I need a rapid way to break this down...

[oOTurfmanoO]

I've been learning about compost for the last 2 or so years. I made my first batch simply by adding ingredients an keeping it turned/flipped with a front-end loader on no specific time schedule. The original pile was huge and it naturally broke down into something of value (which was the goal).

As soon as I saw what I could do, I began a second batch with the 1st sitting idle. What i'm looking for is a way to break it down FAST either naturally or mechanically into something FINE to the extent that if you were to topdress a lawn the majority would fall into the canopy.

I've included a few pics of what I'm working with.This is relatively new to me and I'm open to suggestions,questons and advice.

Picture 1 is a simple image after it was turned...
Picture 2 and 3 are of last years batch. One is obvously dried and the other still wet.
Picture 4 is great profile shot of the the pile.

As you can see, there is some "larger than desireable" material. Again,my goal is to break it down fast, either smash, crush, tumble, worms, etc.

Your thoughts......

[phasthound]

Originally Posted by oOTurfmanoO

I've been learning about compost for the last 2 or so years. I made my first batch simply by adding ingredients an keeping it turned/flipped with a front-end loader on no specific time schedule. The original pile was huge and it naturally broke down into something of value (which was the goal).

As soon as I saw what I could do, I began a second batch with the 1st sitting idle. What i'm looking for is a way to break it down FAST either naturally or mechanically into something FINE to the extent that if you were to topdress a lawn the majority would fall into the canopy.

I've included a few pics of what I'm working with.This is relatively new to me and I'm open to suggestions,questons and advice.

Picture 1 is a simple image after it was turned...
Picture 2 and 3 are of last years batch. One is obvously dried and the other still wet.
Picture 4 is great profile shot of the the pile.

As you can see, there is some "larger than desireable" material. Again,my goal is to break it down fast, either smash, crush, tumble, worms, etc.

Your thoughts......

Since you're in PA, i suggest you contact http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/

[Tim Wilson]

http://www.ibiblio.org/steved/Luebke...-compost2.html

this should work with research

[phasthound]

And of course, Tim is a great resource!

[oOTurfmanoO]

Originally Posted by phasthound

Since you're in PA, i suggest you contact http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/

phasthound, awesome and in depth website. I've actually heard of this a while back. Some of its contents are part of my learning literature!

Thank you sir.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

keeping it loose and full of air is the trick

[Marcos]

Originally Posted by DUSTYCEDAR

keeping it loose and full of air is the trick

Yeah, and after lunch every afternoon have all the guys walk over & pee on it.
Urine accelerates the decomposition processes.

[oOTurfmanoO]

Originally Posted by DUSTYCEDAR

keeping it loose and full of air is the trick

To date, that's exactly what I've been doing.

I'd like to find a way to do it faster and better (like most Americans). My goal is to break it down so all material would fall into the canopy vs. having to rake the lawn after a topdressing app. There are still lots of larger pieces in there that are breaking down much slower i.e. older mulch.

[Marcos]

Originally Posted by oOTurfmanoO

I'd like to find a way to do it faster and better (like most Americans). My goal is to break it down so all material would fall into the canopy vs. having to rake the lawn after a topdressing app. There are still lots of larger pieces in there that are breaking down much slower i.e. older mulch.

Find a local Ag dealer who can sell you liquid dark molasses in bulk. For composting purposes dilute the molasses approx 1:1 with water. Spray compost just before turning & then once again afterward.
Dark molasses derived from alcohol refining has a fertilizer analysis of approx 1-0-5, but it's not the N here that helps to kick in thermophilic decomposition into a higher gear, it's molasses' invert sugar.
Steer far clear of liquid molasses that has had vitamin supplements added for the benefit of livestock!

Of course, in further diluted rates, molasses is also often used as a component in compost teas.
We found it to be quite instrumental last fall as a 'shot of K' during drought-recovery non-renovation efforts.

[JDUtah]

Sounds like you need to screen it. Probably double screen.