Anaerobic Compost
by John Yazo
Anaerobic compost is produced by a method of composting that the organisms in the organic matter don't like air. In nature this same process is done naturally in places like bogs, swamps and even in lakes. It is a slow process of composting, not like the faster aerobic method. Along with being a slower method, it has the tendency to have a smell due to the gasses it creates and can be at times undesirable.
This is a method that is a lot less labor intensive because the pile doesn't need to be turned as it is done in other methods of composting, but also takes a lot longer to produce a finished product. This method does start out the same way that an aerobic method would, but once the aerobic organisms use up the air in the pile and die off the anaerobic organisms will take over working slowly to finish the job.
Anaerobic compost has the tendency to have a high content of nitrogen. This will a noticeable dark slimy feel to the compost due to the fact that the organisms that work the pile don't need nitrogen. These organisms work slower than aerobic bacteria does and this will tend to convert the nitrogen to ammonia.
Depending on the time you have or want to spend on your composting operation is hat will determine which method you will want to use. They are both easy and beneficial way of turning your organic household and yard waste into a nutrient rich humus that will improve the soils structure in your garden.
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