<p> Compost Troubleshooting Guide</p><p>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</p><p>Compaction (anaerobic Turn the pile or make the pile conditions) smaller</p><p>Ammonia Odor Excess moisture Turn the pile</p><p>Too much nitrogen - lack of Add high carbon material - carbon such as sawdust, wood chips, straw or dry leaves</p><p>Low pile temperature Pile too small Make pile larger or insulate the sides</p><p>Insufficient moisture Add water while turning the pile</p><p>Poor aeration Turn the pile</p><p>Lack of nitrogen Mix in nitrogen sources such as manure or grass clippings</p><p>Cold weather Increase pile size or insulate pile with extra layer of material such as straw</p><p>High pile temperature (over Pile too large Reduce the pile size 140 degrees Fahrenheit) Insufficient ventilation Turn the pile</p><p>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</p>