c-ray
02-28-2007, 05:36 PM
This was developed at the University of California in Berkeley. Alternate layers of high carbon and high nitrogen materials to build a pile of at least 1.5m (4.5 feet) high but not higher than 2m (6 feet) to be sure that there is good aeration. The carbon:nitrogen ratio of between 25-30:1. Real high carbon materials like sawdust should be avoided, or they can be added but the compost will take significantly longer. The materials should be shredded or small if possible. There should be an adequate amount of moisture in the pile but not too much (40-60% moisture). The pile should jiggle if you whack it with a shovel. The key with the berkeley method is to turn the pile every 2 days and if the ambient temperatures warm enough (above 50F/10C) then the pile can be finished in as fast as 18 days.
The pile should not be allowed to reach 65C/150F. Use a long thermometer to measure the temps in the center of the pile. Turn the pile if it gets up to 60C/140F.
It can be added to outside gardens at this point, but if it is to be used indoors or in greenhouses or in pots (as a potting medium) it should be sieved to remove large bits of partially decomposed materials and allowed to 'cure' for a few months before being used.
Here is a good piece of software to help calculate carbon:nitrogen ratios -> http://www.compostingtechnology.com/CompostCalc/compostcalc.php
The pile should not be allowed to reach 65C/150F. Use a long thermometer to measure the temps in the center of the pile. Turn the pile if it gets up to 60C/140F.
It can be added to outside gardens at this point, but if it is to be used indoors or in greenhouses or in pots (as a potting medium) it should be sieved to remove large bits of partially decomposed materials and allowed to 'cure' for a few months before being used.
Here is a good piece of software to help calculate carbon:nitrogen ratios -> http://www.compostingtechnology.com/CompostCalc/compostcalc.php