Mrs. Mac
I was asked by Ellen Libby to respond to yor posting on school composting. I'm an Extension Educator and part of the Maine Compost Team and School, we provide compost technical assisatnce, compost training and conduct compost research.
Your situation is very common. There are multiple reason why piles start to heat then quickly cool off. You will need to trouble shoot the pile to see which of the following may be causing the issue.
1. pile size is to small, piles need to be at least 3'x3'x3' ( Iactually like the 4'x'4'x 4') for the thermo mass. Small piles do not hold the heat.
2. Incorrect C:N ratio: C:N is carbon to nitrogen ratio it should be approximately 30:1 Carbon is often described as the "browns" of a compost mix and Nitrogen as the "greens" This is the diet for the compost microbes. Diet is important for proper growth of kids, the same is true for compost microbes. To much of one thing is not good in the long run hence the short temperature burst. Try adding eihter more C or N and mixing.
3. Pile is to wet, compsot is an aerobic process, to much water takes away the air spaces in the pile. It could also be to dry. Solution: add dry material if to wet or add water if to dry. Squeeze material to check for moisture. Water should not run between your fingers.
4. Pile to compacted. A poorly constructed pile will not allow air to flow through the pile. The microbes need O2.
Add larger size particle material to create pore space.
Remember, it is the activity of the microbes that create the heat. the more microbes the more heat. Keep taking those temperatures it will help you troubleshoot the piles.
If you are interested we are offerign a 2 day progaram for school copmosting in June. Our website has the information
www.composting.org
I'd be glad to help with any additional questions.
Mark
