Compost Troubleshooting Guide
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Compost Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Possible Cause Solutions Rotten Odor Excess moisture (anaerobic Turn the pile or add dry, conditions) porous materials - such as sawdust, wood chips, straw or dry leaves
Compaction (anaerobic Turn the pile or make the pile conditions) smaller
Ammonia Odor Excess moisture Turn the pile
Too much nitrogen - lack of Add high carbon material - carbon such as sawdust, wood chips, straw or dry leaves
Low pile temperature Pile too small Make pile larger or insulate the sides
Insufficient moisture Add water while turning the pile
Poor aeration Turn the pile
Lack of nitrogen Mix in nitrogen sources such as manure or grass clippings
Cold weather Increase pile size or insulate pile with extra layer of material such as straw
High pile temperature (over Pile too large Reduce the pile size 140 degrees Fahrenheit) Insufficient ventilation Turn the pile
Pests (rodents, insects, etc) Presence of meat scraps or Remove meat and fatty foods fatty food waste from the pile, or cover with a layer of soil or sawdust. You may add an animal-proof fence system or increase the temperature of the pile