Here are some frequently asked questions regarding compost and its many uses and benefits.
1). How long does it take to compost? -Depending on how you manage your pile, it can take anywhere from one month to two years. A pile turned every week or two, along with all the proper ingredients will compost a lot quicker than a pile that has not been turned or managed properly may take up to 6 months to a year to fully compost.
2). Will my compost smell bad? -As long as your compost pile has enough airflow so that it remains aerobic it should not smell bad. There may be a slight odor but it should not be to the point you cannot stand. If you do get a smell you should add more of a bulking agent or something that creates more structure in your pile. Ammonia smells may be present if you are composting things that are high in nitrogen, which is why you need to have a good understanding of the carbon to nitrogen ratio.
3). What is meant by carbon to nitrogen ratios? – When combining any organic materials to make compost, the concept of carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio is critical. The micro-organisms in compost use carbon for an energy source, and nitrogen for when they make proteins. The proportion of these two elements used by the micro-organisms averages about 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. If you can keep your pile at around the 30:1 ratio, the microbes can work on organic material very quickly. The larger the number and the more amount of carbon in proportion to nitrogen then the slower the decomposition process will be. Sawdust has a very high C:N ratio and decomposes fairly slowly unless some additional nitrogen is supplied. Grass clippings have a relatively low C:N ratio and decompose relatively quickly. Providing a mixture of high and low C:N materials usually results in better or faster decomposition than too much of either material.