The Five Laws of Composting

There are five basic rules, or laws, governing successful composting. They are, in no sequential order, the following:

1. Mass
   A cubic yard, or 27 cu.ft., is a minimal size for effective composting. This is a pile that measures 3x3x3 ft., retaining heat and moisture yet still allowing air to reach the center.
2. Material
   Brown material--straw, dried leaves, hay-- and green material--fresh-cut grass, leaves, manure-- provide the critical carbon/nitrogen combination to generate bacterial action.
3. Moisture
   Very important. At least 50% of the pile content should be water.
4. Air
   Aerobic decomposition is what you want. With a 5% oxygen content in the pile, odor is dissipated and bacterial action is maximized.
5. Time
   Turning the pile or leaving it alone will determine how many "crops" of compost are made each year.