5 Ways Compost Turners Modernize Commercial Composting

Composting is a natural process that converts organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The process involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, which break down the material into simpler compounds. Composting can be done in a variety of ways, but the most efficient way to compost large amounts of organic matter is to use a compost turner.

Compost turners are machines that aerate and mix the compost pile, which helps to speed up the decomposition process. Aeration is important because it provides oxygen to the microorganisms that are responsible for breaking down the organic matter. Mixing the compost pile helps to ensure that all of the organic matter is exposed to oxygen and that the microorganisms are able to work evenly throughout the pile.

There are a variety of different types of compost turners available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of compost turner that is best for a particular application will depend on the size of the compost pile, the type of organic matter being composted, and the desired finished product.

1. Faster Decomposition Rates

Compost turners can help to speed up the decomposition process by providing aeration and mixing the compost pile. Aeration is important because it provides oxygen to the microorganisms that are responsible for breaking down the organic matter. Mixing the compost pile helps to ensure that all of the organic matter is exposed to oxygen and that the microorganisms are able to work evenly throughout the pile.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), compost turners can help to reduce the composting time by up to 50%. This can be a significant savings for businesses that compost large amounts of organic matter.

2. Improved Compost Quality

Compost turners can also help to improve the quality of the compost. By providing aeration and mixing the compost pile, compost turners help to create a more uniform compost that is free of clumps and pockets of undecomposed material. This type of compost is more valuable to farmers and gardeners because it is easier to apply and provides more nutrients to the soil.

3. Reduced Labor Costs

Compost turners can also help to reduce labor costs. Manually turning a compost pile is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Compost turners can automate this process, freeing up workers to perform other tasks.

According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), compost turners can reduce labor costs by up to 75%. This can be a significant savings for businesses that compost large amounts of organic matter.

4. Increased Safety

Compost turners can also help to increase safety. Manually turning a compost pile can be a dangerous task, as it can involve working with heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous materials. Compost turners can automate this process, reducing the risk of injury to workers.

5. Reduced Environmental Impact

Compost turners can also help to reduce the environmental impact of composting. By speeding up the decomposition process, compost turners can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Compost turners can also help to reduce the amount of water needed to compost organic matter.

Conclusion

Compost turners are a valuable tool for businesses that compost large amounts of organic matter. Compost turners can help to speed up the decomposition process, improve the quality of the compost, reduce labor costs, increase safety, and reduce the environmental impact of composting.

Additional Benefits of Compost Turners

In addition to the benefits listed above, compost turners can also provide a number of other benefits, including:

• Reduced odor - Compost turners can help to reduce odor by aerating the compost pile and preventing the buildup of anaerobic conditions.
• Improved pest control - Compost turners can help to improve pest control by creating a hostile environment for pests. The heat and moisture generated by the composting process can kill pests and their eggs.
• Increased nutrient availability - Compost turners can help to increase nutrient availability by breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds that are more easily absorbed by plants.

Types of Compost Turners

There are a variety of different types of compost turners available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of compost turner that is best for a particular application will depend on the size of the compost pile, the type of organic matter being composted, and the desired finished product.

Some of the most common types of compost turners include:

• Windrow turners - Windrow turners are the most common type of compost turner. They are used to turn compost piles that are long and narrow. Windrow turners can be either self-propelled or towed behind a tractor.
• In-vessel turners - In-vessel turners are used to turn compost piles that are contained in a vessel. In-vessel turners can be either static or mobile. Static in-vessel turners are typically used for large-scale composting operations. Mobile in-vessel turners can be used for smaller-scale composting operations.
• Horizontal drum composters - Horizontal drum composters are used to turn compost piles that are contained in a horizontal drum. Horizontal drum composters can be either batch or continuous. Batch horizontal drum composters are used for small-scale composting operations. Continuous horizontal drum composters are used for large-scale composting operations.

Choosing the Right Compost Turner

The type of compost turner that is best for a particular application will depend on the size of the compost pile, the type of organic matter being composted, and the desired finished product.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a compost turner:

• Size of the compost pile - The size of the compost pile will determine the size of the compost turner that is needed. Compost turners are available in a variety of sizes, from small units that can handle compost piles of a few cubic yards to large units that can handle compost piles of hundreds of cubic yards.
• Type of organic matter being composted - The type of organic matter being composted will also determine the type of compost turner that is needed. Some compost turners are designed to handle specific types of organic matter, such as food scraps or yard waste.
• Desired finished product - The desired finished product will also determine the type of compost turner that is needed. Some compost turners are designed to produce a finished product that is suitable for use as a soil amendment, while others are designed to produce a finished product that is suitable for use as a potting mix.

Using a Compost Turner

Once you have chosen the right compost turner for your application, you will need to learn how to use it properly. Here are some tips for using a compost turner:

• Start with a small pile - When you are first starting out, it is best to start with a small compost pile. This will help you to get the hang of using the compost turner and to avoid overloading it.
• Add materials gradually - Add materials to the compost pile gradually. This will help to ensure that the compost pile does not become too wet or too dry.
• Turn the compost pile regularly - Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and to prevent the buildup of anaerobic conditions. The frequency with which you need to turn the compost pile will depend on the type of compost turner you are using and the type of organic matter being composted.
• Monitor the compost pile - Monitor the compost pile regularly to ensure that it is composting properly. The compost pile should be moist but not wet, and it should have a sweet, earthy smell. If the compost pile is too wet, add more dry materials. If the compost pile is too dry, add more water.
• Use the finished compost - Once the compost pile has finished composting, you can use it to amend your soil or to create a potting mix. Compost is a valuable soil amendment that can help to improve the soil's structure, fertility, and water retention.

Troubleshooting Compost Turner Problems

If you are having problems with your compost turner, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• The compost turner is not turning - If the compost turner is not turning, check to make sure that it is plugged in and that the power switch is turned on. Also, check to make sure that there is nothing blocking the blades of the compost turner.
• The compost turner is not turning the compost pile properly - If the compost turner is not turning the compost pile properly, check to make sure that the blades of the compost turner are sharp. Also, check to make sure that the compost pile is not too wet or too dry.
• The compost turner is making a noise - If the compost turner is making a noise, check to make sure that there is nothing caught in the blades. Also, check to make sure that the bearings of the compost turner are well-lubricated.

Conclusion

Compost turners are a valuable tool for businesses that compost large amounts of organic matter. Compost turners can help to speed up the decomposition process, improve the quality of the compost, reduce labor costs, increase safety, and reduce the environmental impact of composting. If you are considering purchasing a compost turner, be sure to do your research and choose the right unit for your application.

Tables

Table 1: Benefits of Compost Turners