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Organic permaculture 04a10: compost tricks

Build composters - make a compost pile with layers and maintain it - the compost power plant with water up to 60ºC.

The composter
              is ready - Then large stones are added at the bottom so
              that the composter's wooden frame does not rot at the
              bottom immediately    Hot tube
              by wood chip compost pile   Water heater with wood chips+leaves, cross section
The composter is ready - Then large stones are added at the bottom so that the composter's wooden frame does not rot at the bottom immediately [4]
Hot tube by wood chip compost pile [12] - Water heater with wood chips+leaves, cross section [13]

by Michael Palomino (2020 - translated in 2023)

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Compost tricks

The five rules for a compost pile
1. The compost pile must have it's base on the ground: A compost pile should be in contact with the soil so that worms and other beneficial bugs can work it.
2. Turn your compost pile once a week.
3. Roof: The compost pile should be covered so that the rain does not wash out the nutrients.
4. Divide sectors according to the duration: compost piles should be divided into sectors according to the time of action - you need to keep an eye on the age of the compost waste:
5. Separation of woody and vegetable compost: Woody and bushy compost decomposes slower than kitchen waste and weeds, so you should set up two different compost piles [web01].

More standards for a compost pile
6. The side walls should be made of a grid, so that there is as much air access to the compost pile as possible [web05].
7. The larger the compost pile, the more conversion will take place [web05].


First of all build a composter frame

A composter frame must be a three-sided frame, which has air slits, so that the air supply to the compost is guaranteed at any height. You can compose the racks together yourself with screws, or you can screw the composter together from a few pallets (soft fir / spruce wood).

Composter half
                    finished   composter three quarters finished
Composter half finished [1] - composter three quarters finished [2]
The composter is ready   Then large stones are added at the
                    bottom so that the composter does not rot at the
                    bottom immediately
The composter is ready [3] - Then large stones are added at the bottom so that the composter does not rot at the bottom immediately [4]
The finished composter with
                    large stones at the bottom 02
The finished composter with large stones at the bottom 02 [5]


Cold compost - hot compost - earthworm compost

Cold compost: Just throw all organic waste on a pile and wait 6 months.

The lowest layers are the first to be transformed into new compost soil. The transformation time goes depending on the climate in a humid climate about 6 months, in a dry climate 1 year. If you water well, the transformation process goes faster. In winter, the decomposition processes continue in the compost heap, where it remains warm. You can then dig off the lowest layers that have become compost, so that the upper layers collapse in on themselves. As a frame, one can take, for example, pallets that guarantee easy access [web04].

Hot compost: temperature monitoring - compost tumbler

The compost pile is monitored, temperatures are measured, the compost pile is regularly tumbled so that the compost soil is produced in 1 to 3 months. With a compost tumbler, the whole maturing process is much faster, because you don't have to turn the compost pile with a shovel or a pitchfork. Temperatures and humidity must be maintained. Water must be poured each time you turn the pile to maintain moisture. The temperature in the compost pile should be between 55 and 60ºC (130 to 140º Fahrenheit). In this way, microbiological processes continue without stop [web04].

Earthworm compost

The earthworms eat their way through the organic waste. So: earthworms are added to the organic waste, and the compost pile can be piled up endlessly. The earthworms' excreta are excellent, new soil. This method requires NO rearrangement and can be used indoors [web04].

The "worm box"
"Worm boxes" are very suitable for indoor kitchen waste where pests have no access. When kitchen waste ends up on the compost pile, it attracts bugs [web05].

No alternation between cold and hot compost
One should not interrupt the composting process and change from cold to hot compost, because the decomposition processes are different and when changing, everything starts from the beginning [web04].


Construction of a compost heap

Define the place - a lot of sun is advantageous, but the compost heap should not dry out either

One can make a frame for the compost pile, for example with a fence, or with pallets. Others use a compost tumbler [web04].

In good sunlight, the decomposition processes in the compost pile proceed faster. But the compost pile should never dry out. A layer of grass on top is therefore a good protection against drying out [web04].


Compost in the rain barrel

Compost can also be produced in the rain barrel if earthworms are added. In 3 months the bottom layer becomes the best humus [web03].

Instruction (German): https://www.pinterest.de/pin/643170390505036775/

Compost garbage can structured - and fully automatically compost flows out at the bottom: https://www.pinterest.de/pin/224687468886444103/

Compost is possible with compost heap or metal sheet composting [web02].


The stratification of the compost pile

First layer: brown-green=25:1: The first stratification should contain a lot of carbon material, ratio carbonaceous (brown organic waste) to nitrogenous (green organic waste) = 25:1. This is the best way to stimulate efficient decomposition and microbial activity [web04]. After laying the foundation, you can add more biowaste as it comes [web04].

The first layer can also consist of brushwood and sticks to allow oxygen access from below [web05].

