Composting in dry climate?
Sylvia Steiger
successfully composted in a dry climate? Wyoming is VERY dry, humidity
often around 10-20%, and one thing I've noticed whenever I check on my
barrel composter is that the ingredients rustle (dry) rather than plop
(moist clumps). I have added water to both current tumblers, and with
only the openings and a lot of small air holes I would think it would
take a while to dry out, I can't help wondering if I need to regularly
add water which wouldn't be necessary (or even helpful) in a moister
climate.
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Sylvia Steiger RN BS
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http://SteigerFamily.com
Cheyenne WY, USDA zone 5a, Sunset zone 1a
Home of the Wyoming Wind Festival, January 1-December 31!
Michael Lacy
> I know we have lots of experienced composters here. Have any of you
> successfully composted in a dry climate? Wyoming is VERY dry, humidity
> often around 10-20%, and one thing I've noticed whenever I check on my
> barrel composter is that the ingredients rustle (dry) rather than plop
... etc.
I'm only 40 miles down the road here in, and I haven't had any
particular problems. I compost in a open bin, which I water initially
when I put it together (mostly leaves); I also occasionally throw some
dishwater on the pile as well, perhaps twice a month. What may make a
difference is that I have a large volume pile, say 2 cubic yards.
I would guess here that the surface area to volume ratio may be
an issue: Other things equal, large piles have less surface area
relative to volume, meaning less evaporation. On the other hand,
since you are using a container, I would think that such issues
wouldn't matter much. I guess I would just suggest to start with
a wetter mass of material.
Regards,
--
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Mike Lacy, Ft Collins CO 80523
voice (970) 491-6721
Alfred Falk
news:3CC81E48...@canada.com:
> I know we have lots of experienced composters here. Have any of you
> successfully composted in a dry climate? Wyoming is VERY dry,
> humidity often around 10-20%, and one thing I've noticed whenever I
> check on my barrel composter is that the ingredients rustle (dry)
> rather than plop (moist clumps). I have added water to both current
> tumblers, and with only the openings and a lot of small air holes I
> would think it would take a while to dry out, I can't help wondering
> if I need to regularly add water which wouldn't be necessary (or even
> helpful) in a moister climate.
My climate is not quite as dry as Wyoming, but it's said we'd be
semi-arid if it weren't for winter. Anyhow, I regularly add water to my
heaps. I use wire mesh containers, and throw in a bucket or two of
water every week in the summer.
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A L B E R T A Alfred Falk fa...@arc.ab.ca
R E S E A R C H Information Systems Dept (780)450-5185
C O U N C I L 250 Karl Clark Road
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
http://www.arc.ab.ca/ T6N 1E4
http://www.arc.ab.ca/staff/falk/
Sylvia Steiger
exposes a different area which may contribute to drying. But I was also
thinking that wetting it more to start with might help; hey, if I wind
up with a stinking mass of anaerobic decomposition, at least it will be
decomposing (which is more than I have happening now!)
Sylvia Steiger
Now I just have to get my water system operational again so I can add water!
BeeCrofter
from your kichen sink end up?
Sylvia Steiger
> from your kichen sink end up?
About 20 miles from my compost barrels. <g> They're on our land and
we're not living there yet. I do have pipes set up to use as grey water
when we're living out there, though!
Jack Schidt
"BeeCrofter" <beecr...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20020428111808...@mb-fm.aol.com...
> Gray water is more than adequate for adding to compost. Where does the
water
> from your kichen sink end up?
>
>
>
>
>
>
From what I've read, kitchen wastewater isn't considered gray water (I've
seen it called 'black water'), especially if you have a dishwasher hooked
up. bathroom sink/shower water and laundry water are gray water.
Jack