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All organic matter is made up of substantial amounts of carbon (C) combined with lesser amounts of nitrogen (N). The balance of these two elements in an organism is called the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio). For best performance, the compost pile, or more to the point the composting microorganisms, require the correct proportion of carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein production. Scientists (yes, there are compost scientists) have determined that the fastest way to produce fertile, sweet-smelling compost is to maintain a C:N ratio somewhere around 25 to 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen, or 25-30:1. If the C:N ratio is too high (excess carbon), decomposition slows down. If the C:N ratio is too low (excess nitrogen) you will end up with a stinky pile.

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In the process of composting, microorganisms break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide, water, heat, and humus, the relatively stable organic end product. Under optimal conditions, composting proceeds through three phases: 1) the mesophilic, or moderate-temperature phase, which lasts for a couple of days, 2) the thermophilic, or high-temperature phase, which can last from a few days to several months, and finally, 3) a several-month cooling and maturation phase.

Different communities of microorganisms predominate during the various composting phases. Initial decomposition is carried out by mesophilic microorganisms, which rapidly break down the soluble, readily degradable compounds. The heat they produce causes the compost temperature to rapidly rise.

As the temperature rises above about 40°C, the mesophilic microorganisms become less competitive and are replaced by others that are thermophilic, or heat-loving. At temperatures of 55°C and above, many microorganisms that are human or plant pathogens are destroyed. Because temperatures over about 65°C kill many forms of microbes and limit the rate of decomposition, compost managers use aeration and mixing to keep the temperature below this point.

During the thermophilic phase, high temperatures accelerate the breakdown of proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates like cellulose and hemicellulose, the major structural molecules in plants. As the supply of these high-energy compounds becomes exhausted, the compost temperature gradually decreases and mesophilic microorganisms once again take over for the final phase of "curing" or maturation of the remaining organic matter.

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And finally, Why do you add small amounts of soil to a compost pile?

I don't need to quote for this one. I add soil because it is readily available, contains all the bacteria and micro organisms that I need to start a compost and it doesn't cost me a cent.

You don't have to use soil either, there is a plethora of products that can be bought off the shelf sold under the label of "soil/compost Activator". They are good products but I choose to not use them.


Other cheap and readily available compost/soil activators include: Soil, Comfrey, horse, sheep and cattle manures, Seaweed and fish emulsion fertilizers, Blood and bone meal, Molasses mixes, human urine and the list goes on....


You are also correct in that lime plays a part in the biodegradation process. All good compost recipes will instruct to add lime to the mix as it is well proven that this aids in breaking down organic matter.



This is the method I'm talking about here. I haven't heard you mention one method this entire thread. All Ive seen is "listen to me" and "don't do that" without any explanation. I certainly wouldn't follow your advice.


To everyone else, sorry for the excessive quoting~

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mellowyellow said:
perma farming is even better man taking from the earth what u put and grow there

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