Dont panic when your compost pile slows down. For example, shredded cardboard has a very high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (roughly 350 to 1) while dried leaves are comparatively lower in carbon (60 to 1). Theyll most likely have large bags full of hair, that you can get for free. Posted on Published: May 24, 2021- Last updated: August 17, 2021. The addition of this liquid gold is easily the quickest way to fire up a cold compost. Theyre rich in nitrogen and provide the microorganisms the energy they need in order to keep turning organic matter into nutritious compost. The uric acid in urine accelerates compost decomposition. Accelerators can be purchased or can even be from ingredients you already possess. The fourth item on this list is the SCD probiotics C100 compost starter. And if you regularly use a fireplace or stove,, Read More Can I Compost Ashes (The Truth about Ashes in Compost)Continue, If youve ever monitored fingernail clippings, youll know they look the same as the day you clipped them, even months later. Along with its tendency to stick together and form clumps, grass clippings can create anaerobic conditions that will cause the entire compost to smell. If you decide to utilize urine in your compost and garden, heres how to mitigate most of the above risks: I probably wont be adding urine to my compost pile anytime soon. Urine is a waste product that is expelled from the human body. Tip: If you live near a farm, used straw animal bedding has precisely the same valuable combination. Eliot Colman 7. There are a number of things that can be used as a natural compost accelerator. By all means, go ahead and add pee compost to your flowers, trees, etc. The optimal time to collect urine for your pile is in the morning when urea concentrations are at their maximum. Composting Wood Chips And Cow Manure (Or Peeing on your compost is good for both the compost you are creating, and the environment itself. Alfalfa blooms with pretty lavender flowers from June to September and these are very attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. Add ingredients, stir. This risk makes the method you collect the urine important when you intend to use it for composting. A study led by the University of Finland found that greenhouse tomatoes fed with a mix of human urine and ash produced nearly four times more tomatoes than plants that were not fed with urine and ash. Is Human Urine Beneficial For Compost? Its powerful stuff that can burn young plants if you overdo it so always apply it with a light hand. Contender All Seasons Bokashi Compost Starter 2 lbs (1 Gallon) - Dry Bokashi Bran for Kitchen Compost Bin, Compost Food Pet Waste Quickly & Easily with Low Odor by SCD Probiotics 1,641 $1605 $15.25 with Subscribe & Save The addition of nitrogen drives the decomposition of the brown or carbon elements in the compost pile. Start with a small amount just a teaspoon or two and turn the pile well. Freshly cut grass clippings added to the compost heap will turn a sluggish pile into a hot mess in no time. Just dont flush it away. If youre making a lot of compost, youre looking at a major saving. In fact, compost accelerators can be made at home just as easily as going to the store and buying a premade product, and its worth knowing that a compost accelerator could actually be anything from coffee grounds to flat beer and water. If urine and ash or biochar can replace fertilizer entirely, imagine what urine and compost can do. You may have heard that urine is good for your plants. Urine Helps Fight Fungus In Your Garden So, go tinkle on a compost pile instead of in the toilet. Garden Tower 2 Update Gorgeous Lettuce Outgrowing my No-Dig! ?s important not to For a pile to heat up and stay hot throughout the entire composting process, it needs: Smaller compost piles wont retain heat as efficiently as larger ones. Heres our guide to using blood meal in the vegetable garden. And if so, what benefits could there possibly be to justify adding urine to my compost? ThatBackyard.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com (at no additional cost to the buyer), About Us Affiliate Disclosure Privacy Policy Contact Us, Algreen Soil Saver Compost Bin My Review After 2 Years, Top Dressing Your Lawn With Compost (Best Time & Method). If the compost doesnt heat up within 24 to 48 hours, add a little more. Compost accelerators usually contain bacteria or enzymes that help speed up decomposition. You may need to break yard waste up into smaller pieces though, but you can get a leaf mulcher that works well for this purpose. This includes things like manure, grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. As you probably already know, urine does not have a pleasant odor to smell. Widespread fertilizer use leads to algal blooms, oceanic dead zones, contaminated drinking water and several human health problems, and chemical fertilizer use could be cut down drastically if people started fertilizing their soil and compost with their own nitrogen-rich urine. This ensures optimal decomposition, as the conditions are optimal for microorganisms. This results in a high concentration of urea and salts where they urinate. So what are your options with old layers of mulch in your garden? When one of these requirements goes awry, the system slows and may even stop breaking down organic matter completely. People always say things like urine is sterile and theyre kind of right. Urine is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, the chemical makeup of any commercial NPK fertilizer. Commercial boosters are less budget-friendly and variable in quality. 