Re: curing compost
- To: r*@california.com, m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Re: curing compost
- From: J* M*
- Date: Mon, 01 May 2000 00:39:19 -0700
Barbara, Angela, et al.,
For the past fifty years I have been using compost at various stages of
decay--from mulching with half-decayed cottonwood leaves to digging in
2-year=old finely granulated material that has the organic matter completely
disintegrated or sieving material at this stage and using it "as is" in
pots. I think it just depends what you are planning to use it for and how
impatient you are. If you are planning to pot things in it or plant things
that are susceptible to root rot from water molds, it should be very well
broken down. If it going to be worked into the ground where you are not
going to plant right away, you can let the decomposition finish in the soil.
And if you use it for mulch, the rougher the better.
As for worms, they will still be in the compost until practically every
particle of organic matter has passed through their guts. I always use it
up long before that stage. And I wouldn't worry too much about grubs. They
mainly eat decaying organic matter. I wouldn't leave either worms or grubs
in if the compost is going into a pot, but if you're digging it into the
ground, they simply help to aerate the ground.
Aeration is the important element. Curing compost properly is an aerobic
decay process that, by definition, requires plenty of oxygen. Covering it
up with a tarp will only limit the available oxygen and slow down the
process. Frequent turning is the best way to speed up the process. That's
why they invented the compost tumbler. Keep it moist, but not saturated
with water and you're on your way.
John MacGregor
jonivy@earthlink.net
