Compost Smell
In your compost pile it is important to have the correct ratio of nutrients otherwise an unbalanced compost pile will lead to unpleasant odor. The ideal content/nutrient ratio is about 25:1, although this varies from one compost pile to another. Nitrogren may be lost to microorganisms if too little carbon is present. If the carbon is to low then it will float into the atmosphere as amonia. This will be lost to the plants the would have benefited from its presence. The compost smell comes from the heaps nitrogen being released as amonia. To correct this make sure that the amount of moisture in your compost pile is as high as possible while still letting air pass through into the pore spaces so that the bacteria may benefit.
Remember to turn your compost pile on a regular basis to promote good breakdown progress. One way of doing this is to have yourself a compost bin that has paddles within the compost container. This will provide you with a homogeneous mixing and tumbling of materials. This will make it easier for you than grabbing a pitchfork or other garden instrument and it ensures that you get the ideal disintegration and aeration needed for good composting!
Filed under Compost by admin
