Compost Windrow: 23 Essential Tips for Success

What is a Compost Windrow?

A compost windrow is a long, narrow pile of organic matter that is regularly turned to aerate it and promote decomposition. The word "windrow" comes from the Old English word "windreowe," which means "a row of hay or straw." Compost windrows are a common way to compost large amounts of organic matter, such as yard waste, food scraps, and manure.

Benefits of Composting in Windrows

There are many benefits to composting in windrows, including:

• Improved soil health: Compost adds organic matter to the soil, which helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
• Reduced waste: Composting helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
• Natural fertilizer: Compost is a natural fertilizer that can be used to improve the growth of plants.
• Carbon sequestration: Composting helps to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, which can help to mitigate climate change.

How to Build a Compost Windrow

Building a compost windrow is relatively easy. First, choose a location for your windrow that is well-drained and has access to water. Then, gather your organic materials. These can include:

• Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, etc.)
• Food scraps
• Manure
• Paper products
• Wood chips

Once you have gathered your materials, build your windrow by piling them up in a long, narrow pile. The pile should be about 3-5 feet wide and 4-6 feet high. Be sure to mix the materials together so that there is a good balance of browns (carbon-rich materials) and greens (nitrogen-rich materials).

Turning Your Windrow

The key to successful composting is turning your windrow regularly. This helps to aerate the pile and promote decomposition. Turn your windrow every 3-4 days, or more often if the pile is getting too hot. To turn your windrow, simply use a shovel or pitchfork to mix up the materials. Be sure to turn the materials from the outside of the pile to the inside, and from the top of the pile to the bottom.

Troubleshooting Common Compost Windrow Problems

Here are some common compost windrow problems and how to fix them:

• The pile is too wet: If your compost pile is too wet, it will become anaerobic and start to smell. To fix this, add more browns to the pile, such as wood chips or straw.
• The pile is too dry: If your compost pile is too dry, it will not decompose properly. To fix this, add more greens to the pile, such as food scraps or grass clippings.
• The pile is too hot: If your compost pile is too hot, it can kill the beneficial bacteria that are responsible for decomposition. To fix this, turn the pile more often to cool it down.
• The pile is not decomposing: If your compost pile is not decomposing, it may be because it is not getting enough oxygen. To fix this, turn the pile more often and make sure that it is well-aerated.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips for successful composting in windrows:

• Use a variety of materials: The more variety of materials you use, the better your compost will be. Be sure to include a good mix of browns and greens.
• Keep the pile moist: The compost pile should be moist but not wet. If the pile is too dry, it will not decompose properly. If the pile is too wet, it will become anaerobic and start to smell.
• Turn the pile regularly: Turning the pile regularly is essential for aerating the pile and promoting decomposition. Turn the pile every 3-4 days, or more often if the pile is getting too hot.
• Be patient: Composting takes time. Do not expect your compost to be ready in a few weeks. It may take several months for the compost to decompose completely.

Conclusion

Composting in windrows is a great way to improve your soil health, reduce waste, and create a natural fertilizer. By following these tips, you can create a successful compost windrow that will provide you with years of benefits.

Tables

Table 1: Benefits of Composting in Windrows

Table 2: Common Compost Windrow Problems and Solutions

Table 3: Tips for Successful Composting in Windrows

Table 4: Estimated Time to Decompose Common Materials