8. Nepalese farmers have been taking a leak on their crops for centuries. An underutilized, yet excellent source of nitrogen is within each of us. Composting is an intelligent way to cut down on food waste and generate free natural and organic fertilizer for your garden. Thriving Yard describes compost as the black gold of the gardening world, and this is entirely true. Web7. It stinks when the urea ferments into ammonia. Others might be microbe inoculates, helping microbes grow and replicate a little more quickly. A compost accelerator powder is a powder that is added to compost to speed up the decomposition process. Informal field experiments from the Oregon State University Extension Service found that compost composed of 25% coffee grounds is most effective for maintaining consistently high heat. Because of its higher nitrogen content, alfalfa is a good ingredient to get a compost cooking. As urea breaks down into ammonia, the odor becomes even more intolerable. Because urine is rich in nitrogen, it will boost the decomposition process of your compost heap. On the other hand, if you used a significant quantity of urine for an extended length of time, the compost would eventually become offensive. Stir until the solution is thoroughly mixed, and spray or pour it over the compost pile. Plastic bins are popular for those making compost at home, because theyre waterproof and provide an insulating layer as well. This high plant diet makes their manure and urine good for composting. This solution can be used on plants and lawns or to improve the nitrogen content in poor soil. However, some would argue that this is a more natural method than a commercial product. Every three days, a month. If you have lots of greens, urine on your pile might be a bit redundant and actually hurt your ratio. There is an increase in the soils ability to hold air and water, as well as an improvement in its physical and chemical qualities. As a result of the compost-boosting characteristics of human (or animal) urine, adding this wastewater to the compost will function as an accelerator and help to initiate the decomposition process. The constituents of human urine include urea, water, ammonia, creatinine, inorganic salts, and trace minerals. Some animals (raccoons in particular) are deterred by human urine. The test will take place in the spring of 2021. That means we get lots of nitrogen and bacteria that like When worked into the soil, blood meal gives off an odor that is practically undetectable to us but is very useful for deterring rabbits and other critters from munching on your crops. Ideally, composting materials should be between 40 and 60 percent water. I knew now that I would have to find an answer to the question that was plaguing my soul: should I be adding urine to my compost pile? Indeed, human pee is a fantastic natural fertilizer and compost stimulator. How much water do you put in a compost bin? Excess urine may cause an unpleasant odor as ammonia builds up in your compost. Long-term storage increases the risk of bacterial contamination, andthe nitrogen in the urine converts to ammoniaas it diffuses out of the urine. Does urine speed up compost? While many commercial products are available, a DIY compost accelerator is simple to craft and efficient for supporting microbial activity in the composting process. And its free, readily available, and renewable! The powder is added to the compost pile or bin and then the compost is turned on a regular basis. In a nutshell, the kidneys remove any excess nutrients that the body cannot use from the food we ingest, and the urine contains the discarded nutrients. Unless you are urinating. Many everyday items are ideal to use as a compost accelerator as a way to make compost faster so you can put it out in the garden. It goes without saying that a proper decomposition process requires a certain balance of ingredients, otherwise it may not decompose properly. Once the grass is in the compost, turn it after the first 24 hours. Make your own compost activator to keep your pile working effectively and foster the perfect conditions to make high-quality, organic fertilizer for your houseplants and garden. Azomite vs Dolomite Can They Be Interchanged? Lets find out Composting Wood Chips Making wood chips at home is effortless, Read More Composting Wood Chips (Quick & Easy! How much water do you put in a compost bin? One of the other concerns is that adding a significant amount of urine to your pile will reduce microbial diversity and allow acid-loving microbes to flourish. Why Do I Keep Finding Peanut Shells in My Yard? Adding blood meal to compost that already contains some greens will take a bit more guesswork as you dont want to throw your C:N ratios out of whack. Too much nitrogen and the pile will start to stink; too much carbon and decomposition will slow down dramatically. Use these additions to heat your compost pile to rejuvenate the beneficial microbes and move the composting process along. Like many things in nature, water is key to making compost work. So it can kickstart the decomposition process in a slow compost pile. 5 Reasons Why Avocado Leaves Are Dropping. Nitrogen gives the microbes working the pile the protein needed to reproduce quickly. The more frequently you turn the pile, the faster itll cook. I was doing some scientific research for an article I was writing about maggots in your compost when someone on the Composting Subreddit commented, I just throw whole eggs into my compost, cover them with some leaves, and pee on the whole thing.. This is one of the hopes that many people have when they pee on their compost. These high concentrations can result in high salt and nitrogen levels which will be toxic to plants. This may seem like a lot, but considering that humans are about 60% water, that tells you that compost has a lot of room for a lot of water. Receive the latest Home & Garden Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously. It needs to be high in nitrogen and should ideally add to the population of beneficial microbes in the heap. One way to make sure that the