Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Compost Tumblers
Composting is an effective and environmentally friendly way to convert organic waste into healthy soil for gardens. While traditional composting methods usually involve open piles or mounds, compost tumblers offer a more controlled and contained approach. This article will explore the pros and cons of using a compost tumbler versus an open pile and provide guidance on how to start a brand new tumbler.
The Advantages of Using a Compost Tumbler
Animal Deterrence - A major advantage of a compost tumbler versus an open pile is that it deters animals. Open compost piles are accessible to small animals like raccoons and rats while a tumbler is enclosed and elevated off the ground which reduces pest activity. This feature is particularly beneficial for gardeners who want to avoid unwanted critters in their compost.
Odor and Mess Containment - Compost tumblers are designed to keep odors and messes contained. In a traditional compost pile, imbalances of brown and green materials can cause unwanted odors. A compost tumbler has a sealed design that helps to contain any bad smells in the event that the compost materials become imbalanced. This design allows gardeners to achieve a higher nitrogen level, to speeding up the composting process, but with the unwanted odors contained inside the tumbler so it’s less offending.
Improved Aeration - Aeration is critical for the composting process. It helps to break down the organic material more quickly by adding more air and reduce compaction within the compost. An open compost pile requires manual turning with a pitchfork or tractor to introduce air. The spinning motion of a tumbler simplifies this task. The tumbler can be easily rotated, ensuring that the compost is properly aerated with less effort. This is especially beneficial for gardeners with limited mobility.
Neat and Tidy Appearance - Compost tumblers offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to open piles that can be seen as messy. The garden area appears neat and tidy with the compost material contained within a discreet, enclosed tumbler. This can be especially important for gardeners who are growing in spaces with aesthetic requirements such as Homeowner Associations or historical neighborhoods.
The Drawbacks of Using a Compost Tumbler
Limited Volume - One of the main disadvantages of a compost tumbler is its limited capacity. Even when the tumbler is completely full, it does not contain enough volume once it is decomposed to support larger gardens. As compost decomposes, it reduces by 2/3 leaving just 1/3 the original volume. For example, a 37-gallon tumbler may only yield about 12 gallons of finished compost. This is only 1.5 cubic feet of finished compost. This is typically not sufficient for medium or large sized gardens. It would be necessary to purchase multiple tumblers to keep up with the needs of a large garden.
Inadequate Heat for Hot Composting - Compost tumblers will often not reach the high temperatures required for hot composting, which is a faster and more efficient method of decomposition. Hot composting requires a large pile that is at least three cubic yards big to reach the 130-160 degree temperatures needed to decompose and break down the materials more quickly. Since a compost tumbler can’t achieve this level of volume or heat, vermicomposting is how the organic materials are broken down. Vermicomposting is when worms and other microorganisms break down the organic matter within the tumbler. This type of composting does result in the same rich nutrient soil as hot composting but it does take significantly longer.
Challenges in Compost Removal - The design of compost tumblers can make it challenging to remove the finished compost. The opening to remove the compost is narrow and the compost can build up and become stuck to the sides. One common method to remove the compost from the tumbler is to place a tarp or shallow container under the tumbler and rotate the drum. This method uses gravity to dump the compost from the bottom of the tumbler onto the tarp or container. While this method does help remove a large amount of the finished compost, it still requires some additional effort to scrape the inside of the barrel to release any compost stuck to the sides. Shoveling compost from an open pile tends to be more straightforward and quicker.
Getting Started with a Compost Tumbler
To begin composting with a tumbler, it is important to follow a few key steps:
Start with Carbon-Rich Materials - Begin by adding brown, carbon-rich materials such as cardboard, shredded paper, dead leaves, or wood chips. These materials form the base of the compost and provide the necessary carbon needed for proper decomposition.
Add Nitrogen-Rich Materials - After establishing a base layer of browns, add green, nitrogen-rich materials. Kitchen scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, garden waste, and animal manure are all excellent sources of nitrogen. Animal manure (particularly from herbivores like cows, horses, goats, and chickens) is rich in nitrogen and can significantly boost the composting process. Take caution when using animal manures as they can contain herbicides that the animal has consumed which can be detrimental to your garden. The recommended ratio for compost is three parts browns to one part greens. However, this ratio can be adjusted based on the materials carbon or nitrogen levels. Higher carbon ratios like that in sawdust or wood chips would require larger amounts of kitchen scraps to break down effectively.
Turn the Tumbler Regularly - To promote proper decomposition and aeration, the tumbler should be rotated at least once per week. Turning the tumbler ofter will help speed up the composting process and ensure that the materials break down evenly.
Determine When Compost Is Ready - Compost is ready for use when it is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell. No distinguishable pieces of material should be viewable by the time the compost is complete. In a compost tumbler, the compost may appear more moist and clumpy compared to traditional compost piles, especially in climates with a lot of rainfall or high humidity. If there are still recognizable pieces of material in the compost, allow the compost to continue breaking down. It typically takes between 4-12 months for the materials to reach a finished state in a tumbler. This depends greatly on your climate and the materials used in the tumbler.
Compost tumblers offer a convenient way to produce compost, with the added benefits of deterring animals, containing odors, and maintaining a neat garden space. While they do have some limitations, such as reduced volume and lack of hot composting, their ease of use makes them a valuable tool for many gardeners.
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