When using a compost turning machine for composting, how to judge whether the compost is mature?
When using a compost turning machine for composting, you can judge whether the compost is mature from the following aspects:
- Appearance characteristics
From the appearance, the color of mature compost will change significantly. The original material color will gradually deepen and become dark brown or black. For example, the compost that was originally composed of green plant residues and brown feces will present a uniform dark brown tone after being mature. At the same time, the texture will become loose and no longer as tight and lumpy as when it is not mature. The mature compost can be easily crushed into powder with a light pinch of the hand, and the fiber structure has been fully decomposed.
- Odor discrimination
Odor is another judgment indicator. Unripe compost often emits a pungent odor, which may be ammonia or other unpleasant odors. When the compost is mature, these pungent odors will disappear, replaced by a fresh, light humus smell similar to soil.
- Temperature changes
Temperature can also reflect the maturity of the compost. During the composting process, due to the activity of microorganisms, heat is generated inside the compost and the temperature rises. However, when the compost is close to maturity, the temperature will gradually drop and stabilize, close to the ambient temperature. If there is no obvious temperature fluctuation inside the compost when the compost turning machine is turning the compost, this is an important signal that the compost is mature.
- Microbial activity
From the perspective of microbial activity, mature compost no longer attracts pests such as flies and maggots. Unripe compost will become a breeding ground for these pests because it contains a large amount of undecomposed organic matter. In addition, from the perspective of scientific detection, the number of harmful microorganisms and insect eggs in mature compost will be greatly reduced, and the beneficial microbial community will be relatively stable.
Through the above multi-faceted judgments, it is possible to accurately know whether the compost is mature when using a compost turning machine.