Composting additives

Various additives are used to improve the quality of the compost, increase the amount of nutrients in it and accelerate the decomposition process.

Lime is composted when it becomes necessary to treat a large amount of acid-attacking materials in its composition, for example, wood scraps, sawdust, needles, bark. So, when composting a large amount of tree bark, the rate of lime application is 10 kg / m3.Lime neutralizes the effect of acids released during decomposition, provides a favorable level of acidity of the environment, which has a beneficial effect on the balanced metabolism, activates the decomposing activity of microorganisms and makes

available. Use of quicklime should be avoided due to large nitrogen losses. It is better to use carbonate lime or algal limestone recommended by many specialists, which is characterized by a balanced content of minerals and trace elements.

Herbal infusions from a mixture of dandelion, yarrow, nettle and chamomile contain a large number of active substances, when applied to compost enrich it with valuable elements and render.health and disinfecting action, preventing the rotting of

nutrients. Lime prevents decay, eliminates the appearance of unpleasant odors. The introduction of lime causes a rapid increase in temperature, thereby accelerating the composting process. Therefore, some experts recommend lime not immediately and at a later stage when the compost is poured, in order to reactivate the decomposition process. dusty silica is also a valuable compost additive because it contains up to 80 % clay minerals, a large range of minerals: copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, and is rich in magnesium. The dusty silica enriches the compost with trace elements, prevents accumulation of heavy metals, improves soil structure and perfectly binds moisture. In addition, it is able to reduce the unpleasant odors that arise during decomposition. The rate of application of pulverized silica is 5-9 kg / m3 of compost.

Bone flour has a strong fertilizing effect and increases the biological activity of the compost. It can be spilled between compost layers or dissolved during compost humidification. Especially valuable additive to compost are herbal infusions, which play the role of natural biological catalysts of decomposition processes, enrich compost with biologically active substances and stimulate the vital activity of soil organisms. Infusions are prepared from a specific set of plants, which includes dandelion, chamomile, yarrow and nettle. To do this, it is necessary to put fresh plants in a barrel in 1/3 of its volume and pour rain water, to insist no more than 3 days with regular stirring. After the readiness, the infusion is filtered and added to the compost through the wells. Often when composting in the fall in cool weather, it is recommended to make yeast ferment, for the fastest activation of the decomposition process. The yeast for 1 m3 of compost is prepared from the calculation of 1 cube of yeast and 200-300 g of granulated sugar per 1 liter of warm water. Carefully bred, allowed to stand and pour this composition compost material when laying.