A well decomposed compost substrate takes time. Sometimes it happens that the decomposition of the organic waste takes too long or does not work properly. In these cases, an activator helps to animate the bottom fauna. However, the basic conditions should also be right.
The compost can be helped
worms
The most natural form of compost accelerator are earthworms, as they effectively break down the organic matter. Your excretions improve fertility and ensure a loose structure. Collect the animals when digging up their beds and place them on the compost. Alternatively, offering sugary material such as overripe fruit will lure the compost worms into the substrate.
plant manure
Fern fronds, nettles, valerian and comfrey provide ideal material to activate the decomposition processes. Gather fresh herbs and pour lukewarm water over them. A conventional bucket is suitable as a fermentation container. In a warm place, the first blisters will appear after a day or two. The fermentation is over as soon as there are no more bubbles to be seen. Rock flour (€14.13) counteracts the formation of odours. The plant manure is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10 and poured onto the compost.
yeast solution
A sugar-yeast solution is considered an efficient activator. Fill a bucket with ten liters of lukewarm tap water and add a cube of fresh yeast or a sachet of dry yeast. Stir the mixture vigorously and let it stand for about a quarter of an hour. In order for the microorganisms to work and multiply, pour a kilogram of sugar into the solution. When the ingredients are fully dissolved, pour the accelerator over the compost substrate. It develops its optimal effect at temperatures of 20 degrees.
tips
Make sure that the organic waste does not get too wet. You can also reduce the amount of water with the same dosage of ingredients.
Usage Notes
In principle, you can pour the yeast water onto the compost at any time if it is not working properly. For quick and even composting, it is advisable to start the treatment at an early stage. Once the compost heap has grown eight inches, you can add the mixture.
site selection
No activator works effectively if the basic conditions are not right. The location plays an important role. Place the compost bin in a shady spot under a tree. There is no risk of the substrate drying out too quickly. At the same time, it must be protected from wind and weather to prevent waterlogging. Compost bins with an open bottom ensure that liquid can drain and earthworms and microorganisms can find their way inside.
This has a positive effect:
- shred organic waste
- Layer materials with opposing properties
- moist and dry as well as nitrogen-rich and -poor composition ideal
- mix stratified waste regularly