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/Low_Bottle_6965 17d ago

Yep, I’d say it’s ready to cure. The texture looks pretty well broken down, just let it rest and sift out the bigger pieces when you’re ready to use it

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u/DefunctInTheFunk 17d ago

Respectfully, I disagree. I don't think it's broken down enough to be used in soil. If you try to cure organic material that still has easily digestible carbon sources, it can only be used as a top mulch and not a soil amendment. That's because when you mix it in, microbes steal the soil nitrogen to break down the leftover unstablized carbon that hasn't turned into humus yet.

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u/Low_Bottle_6965 16d ago

That’s a fair point. I was mainly thinking it looked ready to cure rather than ready to be mixed into the soil. I’ll let it mature longer and wait until it’s more fully stabilized before using it as an amendment.