PDC LESSON 7.6 COMPOST – WAYS TO CREATE A HEAP

 

PERMACULTURE COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

PDC LESSON 7.6 COMPOST – WAYS TO CREATE A HEAP

Ways of creating a compost heap

There are many ways of creating a compost heap and all sorts of receptacles can be used. The main requirements of making compost are to place it directly on the soil, keeping the pile moist and giving it enough air.  

When the compost heap is sited on the ground, the soil organisms will meet the compost ingredients. Enough oxygen is needed to nurture the micro-organisms that help create the decomposition process.  Moisture is also an important factor, and the moisture content needs to be adequate to be comfortable for the worms and the bacteria to do their work. It should not be sopping wet but not too dry either. The heap should be watered in between layers so that it is moist throughout.  The size of the compost heap is also important for fast decomposition, as certain micro-organisms do their work at various temperatures for decomposition to occur. A minimum of one cubic metre is required and it can be a freestanding heap or built into a box with three sides. If the compost is built up into a compost bin or box, it is easier to keep the sides of the heap moist so ensuring a more even decomposition rate. Heavy rain should be kept off the heap, as nutrient leaching will otherwise occur, so a cover of some sort will be a good idea.

These are the main requirements to make a good compost heap. 

The next step would be to turn the heap at regular intervals. Turning the heap will add oxygen and mix the contents throughout to encourage even decomposition. If you are like me and never seem to get around to turning the compost heap, don’t despair. This is called a passive compost pile and it will just take longer for decomposition to take place.

Text from the roots, Elisabeth Ferkonia (Aus.) PDC studied with Bill Mollison, Chart Geoff Lawton