First layer: add soil: put in some pure meadow soil that already has a balanced soil animal fauna, which will then spread throughout the compost pile [web04].

First layer: Always water well: In order for the decomposition processes to get off to a good start, the compost pile should always be watered well every day, especially at the beginning during the first layer. The compost pile should always feel like a wet sponge [web04].

The other layers: 8-10cm brown and green organic waste
There are alternately layered
-- carbon biowaste (brown)
-- nitrogen biowaste (green) [web05].

Between these layers, alwayssome earth is put for enriching the layers with positive microorganisms.

Brown layers with cardboard, etc. neutralize bad odors from green layers when they are decomposing (especially with kitchen waste) [web05].



Carbon material (brown biowaste - factor 25): Wood scraps and wood products (cardboard, paper, ashes) -- Tree leaves, pine needles, straw, etc.

-- Dead and dried plant materials.
-- Ashes from firewood
-- Bread
-- Lint from a dryer
-- Hair (do you have a pet?)
-- Wood chips, shavings, small twigs, wood shavings
-- cardboard
-- Leaves [web05]
-- Natural fibers such as cotton and leather
-- paper plates
-- Burlap
-- pine needles
-- Handkerchiefs and napkins
-- Dead leaves
-- Straw
-- Newspapers [web04].


Nitrogen material (green biowaste - factor 1): Grass, fruits, vegetables, animal manure, urine, eggshells, etc.

-- Eggshells
-- Fresh grass clippings
-- Pulled weeds that have not gone to seed
-- Vegetables and fruits that are rotten, burned in the freezer, or thrown away
-- Coffee grounds
-- Tea bags
-- pet manure (avoid cat and dog waste)
-- Urine [web04].

Always reduce: Large organic waste should be reduced in size so that it decomposes faster [web04] - [i.e.: banana peels should be cut into small pieces, large pieces of wood can be reduced in size, etc.].


Manure or/and manure in the compost: if you use manure in the compost pile, you have to follow regulations:

Translation:

"If you have manure or/and shit of animals in your compost pile, the USDA organic rule requires that when composting plant and animal materials, the compost must be produced by a process that establishes an initial C:N ratio between 25:1 and 40:1. And that a temperature between 131 °F and 170 °F be maintained for 15 days using a windrow composting system that requires the materials to be turned five times. Or maintain a temperature between 131 °F and 170 °F for three days with an aerated pile system in the bin or static before curing for 45 days." [web01]

Meat and dairy products in compost pile attract rodents - install them only in the center where no one can reach it
Meat and dairy products can be composted, but they also attract rodents. To prevent this, BURY meat and dairy products in the center of the compost pile [web04].


Material that NEVER goes on a compost pile

Materials that damage or even block the decomposition process NEVER belong on a compost pile:

-- Glass
-- Coal ash
-- Plastic-coated or shiny papers
-- Sawdust or wood chips from treated woods
-- Cooking oils and fats
-- Styrofoam
-- Weeds or disease plants [web04]

-- sprayed peels of fruits and vegetables: the pesticides slow decomposition [web05].


Temperatures in the well layered compost pile

Temperature inside a compost pile: up to 75ºC - the "hot rot".
With a regular layering of green - earth - brown - earth - green, etc., the microorganisms multiply rapidly. The humidity inside should be very humid, but not dripping. When 1m3 of size is reached, the heat development ("hot rot") inside can reach up to 75ºC. Weed seeds and other problematic plant parts die [web05].

Every 2 weeks, the compost pile has to be diggen up ("turned") to bring oxygen into the compost - then the hot rot restarts: After each digging over, a new "hot rot" starts [web05].

Cold compost pile without digging - the "cold rot"
If a compost pile is only slowly piled up and turned only 1x per year, no heat develops, a cold rot develops, less weeds are killed. The compost is then more mature, but has less nutrients [web05].


Tricks for the well layered compost pile
-- water the compost pile only after turning, when it is very dry inside [web05]
-- cover the compost pile with a tarp to prevent liquid loss and heat loss [web05]


Decomposition and compost in the well layered compost pile

During decomposition, the compost pile shrinks [web05]. With regular turning, the compost will be crumbly and deep brown after 2 to 3 months. Maturation for another 2 months stabilizes the nutrients and results in "mature compost" [web05]. Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) assist the decomposition process [web05].

The development into "mature compost" can be accelerated with "compost worms" (Eisenia fetida), which are placed in the compost pile after the last hot rotting. They further stabilize the nutrients in "clay-humus complexes" that are protected from leaching and improve the water properties of the soil [web05].





