Guide on Desert Composting: Turning Arid Waste into Rich Soil
The Aeroplus 3-Stage Compost Bin - 21 Cubic Feet and the Worm Factory 360 Composter are two composting solutions that can help gardeners manage their organic waste. With a volume of 21 cubic feet, the Aeroplus 3-Stage Compost Bin offers ample space for composting, while the Worm Factory 360 is a compact worm composter suitable for smaller spaces.
When it comes to composting in challenging climates, two especially effective approaches are aerobic (hot) composting and slow or sheet mulching/lasagna composting.
Aerobic (hot) composting is a fast, efficient method that requires a pile size of about 3’x3’x3’ to maintain heat. This heat, which ranges from 120-160°F, helps the decomposition process proceed efficiently even in cooler or fluctuating climates. The pile must have balanced "green" (nitrogen-rich) and "brown" (carbon-rich) materials layered with adequate moisture and be turned regularly to introduce oxygen. Covering the pile with a tarp or opaque plastic helps retain moisture and heat, especially useful in dry or cold conditions.
On the other hand, slow or cool composting methods, like lasagna composting (sheet mulching), are suitable for those with less time or ability to turn the pile frequently. This method layers carbon and nitrogen materials, often beginning with cardboard, which is high in carbon. The layers decompose gradually over months, releasing nutrients slowly. This method is lower maintenance and can be more resilient to climatic challenges like drought or temperature extremes, as it requires less active management.
Additional tips for challenging climates include monitoring moisture carefully, using tools like soil moisture meters or compost thermometers, and trench composting (burying organic material in garden paths) to protect material from climate extremes and pests.
In summary, hot aerobic composting is best for faster results and pathogen control and can be adapted to colder or drier climates by insulating and moisture management, while slow lasagna or sheet mulching composting offers a low-maintenance, climate-resilient alternative. Choose between them based on your available time, materials, and specific climate challenges.
The Hungry Bin - Continuous Flow Worm Composter and the Jora JK125 Composter - 4.5 Cubic Feet are other composting solutions mentioned. It is also worth noting that the Green Cone Solar Waste Digester, while not a compost bin, can be a useful addition to a composting system, as it helps break down organic waste using solar power.
[1] Composting for Fun and Profit, Garrett Composting [2] The Compost Garden, Rachel Foster [3] The Complete Compost Gardening Guide, Barbara Pleasant [4] The Urban Homestead, Kelly Coyne and Eric Knutzen
- Considering the environmental-science aspect of composting, the efficiency and effectiveness of aerobic (hot) composting can be optimized not only in favorable climates but also in colder or drier ones by insulating and carefully managing moisture levels.
- For those leading a lifestyle that values sustainability and home-and-garden activities, slow or cool composting methods, such as lasagna composting, may be a suitable low-maintenance and climate-resilient solution when dealing with time constraints or specific environmental challenges.
