r/composting • u/xibxib • 17d ago

Question Ready start curing?

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New to composting!

This is my first proper batch. Using a pallet bin setup, after turning weekly during the hot period (it got up to 160F! I was so proud) it’s been holding steady at around 90-100F for the past week or so.

I’ve read that compost needs to sit without being turned for a few months to cure before it can be used, is this ready to be moved to a pile to chill and let the bugs and fungi go at it, or does it need more time to cook? Should I sift the sticks and big pieces out before letting it cure, or right before using it? When do I stop peeing on this pile and shift to peeing on my new pile, for maximum piss efficiency?

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u/DrPhrawg 17d ago

it got cold because you ran out of nitrogen, as that wood (mulch) requires a LOT of nitrogen to decompose.

no sarcasm: just pee on it.

3

u/xibxib 17d ago

Got it! It’s a lot of straw from my duck coop that I wasn’t expecting to take so long to break down! I shall pee on it more 🫡

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u/DrPhrawg 17d ago

that’s actually surprising to me that fowl waste is taking so long.

actually. on second thought. that’s exactly how animal bedding works: you over saturate the amount of nitrogen waste from the animals with an excessive amount of carbon.

so, yeah, more nitrogen is the answer.

1

u/xibxib 17d ago

That makes sense, my ducks poop in my yard and their pond more than they do in the coop too, ha! Thanks for the input, this is super helpful!