This topic contains 16 replies, has 8 voices, and was last updated by colin 5 years, 5 months ago.
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Heat retention in compost: usually the longer the compost stays at above 50 degreesC (= 122 F) the more digestion is occurring, and the better the compost. Here, “better” means (i) finer particle size, (ii) a higher proportion of stable humus, and (iii) the original source material, is less noticeable.
My suggestion is to buy a compost thermometer, or rig up your own thermometer and probe.
If you can still see lumps of sawdust that have not been mixed and broken down, turn the compost again.
If you cannot see lumps of sawdust (or horse manure), turn the compost again!
Aim for at least two turns, and a turnaround time of 3 months. 4 months will usually be better. 6 months, better still.
Keeping the pile approximately cubic: measure your pile’s (i) breadth, (ii) width, (iii) height. Usually the height is the smallest measurement. For the next turn (and as a finaly maturing (resting) pile) try to make these measurements as equal as possible. For example if your pile is 5 feet (150cm) wide, 5 feet (150cm) broad, and 3 feet (90cm) high, try to turn it onto a 4 feet (120 cm) square base. This will increase the height. I know that this is often not practical or convenient. However, if you can manage it, you will get a superior product.
Hope that this helps.
Kevin (pre-summer Tasmania)Thanks Kevin
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