Why Does Compost Smell?
Compost is a great way to add nutrients to your garden, but sometimes it can start to smell bad. There are a few reasons why this might happen.
The Compost Pile Is Not Balanced
Compost is made up of two types of materials: greens and browns. Greens are things like grass clippings and food scraps, while browns are things like leaves and straw. If you have too many greens in your compost pile, it will start to smell like sewage or ammonia. This is because the greens are breaking down too quickly and releasing nitrogen gas. To fix this, add more brown materials to your compost pile.
The Compost Pile Is Compacted
Compost piles need air to decompose properly. If your compost pile is compacted, it will start to smell bad. This is because the air can’t get to the organic material, and it starts to rot. To fix this, turn the compost pile regularly. You can also add some “fluffy” materials like dry leaves or dry grass to help keep the pile from over-compacting again.
The Compost Pile Is Too Wet
Compost piles need to be moist, but they can’t be too wet. If your compost pile is too wet, it will start to smell bad. This is because the waterlogged conditions create an environment where anaerobic bacteria thrive. These bacteria produce foul-smelling gases. To fix this, turn the compost pile and add some dry brown materials to absorb some of the moisture.
The Compost Pile Has Layers of Green and Brown Material
Sometimes a compost pile has the right balance of green and brown material, but these materials have been put into the compost pile in layers. If the green material is isolated from the brown material, it will start to decompose incorrectly and will start to give off a bad smell. To fix this, mix the pile a bit better.
How to Stop Compost Smelling
If your compost pile is smelling bad, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
- Add more brown materials. This will help to balance the nitrogen and carbon levels in the compost pile and reduce the production of ammonia gas.
- Turn the compost pile regularly. This will help to aerate the compost pile and prevent it from becoming compacted.
- Add some “fluffy” materials. This will help to keep the compost pile from over-compacting and allow air to circulate.
- Mix the compost pile. If the compost pile has layers of green and brown material, mix it up to ensure that the materials are evenly distributed.
- Cover the compost pile with straw, leaves, or newspaper. This will help to suppress the smell of composting manure.
By following these tips, you can keep your compost pile from smelling bad and enjoy the benefits of nutrient-rich compost in your garden.
Additional Tips for Preventing Compost Odor
- Use a compost bin with a lid. This will help to contain the smell of the compost pile.
- Place the compost bin in a well-ventilated area. This will help to dissipate the smell of the compost pile.
- Avoid adding meat, dairy, or pet waste to your compost pile. These materials can attract pests and cause the compost pile to smell bad.
- Turn the compost pile regularly. This will help to aerate the compost pile and prevent it from becoming compacted.
- Add some “fluffy” materials to the compost pile. This will help to keep the compost pile from over-compacting and allow air to circulate.
By following these tips, you can keep your compost pile from smelling bad and enjoy the benefits of nutrient-rich compost in your garden.
