Microbial Compost Starter and Accelerator
Bio Compost Treet is a formulation of 5 beneficial bacteria cultures, on a dissolvable powder carrier. It speeds up the natural composting process on a wide range of compost waste materials.
The beneficial bacteria in this formulation utilize the organic wastes as a food source, and naturally convert these wastes into fertile, odorless humus, which can subsequently be used on gardens and plants. The formulation converts organic wastes such as grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, fruit and vegetable wastes, and other household food wastes into useful gardening material.
OPTIMAL COMPOSTING:
For best results a carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) of 30:1 by weight is ideal and the closer that ratio can be realized using available raw materials, the more streamline the composting process will be. The composting bacteria require this carbon/nitrogen balance for optimum activity. The higher the ratio (more carbon) the slower the process goes (lower bacterial activity) and the lower the temperatures realized and the slower is the composting process. The lower the ratio (higher nitrogen), nitrogen will be in excess and will be lost as ammonia gas causing undesirable odors and higher temperatures will be realized (higher bacterial activity) which may threaten bacterial survival. Typical average C:N ratios for some of the more common composting materials are: leaves-60:1, straw- 70:1, wood chips or sawdust 300:1, mixed paper-175:1, cardboard-560:1, vegetable scraps -18:1, coffee grounds-20:1,grass clippings-20:1, manure-15:1.
Other factors worth considering and controlling in composting are temperature, oxygen availability, and moisture. Microbial activity during composting is controlled mainly by nutrient availability, oxygen and moisture. The proper availability of carbon for energy, oxygen for reactions, nutrients for sustenance, and moisture to transport nutrients to and waste products from the organisms are composting keys. During metabolic reactions the microbial activity will increase the temperature and the acidity of the surroundings. The higher the temperature the faster the reactions up to a maximum of about 170oF at which point and above the microorganisms tend to die off. Both temperature and oxygen availability are controlled by frequently turning the compost pile inside out since the interior of the pile is where the highest temperatures and the least oxygen is available. The turning process both cools the temperature and achieves more oxygen exposure. The ideal moisture content is about 40% (damp to the touch). To much moisture may lead to “souring” or “drowning” of the pile, an anaerobic condition which is odorous and counterproductive. Too little moisture will “starve” the bacteria and inhibit composting.
Practically speaking, appropriate instruments for measuring moisture content, temperature, pH and oxygen are useful to commercial composters. For home composting, temperatures too hot to remain in contact very long are excessive, moisture which can be squeezed out in the hand is too much (just damp when s squeezed is about right) while a dry feeling when squeezed is too little.
Packaging and Application:
Sludge Composting:
Sprinkle 1-4 pounds of product per 500 pounds of compost material to be treated. Aerate as needed. Adjust the moisture content, so that the compost material feels moist and springy, but does not remain compacted when squeezed. Repeat every 7-14 days, or as needed.
Pile Composting:
Mix 1-4 pounds with enough water to adequately treat 500 pounds of compost material. Keep the composting material at the dampness of a wrung-out sponge. For faster composting, turn the compost pile every other day, for 7-10 days. Repeat every 7-14 days, or as needed.
PACKAGING:
Bio Compost Treet comes packaged in 32oz jars and bulk 25lb pails.