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WHAT IS COMPOSTING? Composting is the
natural process of the decomposition of organic material into a rich
soil amendment known as compost. Compost improves soil structure,
texture and aeration as well as increases its water holding capacity.
WHAT CAN I COMPOST?
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fallen leaves |
fruit scraps |
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grass clippings |
egg shells |
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plant remains |
coffee grounds |
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sawdust |
nuts |
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vegetable scraps |
animal manure |
Do not add meat,
fish, bones, fatty foods such as cheese, peanut butter, salad dressing,
cooking oil, decayed vegetable matter, household pet waste, plywood or
pressure treated wood.
THE ESSENTIALS
OF A COMPOST PILE
HOW TO LAYER A COMPOST PILE
Compost piles can be made in many different ways. The choice of a
bin or open pile is usually based on personal preference. Bins can
be made of logs, cinder blocks, snow fence, chicken wire or purchased
units. All bins should be easy opening for turning and adding
materials.
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First Layer |
3"-4" of chopped brush or other coarse material on top of the soil
surface allows air circulation around the base of the heap. |
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Second Layer |
6"-8" of mixed scraps, leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, etc.
Materials should be sponge damp. |
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Third Layer |
1" of soil serves as an inoculant by adding microorganisms to the
heap. |
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Fourth Layer |
(optional) 2"-3" of manure. Sprinkle lime, wood ash, and/or rock
phosphate over the layer of manure to reduce the heap's acidity. Add
water if necessary. |
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Fifth Layer |
Repeat steps 1-4 until bin is almost full. |
COMPOST PILE PROBLEMS
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Symptom |
Problem |
Correction |
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Pile smells like rancid butter, vinegar, rotten eggs. |
Not enough air. |
Turn pile. |
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Pile is wet to touch. |
Not enough air/ too much water. |
Turn and add bulking. |
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Pile doesn't heat. |
Too small and/or too dry. |
Enlarge and/or add water. |
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Pile is damp, smells sweet but won't heat. |
Not enough nitrogen. |
Add grass clippings and/or other nitrogen source. |
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Center is dry/contains tough material. |
Not enough water. |
Add water and turn. |
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Pile attracts animals. |
Meat/other animal products have been added. |
Monitor what goes in pile. Enclose pile with wire. |
For more detailed
information about composting, contact:
Ohio State University Extension Office
2900 Columbus Ave.
Sandusky Ohio, 44870
(419) 627-7631.
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