Composting activities

One of the main measures for composting is regular testing of humidity of compost and if necessary

its moderate moistening. With excessive accumulation of moisture due to abundant and frequent rains or located close to the surface of groundwater, stagnation and rotting processes can occur, accompanied by the release of unpleasant odors. On the other hand, the presence of water with nutrients dissolved in it is a prerequisite for a successful decomposition process and, if the moisture content in the compost is below the 25% threshold, the decomposition stops. In the process of disintegration there is a constant increased water flow that must be replenished, otherwise a so-called combustion can occur in the thickness of the compost, as a result of which the infection of the material with an infectious fungus may not be ruled out. In hot summer with long absence of precipitation, compost must be watered. To do this, it is better to use rainwater, you can also dissolve in it organic fertilizers, bird droppings or manure, in order to add additional nutrients to the compost. To check the degree of humidity, a handful of compost is enough to squeeze in your hand. If the water is clearly visible, compost is too moist if the substance is scattered - the compost is dry. Compost, containing the optimal amount of moisture, resembles a moist sponge: it does not crumble in the hand, and when compressed, an insignificant amount of water protrudes. Another important measure for composting is the periodic

composting, necessary to ensure a constant air flow. After some time after laying the material in the compost, its layers begin to shrink and the volume of air in the thickness of the raw material is sharply reduced. This can cause

to impair metabolism and anaerobic decay processes. In addition, with limited access to oxygen, the decomposition process passes without self-heating and is poorly regulated, which can lead to undesirable nitrogen losses. It is necessary to make a break-in regularly, at least once or twice a week. Day of this forks or hoe should loosen the upper layer of compost and flip it, opening access to air. Periodically, you also need to make a deeper mixing of the material.