RE: [compost_tea] Hot compost

From: Judi Stewart <js_at_olympus.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 09:33:29 -0800

Elaine, he said to thank you, he’ll make some changes and he’s going to
Yakima.”
 
Judi
-----------------------
 
Judi wrote:
Here’s his starting recipe:
 
1/3 cow manure and rotted grass, 2/3 woody material, yard waste mostly
from shredded trees and branches
TOO high in manure! Should be no more than 25% manure. So no wonder
the high temperatures.
 
When the pile cools, he plans to add a 1/3 volume of his own peat and
spray compost tea while turning. The pile will probably heat up again.
When finished, the compost goes through a massive sifter to remove any
stone and large particles.
 
The compost pile sits wall-to-wall on the floor of a five-sided barn,
one side being open for access. Air pipes under the pile run about 8
hours per day. The compost is now about 140º F.
 
I have not had good luck with compost piles that are aerated with pipes.
Just doesn't do the trick. The compost dries out around the pipes,
doesn't aerate the whole pile adequately. The outside of the pile
doesn't reach temperature, which the inside gets too hot.
 
Turning is required to mix the hot spots and the cold spots. If he
doesn't want to buy turning equipment, then have him do worm composting.
Or use less manure and pull the pipes out whenever the temperature gets
too high (above 160 to 165 F) and turn mechanically.
 
Elaine







Received on Wed Jan 19 2005 - 13:09:33 EST

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