There are so many methods for composting. Most of them stem from the Indore method, developed by Sir Albert Howard. In order for a compost heap to produce humus, it must have “air, moisture, energy food (carbon), and protein food (nitrogen) (Rodale 1992, p. 130)” to create high enough temperatures for decomposition.
Turning the pile is the best way to aerate the compost. Some farmers and gardeners even put a slotted pipe right through the very top of their pile, or along the bottom of it, to ensure that enough air is coming into the pile, to keep aerobic bacteria alive and decompose raw materials.
To achieve the optimal moisture for the compost pile, the site should drain well to avoid a pool forming, but also be able to retain moisture. The steam for the heating water is necessary for bacteria decomposers, but too much water will drown them. To keep rain out, the compost pile can be covered with plastic, hay, or burlap sacks. If the pile becomes too dry, water may be added, though if the materials are too soggy, more absorbent materials like leaves and dry grass clippings can be added.
“Carbonaceous materials are generally brown or yellow, dry, coarse, and bulky compared with nitrogenous materials which tend to be green, succulent, gooey, and dense (Rodale 1992, p. 132).” Too much nitrogen materials like manure, food scraps, grass clippings, and blood meal will produce ammonia, but some of these materials are needed to create the heat necessary for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria break down the carbon materials into energy (heat) and minerals for the soil. The general ratio of carbon to nitrogen should be about 25:1.
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