Submitted by admin on Mon, 08/10/2009 - 13:24
Compost piles with a height of 6 feet (1.8 m) are raised. The maximum size of the organic matter pieces should be 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) long. If bins are constructed, the dimensions of 5x5x6 feet will yield 150 cubic feet (4.3 cu.m) of compost. This is a respectable volume of compost to produce in a four- to six-week time period.
To keep the aerobic bacteria population high and active, 0.12 kg of actual nitrogenous fertilizer should be added per cubic foot of dry matter and holes punched (four to five) into the centre of the pile. This is best done in phases or stages as the compost pile is building up. For example for a 150 cubic feet volume of dry matter, if the pile is built up over a period of three stages - at 2 feet , 4 feet and 6 feet , 5.7 kg of a nitrogen fertilizer should be added at each step. The total should be about 17-18 kg of fertilizer for the entire pile.
In this high-temperature, bacterially active system, it is best to turn the composting material every three to four days. Once activated, expect the temperature to range between 120-160°F (49-71°C). The decomposition will go faster in summer (as short as three to four weeks) and take more time in the spring and fall. No measurable activity occurs during typical North Dakota winters. Once the compost is no longer hot and is an odor-free, crumbling material, it is ready for use.
Use of Effective Micro-organisms (EM)
- Login to post comments
