Composting - the metabolic processing of organic waste to form high-grade humus is a decomposition process. Good compost is only created with a sufficient air supply. When new compost is laid down, old compost can be mixed in as a composting starter.
If shredded material is used there is no need for a composting starter.
The composting process occurs in three phases.
(Please click through the various phases)
In the decay phase (two to three weeks), fungus and bacteria begin breaking down the cellulose.
The starting temperature of at least 40ºC is only achieved if the mixture is correct. Composting material: It all depends on the mixture.
In the conversion phase (further two to three weeks), the composting material becomes completely infested with mould fungus. The volume shrinks by approx. 1/3.
This only occurs if oxygen is available and there is an optimum moisture level. Therefore, protect the compost against rain and water artificially during dry periods. Excessively moist conditions prevent air admission and lead to putrefaction.
In the formation phase (several months, depending upon ambient temperature), small creatures such as worms and woodlice further reduce the material. Compost worms create stable humus forms.
Place the compost container on the ground and never on stone slabs, in order to provide access for small creatures such as worms and beetles.
The plant tolerance of your compost is tested as follows: Fill a container with a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% compost. Sow cress in the mixture. If the cress grows quickly without turning blue, the compost is OK. If there is poor growth and leaf damage, the compost is only suitable for mulching.
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