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At what temperature does composting occur?

The compost temperature should be between 30 °C and 60 °C. The optimum temperature is around 55 °C.

Composting is a great way to make use of organic material, such as kitchen and garden waste In compost, diffusers and microorganisms eat and roost organic matter, which leads to the waste becoming nutrient-rich mulch.

However, microorganisms are surprisingly fussy about their ideal temperature. If the compost temperature does not rise above 30 °C, no composting will occur. Reasons for this can be that the compost may be too dense and wet, or alternatively too dry and waste-free. If the temperature is too low, it’s a sign of microorganism inactivity when they do not dispose of waste properly. In this case, the organic waste rots, which means that the compost does not produce mulch and it smells awful. Riittävän korkea lämpötila takaa myös patogeenien tuhoutumisen, joka on tärkeää, jos kompostia halutaan käyttää hyötykasvien ravinteena. In addition, weed plant seeds are destroyed at a temperature of about 50 °C.

A compost that is too hot is often not a problem. Composting occurs even at temperatures above 70 °C. If the temperature in the compost rises above 80 °C for some reason, the diffuser organisms may die. In this case, the composting process stops at least momentarily.

Measure the temperature of the compost and stir the contents at the right time

The temperature of the compost can be affected by turning the ingredients in the compost. If the temperature in the compost starts to decrease, it may be either too dense, too dry, or it may lack waste which gives the microorganisms nutrients.

Tightly packed compost should be stirred with a stick. In addition to that, dry ingredients can be added to the compost to increase the airiness of the compost and bind excess liquid. If the compost is too dry, moist waste or warm water can be added to it to increase the temperature. As a rule of thumb, compost moisture is at a good level if you squeeze a fist of compost in your hand and a few drops of water drip from it. Compost can also cool when composting microorganisms run out of nutrition, i.e. composting slows down.

With the help of a RuuviTag, you can monitor the temperature of the compost at all times. In addition, you can view the different stages of composting with temperature changes in the data graphs found in the Ruuvi mobile app. If necessary, you can also set alarms for each RuuviTag: if the temperature drops significantly from the usual, you can go check your compost and take any necessary actions.

Attach the waterproof RuuviTag inside the compost to the top with adhesive tape or with a screw. ou can either tape a regular RuuviTag’s breathing hole shut with a waterproof tape or alternatively get a fully waterproof RuuviTag Pro 2in1.

We recommend placing the taped RuuviTag and RuuviTag Pro 2in1 in a sealed minigrip bag. The bag protects the sensors from thermal fluctuations in the compost and from continuous very high humidity.

What can be put in compost?

It is important to know what can be put in compost and what cannot, in order to ensure healthy and effective composting. The following items can be put in compost:

  1. Plant waste: Fruit and vegetable peels, grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and flower remnants are excellent composting materials.
  1. Garden waste: Prunings from trees and bushes, hay, straw, and plant trimmings can also be added to the compost.
  1. Kitchen waste: Food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells are biodegradable materials that enrich the compost.
  1. Paper and cardboard: Uncoated paper, corrugated cardboard, and egg cartons are safe compostable materials, as long as they are not added in excessive amounts.
  1. Garden plant remnants: Dead parts of plants, such as withered flowers, stems, and leaves, can be added to the compost.

On the other hand, to ensure the effectiveness of the compost, the following items should not be added:

  1. Ash
  2. Plastic packages labelled as biodegradable (they decompose too slowly)
  3. Chewing gum
  4. Large amounts of paper or cardboard.
Buy a Waterproof Wireless Thermometer to a Compost
Make your compost more efficient with RuuviTag Pro 2in1

Buy a Waterproof Wireless Thermometer to a Compost

Make your compost more efficient with RuuviTag Pro 2in1

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