 65% in an active compost pile. The optimal pH is between 6.5 and 8.
Oxygen Flow
Turning the pile or placing the pile on a series of pipes help aerate the pile. Care must be taken, however, not to provide too much oxygen, which can dry out the pile and impede the composting process.
Temperature
Microorganisms require a certain temperature range for optimal activity. In order for a compost pile to become hot it must be at least 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide After the initial heating period to between 131°F and 171°F, the compost needs to cool down so that beneficial organ­isms can continue to thrive. If a hot compost pile temperature rises over 160°F, spread it out immediately to cool down
When piles remain hot (above 131°F) for long periods, the lack of oxygen kills beneficial fungi, protozoa, and nematodes that help retain key nutrients. Keeping accurate track of the temperature of the pile is important so that the pile is hot enough to kill pathogens and weed seeds, but not overheated so that other beneficials are killed
The Compost Turner is a Aeromaster. / midwestbiosystems