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If kitchen waste rots, it can smell unpleasant
When the compost stinks - A guide
The compost can quickly become an odor nuisance if the wrong decomposition processes take place inside. If you pay attention to some aspects of composting, you will prevent bad smells.
Processes in compost
Unpleasant odors indicate that undesirable processes take place in the compost. The compost needs a balanced level of moisture and a good ventilation so that the right bacteria and yeasts break down the organic material. The microorganisms responsible for the rotting processes need oxygen. In too wet material in which anaerobic conditions exist, decay processes take place. When the compost starts to rot, it causes foul odors. A properly functioning compost does not smell unpleasant.
These are the reasons for a smelly compost:
Prevention and control
Apply kitchen waste daily to the compost to allow wet biomass to dry. If you store the kitchen waste in a bucket, then the liquid collects on the ground and favors decay processes. In addition, fruit flies spread quickly. Especially wet kitchen waste should be rolled up in newspaper, which is decomposed on the compost. Do not use color printed paper.
Bad smells on the surface can be removed with a handful of lime or stone dust. Alternatively, you can apply a thin layer of soil or sand to the compost. The substrate absorbs the liquid. If you have a second compost with a mature substrate, you can use this soil to cover the fresh compost.
To stop the formation of ammonia gases during the rotting process, you should periodically shift the compost or loosen it with a compost fork. This ensures a good oxygen supply. Add dry clippings, horn shavings or rock flour to the compost to aid the rotting.
Verrottungsbeschleuniger
Composting accelerators are an effective way of helping rotting in compost. An ecological accelerator is a mixture of sugar and yeast, which is dissolved in lukewarm water. The yeast decompose the organic material and provide a strong heat. In the compost, temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius arise within a short time. During this hot rotting, the degradation processes take place very quickly. Make sure that the substrate is only as moist as a sponge.