Keter Compost Mixer - Manual (Page 24)

23
Composting is a simple, natural, biological process that breaks down organic waste into a crumbly, dark brown,
earthy-smelling humus material with a soil-like texture.
Compost humus is the end product of a complex natural process involving bacteria, fungi, worms, and insects that leads
to the breakdown of the organic materials within the compost pile.
Compost humus is often dubbed the “life-force” of soil. Although its benefits are abundant, humus is a highly complex
substance that is difficult to define in precise terms. It can best be described as the transformation of organic matter
into carbon dioxide, water, humic substances, valuable microorganisms and inorganic plant nutrients, and energy in the
form of heat that is generated from the compost pile.[1] Adding compost to your garden stimulates seed germination
and plant growth, and also reduces the garden's susceptibility to pest attacks. Compost humus enriches your garden,
enabling it to flourish and prosper.
Compost humus also acts like a sponge and improves soil structure, helping to break up clay soil with the help of
bacteria. When adding compost to sandy soils, we are in essence improving the soil's water retention properties and
improving its nutrient content.
By adding compost to any soil we increase the availability of this rich humus material to the plants, flowers, and trees it
sustains. Improving your soil is the first step toward improving the health of your plants, resulting in improved nutrient
values, greater water retention, increased water infiltration, and reduced crusting problems, all of which enhance plant
resilience during dry seasons.
coMPosTInG cYcle TIMe DePenDs on a nUMbeR of MaJoR VaRIables:
Oxygenation – Oxygen is required for respiration by all aerobic inhabitants within the compost pile. Aerobic microbes
decompose waste at a faster rate than their anaerobic counterparts, and will not produce the foul odors associated with
anaerobic decomposition. Adequate ventilation and periodic turning of the compost pile inside the COMPOST MIXER will
increase the rate of the composting process. An unmixed compost pile may take up to three to four times longer to turn
into compost humus.
temperature – Heat is a byproduct of decomposition, and accelerates the composting process. The optimum temperature
for a rapid composting process is 90-135°F (30-60°C). Due to the cold climate or insufficient bacterial activity, the
composting process will slow, but not cease, when the temperature falls below this temperature. To keep temperatures
elevated, keep the Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (see below), and adjust the aeration vents of the COMPOST MIXER to increase
the available oxygen.
water Content – An efficient COMPOST MIXER needs to have a moisture content of approximately 50% (it should feel like
a damp towel) allowing the compost pile to sustain microbial activity. If the compost pile is too dry, decomposition will
slow down considerably, while overly wet piles can trigger anaerobic conditions and begin to smell. Keep the COMPOST
MIXER door and air vents closed during heavy rains, to avoid anaerobic composting and prevent valuable nutrients to be
washed away. Add more water if you feel the compost pile is too dry.
waste Surface Area – Speed up the composting process by shredding and chipping all garden clippings and kitchen
scraps into smaller pieces. The more surface area that is exposed to microorganisms, the faster the composting process
will be.
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio – Organic materials rich in nitrogen are referred to as GREENS (fresh vegetable scraps or grass
clippings, etc.). Other composting materials can be referred to as BROWNS (hay, twigs, dried leaves, etc.).
A good general rule of thumb is to use 2-3 parts brown to 1 part green.
EN
coMPosTInG essenTIals
[1] For further information, please refer to the below paragragh titled temperature.