Why is Berkeley Compost Method so fast?

carlson yeung

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Location: Vancouver, BC

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posted 6 years ago

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According to the Berkeley method, hot compost can be as fast as 21 days. A starting period and then turn every 2nd day. Other hot compost methods are less labor intense and only turn after the temperature drops to some level or begins to drop, but they take longer.

What is it about the Berkeley method that produces compost so fast? It is counterintuitive - for me at least. I thought that a bin that is steaming along at 140F or 150F would be happiest and most productive if just left alone. Not do anything until the temperature begins dropping.. when something is out of balance.

Thank you for your insights.

Gerry Parent

Rocket Scientist

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posted 6 years ago

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I worked on my first hot compost pile this year and would have to say that its the air that is constantly being introduced to the aerobic microbes that they really like.

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R Scott

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+1 for air plus constantly moving fresh food to the microbes instead of them having to crawl to the food.

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