 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|||
 |
|
body |
The composting process involves the decomposition of organic materials by naturally occurring bacteria and fungi. One of the purposes of adding soil to the compost pile is to serve as a source of these microorganisms. However, for the organisms to build up in large populations, it is also necessary that nitrogen be available to the micro-organisms and this needs to be supplied in some cases with an addition of an activator material. If you are attempting to compost primarily brown materials such as leaves, wood chips, or related products, supplemental nitrogen will need to be applied by using either commercial fertilizer sources or a naturally occurring source of nitrogen. Examples of naturally occurring nitrogen containing materials include blood meal, previously made compost, fish meal, manure, or alfalfa meal.
The amount of activator necessary is dependent upon the concentration of nitrogen in the activator material. For concentrated materials such as commercial fertilizer, utilizing 1 to 2 cups of fertilizer per 10 sq. ft. of compost bed area should be sufficient. If you are using material such as blood meal, alfalfa meal, or concentrated manure, use 1-2 lbs. of this material per 10 sq. ft. of compost bed area. If you are using previously made compost, apply 4-5 lbs. of compost per 10 sq. ft. compost pile area. Following the addition of the activator, continue to build the pile by adding another 6-8 inches of organic material, a light sprinkling of ½ - 1 inch of soil, and an additional application of activator.
After the pile is completed and moistened, blend the contents of the pile, soil, and
fertilizer by stirring the pile with a fork or rake. The nutrient contained in the
activator will be absorbed in the bodies of the microorganisms as they build up in large
populations to break down organic materials in the compost. After the composting process
is completed, these nutrients plus any additional nutrients available in the organic
materials, are released back into the compost as the micro- organisms die, and this
accounts for the high nutrient value of a well made compost.
You can purchase products known as compost activators which contain fungi and bacteria necessary to start the composting process. Purchasing these types of activators is not necessary if you are able to use garden soil in the compost pile since soil contains a wide range of these organisms that occur naturally. However, if you prefer to purchase the activators rather than adding soil, follow the label directions on how much activator to add per unit of compost volume or area.
Horticulture 2006 E-mail Subscription
For questions or further information contact: Hort
WebMeister.
KSU, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture
Cooperating.
All educational programs and materials available without discrimination on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Extension Horticulture Home Page | Horticulture Information Center