7 composting issues and how to correct them

Composting appears to be a simple process: let time and nature decompose organic matter till it turns into fertilizer. Let us take a look at seven composting-related issues and ways to remedy them.

A dense compost pile with an excess of moisture, poor aeration and little nitrogen results in a damp and soggy pile. To avoid a wet pile, make sure that it's moist but not too wet. A pile consisting of green materials such as fresh leaves and grass requires less watering than a pile made up of dry grass, leaves and other organic matter. Turn the pile periodically to introduce oxygen into it and break up matted lumps that can suffocate the aerobic bacteria. During wet weather, cover the pile with a loose tarpaulin.

Aerobic bacteria need moisture to break down the organic matter in the compost pile. The solution for a dry compost heap that is not decomposing is to sprinkle water on the heap. At the same time, you must check and ensure that moisture permeates through to the centre of the pile. This should start the "cooking" process in the dormant compost heap.

The smell, usually of ammonia, occurs because of an excess of nitrogenous matter in the compost pile. This includes manure, urine, blood meal and crushed shells. Add carbon-rich material such as leaves, straw and hay to balance the nitrogen-producing material and turn the pile over.

Rodents, raccoons and opossums are attracted by meat, bones, and dairy products that have been added to the heap. Avoid adding such material, or use a compost bin with a lid. Kitchen leftovers should be shredded and buried under carbon-rich material in the pile.

The pile may appear moist, but you can tell if the process isn't really happening. If the largely inert pile is warm only in the centre, it could be a result of too little nitrogen-rich matter in the heap. Aim for a ratio of approximately 25 parts of carboniferous matter for every part of nitrogenous ingredients in the compost. A compost activator will help restore the balance and speed up the conversion of matter into compost.

Bugs and insects will invariably make your compost pile their home; of these, sow bugs actually help by breaking down the pile and hasten bacterial decomposition. However, the presence of too many insects such as ants, gnats and earwigs may indicate that the composting process is slow. Check the temperature. A pile with a temperature of above 48.8 C will force the bugs to leave.

Plants appearing on the compost heap are a problem. Uproot any weeds that show up. This problem usually occurs before the composting process gathers speed. Once that happens, the raised temperature will kill the seeds.