|
|
|
Symptom
|
Problem
|
Solution
|
| Putrid odor |
Pile too wet
(lacks oxygen) |
Spread out materials to dry or mix in dry browns such as leaves or straw.
Relocate pile to a well-drained site. |
|
Compaction
(lacks oxygen) |
Turn pile to add oxygen
Limit size to 4'x4'x4'
Thoroughly mix in grass clippings
Limit use of particles that compact |
|
| Slow composting |
Pile too dry |
Water layers every 6"-12" when first building pile
Water when turning pile until it is as wet as a wrung out sponge |
|
| Pile lacks nitrogen |
Mix in green materials such as grass clippings, kitchen scraps, manure
|
|
| Pile too small |
Build larger, balanced, aerated pile
|
|
| Pile lacks oxygen |
Turn to aerate
|
|
| Materials compacted |
Mix small particles with larger pieces
|
|
| Particles too large |
Reduce particle size to improve heat retention in pile
|
|
| Ammonia odor |
Excess nitrogen
(lacks carbon) |
Mix in dry browns such as leaves, weeds, straw, shredded paper |
|
| Pile too hot (over 170 degrees F) |
Pile too large |
Limit size to 4'x4'x4' |
|
| Excess nitrogen |
Mix in dry browns |
|
| Pests |
Exposed food scraps
or meat or
dairy foods |
Bury scraps12" deep in pile
Do not compost |
|
| Open bin |
Build a pest proof bin |
