Rotary Composting

Soil must have decomposed organic material mixed into it to be healthy and productive.

Composting recycles organic material into the soil instead of sending it to a landfill. This improves the quality of life for the area, and helps the soil maintain the level of necessary microfauna to provide proper nutrients to plants. Composting is done in a variety of ways.

Aerobic Bacteria

The fastest composting is done by aerobic bacteria, or ones that need oxygen. A compost pile that is left undisturbed will eventually decompose, but one that is stirred will turn into compost much quicker. To help with the stirring, several types of rotary compost makers are available.

How They Work

A basic rotary composter looks like a ball or barrel on stilts. It is above the ground, and has a hatch to put the raw material in and take the finished compost out. There is usually enough room under the composter to allow access by a wheelbarrow. The composter is manually turned by a lever on the side. Two or three spins of the composter are enough to mix the ingredients together and ensure they have fresh oxygen. A similar, even easier, rotary composter just rests on the ground and is manually rolled about the yard.

Small Output

Rotary composters for the home are small enough to handle easily. This limits the compost to just a small amount. However, the speed of the composting allows multiple batches to be made in the same time a traditional composter makes one. Another advantage is that it is much more difficult for animals to gain access to the raw compost.

Shredded Ingredients

A rotary composter works best when the ingredients are shredded before being put into the barrel.

References

• Glorious Gardens: Compost
• RRFB Nova Scotia: Rotating Barrel Composter

Resources

• How to Compost