Anaerobic compost
Anaerobic compost is made without air.
It does smell but as it is sealed, no smell is noticed.
The main advantage is that no nitrogen is lost.
Aerobic compost
Aerobic compost is produced when oxygen is encouraged into the system.
There are four stages in a compost pile.
Many pathogens and bacteria dangerous to human heath are destroyed as the next stage, the thermophilic, begins.
Insects and fungi invade and dying, create more nitrogen that is used by the next invading army.
Larger fungi as well as fauna such as beetles and earthworms also help digest the harder material.
The fungi coat the plant matter and invade it while digesting the nutrients.
In turn the fungi are digested by other aerobic bacteria which also penetrate plant cells further breaking them down.
It is important that it is not still working so that the nitrates become available to the soil immediately.
Continuous composting.
Continuous composting is convenient and sensible.
A continuous compost is an aerobic pile in which all stages could be happening at once.
The top layer the freshest may be hot while the bottom is curing.
A three bin method is suitable.
Each bin is about a meter square and a meter high.
Then add scraps and waste as you like.
When the pile is full this may take months leave it to cure and begin a new one.
When the first has shrunk to about one third, open and use.