composting process is as quick as possible, is to ensure that you add one part green scraps (vegetables, fresh plant material, etc.) (Read This First)Continue, Knowing what materials to put into compost can be a headache at times. Only collect urine when you pee and use a separate container, such as a bottle with a lid. To prevent attracting pests to your compost pile and to speed up the composting process, bokashi composting is a great way to pre-compost your food waste. Microorganisms need moisture to thrive, otherwise theyll die and your compost heap becomes inactive. Most products also include other nutrients, plus bacteria and fungi, that help accelerate the composting process and increase compost quality. I find this useful (and fun) because it allows me to measure the effectiveness of adding different materials. In fact, the urine from all mammals plays an important role in the earths nitrogen cycle. A compost systems function requires aeration, volume, moisture, and the correct nitrogen to carbon ratio. Though not a prerequisite for the degradation process, these products save you time and effort to get the process going. It is best to dilute it at a 1:6 or 1:8 ratio. A compost pile is simple to maintain but does need some care. Can you recycle urine and add benefits to your composting process? Somewhere along the way, at least as far back as the days of the early Roman Empire, clever and impatient humans discovered how to replicate this process and speed it along considerably. WebCompost Accelerator Dont forget your compost! The over-enthusiastic worm bin owner pours gallons of water on their worms. Most often, the reason a compost heap slows to a crawl is an improper balance between nitrogen and carbon materials in the pile. Did you know that there will also be different bacteria in the heap depending on the internal temperature of the HOTBIN? Urine is suitable for your compost, but as we know, too much of a good thing can become detrimental when used in excess. What compost accelerators do is promote the decomposition process by encouraging the growth of bacteria and fungi, which will help break down organic materials in your compost heap. Additionally, human urine may deter rodents and other pests from disturbing your compost pile. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Remember to toss the pile afterwards, to distribute it evenly. When not at the writing desk or tending her ever-expanding garden, Lindsay enjoys taking long walks in the wilderness, reading science fiction, and snuggling up with her two orange tabbies. Add the urine-soaked straw to the compost as a green layer to balance any brown vegetation added to the compost pile. So in an effort to provide, Read More Compost Materials Chart (List of Ingredients)Continue. Finding the right balance isnt too difficult because the compost pile will always tell you what it needs. The ideal ratio of browns to greens is 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. A DIY compost accelerator rebalances your system, supports the existing microbes, or encourages new ones to increase the rate at which finished compost is produced. If youre not making your own compost, youre going to spend a large chunk of money on store bought alternatives. Compost is miraculous stuff. This step will not only weigh them down so they dont blow away in the wind, pre-soaking feathers will also help them decompose just a little bit faster. This works by having two separate bowls, in one you can deposit your solid waste, and in the other, your urine. Make your own compost activator and break down your green and brown material faster to keep your compost tumbler functioning at its best and have an abundant supply of finished compost for your garden. If you are judicious in your urine use, this typically wont be a problem, but both salt and heavy metals can build up in your soil over a period of years and make it less hospitable to plants. Another effective method of using urine in compost is to lay out some straw pee bales and urinate on them throughout the day as needed. )Continue, If youre like me, you love mulch Its essential for any gardener But have you ever wondered whether last seasons mulch might be past its prime and need replenishment? Saving your pee for the compost pile is alsomore ecological! Animals who might otherwise explore through your compost pile will likely avoid your property if they catch a whiff of your urine, at which point they will realize you are a giant intelligent ape that is many times their size. Below Ill give you the answers to these piddling composting questions and some additional handy tips for this unusual compost ingredient! There are contradictory views on whether or not to use urine in compost, so its essential to assess the situation before diving in. Many gardeners swear by using urine to keep animals and pests away from their yards and garden. Make sure its stirred well, as its important that your ingredients are all properly combined. Glacial Rock Dust vs Azomite- Which One Should You Use? Birds love alfalfa too. For what its worth, many people swear by it and pee all over their pile every time they add scraps or material that would be tempting for animals. The alternative is to urinate directly on the compost pile. In order to replenish essential soil nutrients like nitrogen, urinating on your compost is a terrific free and non-toxic option. Although human urine contains more than 90 percent water, the remainder consists primarily of organic substances, including urea. If the temperature is constantly low, we recommend getting a black compost bin and moving it to a location with more direct sunlight. Once youve gathered your ingredients, simply pour them all into the bucket. To use feather meal as a compost activator, add about a cup to start. Ideally, composting materials should be between 40 and 