The compost power plant: free hot water with compost piles - the compost pile water heater - and in the end also great compost soil

https://www.pinterest.de/pin/342977327846512023/


Colorado ("USA"): The compost power plant: woodchip compost pile heats water to 40ºC (104º Fahrenheit) for FREE - and you end up with great new soil for FREE for your garden
from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbArnw2Tfu0

Video: Compost-Powered Water Heater provides Free heat for the Hot Tub and helps me grow organic food (2'30'')

Video: Compost-Powered Water Heater provides Free heat for the Hot Tub and helps me grow organic food (2'30'')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbArnw2Tfu0 - YouTube channel: GrowFoodWell

Video text:
Heat water for FREE using composting wood chips. Really. I'm not kidding. Check out the Wood Chip Compost Hot Tub in the video. This is a hybrid version using the "Jean Pain" method.
If you want to learn fast organic gardening methods, come join our Garden Club! Here's the link for more info:
https://gardenclub.growfoodwell.com/we-can-all-growfoodwell/


Tom Bartels from Colorado
                    ("USA") clearly says: A compost pile can
                    also be a water heater   The compost pile gives free hot water   The
                    compost pile can produce hot water with 140
                    Fahrenheit = 40 degrees Celsius
Tom Bartels from Colorado ("USA") clearly says: A compost pile can also be a water heater [6] - The compost pile gives free hot water [7] - The compost pile can produce hot water with 140 Fahrenheit = 40 degrees Celsius [8].

Tom Bartels aus Colorado ("USA") meint klar: Ein Komposthaufen kann auch ein Wasserboiler sein [6] - Der Komposthaufen gibt gratis Heisswasser [7] - Der Komposthaufen kann Warmwasser mit 140 Fahrenheit produzieren = 40 Grad Celsius [8]

The compost pile can produce free hot
                    water of 140 Fahrenheit = 40 degrees Celsius ALSO IN
                    WINTER   You can take a bath outside in winter
                    with a water temperature of 104 Fahrenheit = 40
                    degrees Celsius   The compost pile consists only of wood chips
                    that heat the hot bath to 40 degrees Celsius
The compost pile can produce free hot water of 140 Fahrenheit = 40 degrees Celsius ALSO IN WINTER [9] - You can take a bath outside in winter with a water temperature of 104 Fahrenheit = 40 degrees Celsius [10] - The compost pile consists only of wood chips that heat the hot bath to 40 degrees Celsius [11].

Hot
                    tub by wood chip compost pile   Water heater with wood
                    chips+leaves, scheme with cross section
Hot tub by wood chip compost pile [12] - Water heater with wood chips+leaves, scheme with cross section [13]
The wood
                    chip compost pile can heat the water up to 60
                    degrees (140 Fahrenheit)   The wood chips turn into compost soil   The wood chip
                    compost pile is built with a grid and maintained
                    with a rake
The wood chip compost pile can heat the water up to 60 degrees (140 Fahrenheit) [14] - The wood chips turn into compost soil [15] - The wood chip compost pile is built with a grid and maintained with a rake [16].
Strong vegetables by good compost 1   Strong vegetables by good compost 2   Strong tomatoes by good compost soil
Strong vegetables by good compost 1,2 [17,18] - Strong tomatoes by good compost soil [19].
Video minutes:

The compost pile (the compost power plant)
The wood chip compost pile is enclosed by chicken wire (20''). A few water hoses are placed through the compost pile in multiple turns, and then the compost pile heats the hoses (44''). And when the compost pile has finished breaking down, the compost soil is a great addition to any garden (1'16''). So, the hot water is FREE, and then the top soil for the garden is also FREE (1'19''). And the hot water is available day and night without restriction (1'25'').

Heating possibilities
It can be used to heat a small house, a greenhouse, a small store, a floor heating system, installations not connected to the mains (1'32''), or a small swimming pool (1'36'').

The use of the compost
And with the fresh compost soil, the vegetables will be stronger, more resistant, less vulnerable and will be simply wonderful (1'58''). Website: growfoodwell.com (2'10''). On the website are the workshops on videos, how to do what, and then have fun with it (2'23'').

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Sources

[web01] Permaculture News: https://permaculturenews.org/2011/08/19/summer-permaculture-tips-and-tricks/
[web02] Australia: Deep green agriculture: https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/diy-instructions/starting-your-permaculture-garden/
[web03] Kompost in der Mülltonne mit Regenwürmern in 3 Monaten: https://www.pinterest.de/pin/514888169886123912/
[web04] Kalter Kompost - heisser Kompost: https://www.backyardboss.net/how-to-make-compost-black-gold-for-your-own-gardens/
[web05] https://www.wurmwelten.de/einen-komposthaufen-anlegen/


Photo sources
[1-5] Video: Komposter aus Paletten selber bauen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4FQsEkJ8R4 - YouTube-Kanal: Natürliches Leben - hochgeladen am 3.3.2017
[6-19] Video: Compost-Powered Water Heater provides Free heat for the Hot Tub and helps me grow organic food (2'30'')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbArnw2Tfu0 - YouTube-Kanal: GrowFoodWell


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