Compost Windrow: 101

Compost windrows are long, narrow piles of organic material that are turned regularly to promote decomposition. They are a great way to turn your food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

What are the Benefits of Composting?

Composting has many benefits, including:

• Reduces waste: Composting diverts organic materials from landfills, where they would decompose anaerobically and produce methane, a greenhouse gas.
• Improves soil health: Compost adds organic matter to the soil, which helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
• Reduces the need for fertilizers: Compost contains a variety of nutrients that plants need, so it can help to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Saves money: Composting is a free way to improve your soil and reduce your waste disposal costs.

How to Build a Compost Windrow

Building a compost windrow is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Choose a site: The best site for a compost windrow is a level, well-drained area that gets at least some sun.
2. Gather your materials: You will need a mix of brown materials (such as straw, leaves, and wood chips) and green materials (such as food scraps, grass clippings, and manure). The ideal ratio of brown to green materials is 2:1.
3. Build the windrow: Start by creating a base layer of brown materials. Then, add a layer of green materials. Repeat these layers until the windrow is about 3-5 feet tall.
4. Water the windrow: The windrow should be moist but not soggy. Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
5. Turn the windrow: The windrow should be turned every few days to aerate it and promote decomposition. Use a pitchfork or a shovel to turn the windrow over.

Troubleshooting Compost Windrows

If your compost windrow is not decomposing properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

• The windrow is too wet: If the windrow is too wet, it will become anaerobic and produce a foul odor. Add more brown materials to the windrow and turn it more frequently.
• The windrow is too dry: If the windrow is too dry, it will not decompose properly. Add more green materials to the windrow and water it more frequently.
• The windrow is not getting enough air: If the windrow is not getting enough air, it will become anaerobic and produce a foul odor. Turn the windrow more frequently and make sure that it is not too compacted.

Compost Windrow Tips

Here are a few tips for composting successfully:

• Start small: Don't try to build a huge compost windrow all at once. Start with a small windrow and add to it as you get more materials.
• Be patient: Composting takes time. Don't expect your compost to be ready overnight.
• Experiment: There is no one right way to compost. Experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you.

Compost Windrow Applications

Compost can be used in a variety of applications, including:

• Soil amendment: Compost can be added to the soil to improve its structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
• Mulch: Compost can be used as mulch around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Potting mix: Compost can be added to potting mix to improve its drainage and nutrient content.
• Seed starting: Compost can be used to start seeds indoors.
• Vermicomposting: Compost can be used to feed worms in a vermicomposting system.

Conclusion

Composting is a great way to turn your food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It's easy to do, it's good for the environment, and it can save you money. So what are you waiting for? Start composting today!

Tables

Table 1: Benefits of Composting

Table 2: How to Build a Compost Windrow

Table 3: Troubleshooting Compost Windrows

Table 4: Compost Windrow Applications