Composting is a natural process of transforming plant waste into an easily digestible organic fertilizer, called compost. The composting process is lengthy and usually takes 10 to 12 months. This makes it worth learning a few trickshow to speed up composting , thanks to which you will get ready, mature compost in just 3-4 months. Here are the best6 ways to make quick compost !
How to speed up composting
1. Compost starters
The firstway to speed up composting is to add to the compost heap vaccines and compost activators , i.e. starters. Starters are available from most garden stores. They contain special strains of aerobic bacteria that accelerate the decomposition of organic matter. They ensure the right ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C: N) and regulate the temperature inside the compost heap.
This type of starter includes the Active Composter fertilizer by Target, which provides large amounts of nitrogen necessary for the proper development of composting bacteria and thus favoring the production of biomass. Thispreparation accelerating the compostinghas a 2-in-1 effect, because at the same time it accelerates the process of obtaining compost and enriches it with nitrogen valuable for plants. This measure is characterized by a very good value for money. At an attractive price, it is twice as efficient as some other similar products. Such a nitrogen activator for compost will be especially useful when composting organic material poor in nitrogen, such as wood chips, sawdust, bark, straw or dry leaves.
Even better results can be obtained with the Trigger-4 composting preparation. It contains bacteria and enzymes that speed up the composting process. It works so strongly that it is recommendedfor use with materials that are difficult to compost , such as paper, shavings or faeces. in municipal composting plants and landfills.
In the garden, Trigger-4 allowsto obtain fully mature compost in just 3 monthsIf we do not have a composter or all green waste from the plot does not fit into it, we can compost it in plastic bags. Remains such as fallen leaves or mowed grass are perfect for this.Without Trigger-4, such composting would be ineffective and take a long time.
2. Herbal preparations
Anotherway to compost quickly is to sprinkle the pile with biodynamic herbal preparations . For best results, use the herb of dandelion, yarrow and chamomile. We prepare decoctions, infusions or extracts from these plants.
Chamomile decoction:Boil 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers in 1 liter of water. After cooling, strain the solution and water the compost heap every now and then throughout the summer.
Dandelion extract:15-20 g of dried or 150-200 g of fresh dandelion herb (together with the root and flower) pour 1 liter of water and leave for 24 hours. Pour the liquid on the pile together with plant residues. Use the dandelion extract in the fall.
3. Ripe compost as an activator
Another solution issoaking a freshly set compost heap with an aqueous solution of mature compost with the addition of nitrogen fertilizerTo prepare it, mix the collected portion of mature compost with water in a ratio of 1: 7 and set aside for 12 hours, stirring the solution occasionally. Just before adding the solution to the pile, add a dose of fertilizer, e.g. ammonium sulphate.
4. Mycelium for composting
Anotherway to speed up the coposting processis ecological mycelium for decomposing stumps and composting. It contains the fungus Peniophora gigantea, which quickly breaks down plant debris, causing them to rot. This mycelium is so effective that it is recommended for removing trunks left over from felled trees. He can decompose such a stump within 6 months to such an extent that using a shovel or a rake it can be easily crushed.
This mycelium added to the compost significantly accelerates the composting process It is especially helpful when cut branches and woody shoots of garden trees and shrubs are thrown into the composter. Thanks to the mycelium, they are easily converted into compost.
5. Compost earthworms
Earthworms usually find their way to the composter placed directly on the ground in a natural way. You can lure them by adding sweet ingredients to the pile, e.g. fruit.We can add earthworms collected in the garden to closed plastic composters .
The effect of the work of these small animals is to drill tunnels inside the compost heap, thanks to which its oxidation increases. This limits the unfavorable anaerobic fermentation, which leads to rotting of organic residues, which results in an unpleasant sour smell. In addition, earthworms eat only dead plant debris, which in their digestive tract are transformed into ready soil aggregates with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
The product obtained as a result of the activity of earthworms is the so-called vermicompost or biohumus. It is the best decomposed form of compost. Californian earthworms are the most efficient in the production of vermicompost. You can buy them at specialized farms or at fishing stores, which often sell online. Their life expectancy is up to 16 years! However, they are sensitive to low temperatures, so for the winter the compost heap should be carefully protected against cold with straw mats.
6. Thermocomposter
Thermocomposters are plastic containers with openings in the walls. There is a high temperature inside such a composter. Plastic walls, heated by the sun's rays, give heat to the inside, which accelerates the decomposition processes. Openings in the walls of the container provide ventilation, limiting decay processes. The closed form of the composter ensures that the organic mass maintains constant humidity. The composting process in the thermocomposting tank is up to 70% faster than in the traditional composter , and during high temperatures we can get ready compost in 6-8 weeks. Thermocomposters are available in garden centers and shops.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
