Our intensive garden system inside our permaculture greenhouse demands constant fertility renewal. So we have started to research the Thermophilic composting method here at Spiral Ridge Permaculture Gardens and Nursery. This is a rapid bio digestion process where the ideal conditions for the rapid growth and colonization of bacteria are created and maintained. This facilitates the expedient destruction and breakdown of organic materials, giving off heat as part of the biological reaction. Our intensive garden system inside our permaculture greenhouse demands constant fertility renewal.
After several piles we are starting to see results. Our research piles included different materials in each pile. The first pile had green material from garden and kitchen plus straw. Our second pile included duck pond much and straw. Our third pile was Alpaca manure and straw.
Our ratio of C:N was around 30:1. The pile is suppose to reach 140 degrees within 4 days and then turned every two days or as the pile reaches 140. The total length of time to complete the composting is 18-21 days. Our first two piles had a very hard time reaching 140. The third pile reach 140. We then turned it every two days or when the pile reached the optimum temperature of 140. However, the temperatures started to wane after some time and we have not been able to get the pile hot again. So …… Our research continues…..Enjoy the pictures!
Turning the compost. Again!140 degrees, ready to turn