Chapter 05
METHODS TO MAKE COMPOST
There are many ways of making compost. In this chapter different
methods are given. We have gratefully made use of materials from
HDRA and KIOF to be able to present many different methods of
compost making in this Chapter.
Considering the factors mentioned before, such as availability of organic
materials and weather conditions, a choice can be made from these
methods.
In the long run everyone must work out a method to suit oneself. We
advise you to experiment and find the method that suits best your
situation. Of course you can always contact Agromisa, HDRA or KIOF
to ask for specific information. The addresses are given in Appendix 2.
1.Indore Method
The Indore Method is much used for composting in layers.
Building the heap
The basis of the heap should consist of twigs and cane shoots. The
following successive layers are piled on top of this:
➤ a layer of about 10 cm tough organic material which is difficult to
decompose.
➤ a layer of about 10 cm fresh organic material which decomposes
easily.
➤ a layer of 2 cm animal manure, compost or slurry from a biogas tank.
➤ a thin layer of soil; the soil should be collected come from the top
layer (top 10 cm) of clean (moist) soil (e.g. from under trees). This
ensures that the right micro-organisms are brought into the heap.
This sequence of layers is repeated until the heap has reached a final
height of 1.5 to 2 meters. In this way the heap is composed of many
layers. Building the heap should be done quickly, preferably within a
week. See the figure on the next page.
, Turning over
During decomposition the heap must be turned over regularly, in order
that it remains well aerated, and all the material is converted into
compost.
The first turning over of the heap should be done after 2 to 3 weeks. The
heap is broken down and built up again next to the old heap. The layers
are mixed, and the heap is, as it were, turned upside down and inside out.
Again, a foundation of coarse plant material is made first. Then the drier
and outer, less decomposed part of the old heap is placed in the central
part of the new heap. The drier material will have to be watered before the
heap can be built up further. This core is covered with the rest of the
material. The original layered structure is lost.
The second turning overtakes place after 3 weeks and it may even be
necessary to turn the heap over again for a third time. Repeat the
moisture test and the temperature test a few days after each turning over
operation.
METHODS TO MAKE COMPOST
There are many ways of making compost. In this chapter different
methods are given. We have gratefully made use of materials from
HDRA and KIOF to be able to present many different methods of
compost making in this Chapter.
Considering the factors mentioned before, such as availability of organic
materials and weather conditions, a choice can be made from these
methods.
In the long run everyone must work out a method to suit oneself. We
advise you to experiment and find the method that suits best your
situation. Of course you can always contact Agromisa, HDRA or KIOF
to ask for specific information. The addresses are given in Appendix 2.
1.Indore Method
The Indore Method is much used for composting in layers.
Building the heap
The basis of the heap should consist of twigs and cane shoots. The
following successive layers are piled on top of this:
➤ a layer of about 10 cm tough organic material which is difficult to
decompose.
➤ a layer of about 10 cm fresh organic material which decomposes
easily.
➤ a layer of 2 cm animal manure, compost or slurry from a biogas tank.
➤ a thin layer of soil; the soil should be collected come from the top
layer (top 10 cm) of clean (moist) soil (e.g. from under trees). This
ensures that the right micro-organisms are brought into the heap.
This sequence of layers is repeated until the heap has reached a final
height of 1.5 to 2 meters. In this way the heap is composed of many
layers. Building the heap should be done quickly, preferably within a
week. See the figure on the next page.
, Turning over
During decomposition the heap must be turned over regularly, in order
that it remains well aerated, and all the material is converted into
compost.
The first turning over of the heap should be done after 2 to 3 weeks. The
heap is broken down and built up again next to the old heap. The layers
are mixed, and the heap is, as it were, turned upside down and inside out.
Again, a foundation of coarse plant material is made first. Then the drier
and outer, less decomposed part of the old heap is placed in the central
part of the new heap. The drier material will have to be watered before the
heap can be built up further. This core is covered with the rest of the
material. The original layered structure is lost.
The second turning overtakes place after 3 weeks and it may even be
necessary to turn the heap over again for a third time. Repeat the
moisture test and the temperature test a few days after each turning over
operation.