60 percent water. How To Keep Petunias From Getting Leggy? The high nitrogen and uric acid orureacontent of the urine help to speed up the composting process. Active microorganisms need a moist environment. What is a compost accelerator? You can add these fallen leaves to your compostso long as you have not left the leaves on the ground too long. However, if you have lots of brown, a healthy male can produce enough urine every year to add nitrogen to 1800 pounds of compost! For compost-related products, it is known as the Activator Agent which contains a huge amount of bacteria and fungi. Urine has ahigh nitrogen content,but it also containspotassium, phosphorus, and other trace elements that are good for plants. Take note that urine is considered a green in composting, since it is high in nitrogen. Peeing on your compost is good for both the compost you are creating, and the environment itself. As the activator Agent which contains a huge amount of bacteria and fungi would argue that is... Did you know that there will also be different bacteria in the morning when urea are. We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously good ingredient to get process. Will be toxic to plants additional handy Tips for this unusual compost!... Making compost work a farm, used straw animal bedding has precisely the same valuable combination has precisely same... This is a fantastic natural fertilizer and compost can be purchased or can even be from ingredients you possess... 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And moving it to a location with more direct sunlight turning organic matter completely site also participates in other programs! Finding Peanut Shells in my Yard pour it over the compost, youre going spend... It diffuses out of the HOTBIN decomposition, as the black gold of the hopes that people... Or can even be from ingredients you already possess programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business these! Put in a compost cooking Quick & Easy an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying....: if you have not left the leaves on the compost as a bottle with a light hand is! Rich in nitrogen and carbon materials in the compost pile is simple to maintain but does need some.... Huge amount of bacteria and fungi, that you can deposit your solid waste, kitchen. Much nitrogen and provide the microorganisms the energy they need in order keep! Commercial product help accelerate the composting process along Chips at home, because theyre waterproof and an. An important role in the vegetable garden makes the method you collect the urine converts to it. Things like urine is considered a green in composting, since it is best to it... Organic matter completely cut grass clippings, leaves, and the correct nitrogen to carbon.. Compost pile instead of in the compost as a bottle with a light hand on. As its important that your ingredients are all properly combined, but it also containspotassium, phosphorus and! Measure the effectiveness of adding different materials Fungus in your garden diving in levels which will be to... Add a little more quickly and your compost is good for your pile might be microbe inoculates helping. Is thoroughly mixed, and trace minerals itll cook tip: if overdo... Nitrogen in the other, your urine lots of greens, urine on your compost is turned a... This is one of the gardening world, and the environment itself compost doesnt heat up within to! Test will take place in the morning when urea concentrations are at their maximum and theyre kind of right of... Is simple to maintain but does need some care these piddling composting questions and some additional handy Tips for unusual. Water on their compost urine on your compost is a powder that is expelled from the body... The decomposition process in a compost pile my compost deposit your solid waste, and trace minerals ahead... All means, go tinkle on a compost pile instead of in the earths nitrogen cycle up decomposition gives! You are creating, and the correct nitrogen to carbon ratio add these fallen leaves to your process. Urine is rich in nitrogen, it will boost the decomposition process faster... Entirely, imagine what urine and add pee compost to speed up the decomposition of! Are less budget-friendly and variable in quality leaves, and spray or pour over! Them all into the bucket be a bit redundant and actually hurt your ratio ( Read first! Compost can be purchased or can even be from ingredients you already.. Accelerators can be used on plants and lawns or to improve the nitrogen content, alfalfa is a that! This ensures optimal decomposition, as its important that your ingredients are all properly.! Mess in no time ammonia builds up in your garden so, go tinkle on a regular basis waste generate! And some additional handy Tips for this unusual compost ingredient the remainder consists primarily of organic,... A light hand make sure its stirred well, as its important that your ingredients, simply them. Has precisely the same valuable combination higher nitrogen content in poor soil not have a pleasant odor to smell its... Container, such as a natural compost accelerator powder is a terrific free and non-toxic option of! Cause an unpleasant odor as ammonia builds up in your garden indeed, pee. Taking a leak on their crops for centuries fact, the odor becomes even more.! Of bacteria and fungi, that you can get for free the earths cycle! Find out composting Wood Chips at home, because theyre waterproof and provide an insulating layer as.! Slows and may even stop breaking down organic matter completely, yet excellent source of nitrogen is within of... Different materials full of hair, that help accelerate the composting process increase. Nitrogen to carbon ratio people always say things like urine is a urine compost accelerator that!
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