Like all organisms, a compost pile thrives when two essential ingredients are added
Composting is the process where rich organic materials are broken down when microorganisms feed. It’s a great way to recycle debris from the lawn and garden. The result is an earthy material that improves the structure of our clay soils and can improve plant growth. The process is natural, and the composting magic happens all by itself. However, take steps to accelerate the process and optimize results.
Composting is all about supporting a living mass of organisms feeding on the debris. As with any living thing, the organisms need basics for survival: food and water.
Water
Water is the lifeline. Organisms thrive when water is plentiful and rest when the compost pile is dry. The key to creating compost more quickly is a steady supply of water. The most effective activity in a compost pile occurs when the material has the moisture content of a damp sponge.
Under our changing rain patterns, this means that for rapid composting and the greatest success, the pile should be watered during dry periods. There is no set rule of how often and how much to apply. Like many things in nature, it all depends on the conditions. The best advice is to check the moisture content of the compost pile, and when it feels dry, add water.
Hydrating a compost bin will require a little work. If the pile is too dry, water can sheet off and not soak throughout the mass. It is best to turn the pile while adding moisture to help wet the debris from top to bottom.
Food
Compost is usually made from old garden debris such as leaves, leafy growth or grass clippings. This organic material is transformed into the finished product for addition to the soil. Just as the organisms need water, they also must have a food source. This is where the greens and browns of composting come into play. The browns are what the microbes consume, and the greens provide the energy or food to make them eat. Success requires both.
Compost piles have a lot of browns, such as leaves, but very few greens to supply the nitrogen. Even greens, once dry, lose their nutrients. As a result, just like when the pile is dry, the decomposers stop feeding and the process stops. There is an easy trick to keep the food supply available during the process. Just like adding water, adding garden fertilizer can accelerate the process.
Basic garden fertilizers that do not contain herbicides can be added to the pile periodically to feed the compost. Just as with watering, there is no set rule or recipe. Add more, a generous handful or two, and mix throughout the mass when adding water. This should provide a jump start to the hungry feeders, and the result will be finished compost.
The beauty of composting is that it works no matter what happens, as it is a natural process. The more you manage the pile through watering, fertilizing and turning, the faster you reap the benefits.
Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Need help? Contact the Johnson County Extension gardening hotline at 913-715-7050 or email garden.help@jocogov.org.
