Humified Compost

What is Humified Compost?

Humus compost is organic matter combined with clay, fully broken down by microbes, and then polymerized by another set of microbes into humus.

What is the common perception of Composting?

What most people think of as compost is organic matter that is placed in a windrow or a static pile.  It is then stirred with a compost turner a few times, and maybe a bit of water is added, in 2-3 months it turns into compost. In Texas, the TCEQ definition of compost is that it reach 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 days, and is turned at least 5 times.  Sounds like making toast to me! At Microbial Earth we know that compost that is too hot is broken down organic matter, but lacks most of the benefits of compost that is made properly.

Why use Humified Compost?

Over time, it can reduce fertilizer requirements by 50-75%, it can increase yields by up to 10%, it can grow more plant mass with 30-50% less water, and it can reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides. All this can be done by converting organic waste streams into a high value humus compost.

How do we make Humified Compost?

Recipe & Synchronization:  We purchase our ingredients to get an exact recipe that we can repeat and learn from.

Temperature Control: Particularly in the first three weeks of the composting process, organic matter breakdown generates heat that, if not managed well, will begin to kill the beneficial microbes.  Windrows are quickly turned if the temperature is over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

images from our compost production facilities in Kyle, Texas.

Aeration: The compost turner is used to replace carbon dioxide produced by microbes with fresh air/oxygen as the microbes keep working.  Compost is turned when CO2 levels exceed 20%.

Moisture Management: Windrow moisture levels are kept between 40 and 50% to maximize microbial efficiency.  Windrows are turned, adding water if moisture levels are below 40%.

Click here for more information on The Soil Food Web.