QUESTION: Compost & Ammonia

comments (3) August 23rd, 2009

GmaSandi, member

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Can you speed the composting process by adding ammonia to the pile?

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Someone told my husband that pouring ammonia in our new compost pile will accelerate the decomposition process, as that's a byproduct of the process anyway. Is this true? I sure want to know before he pours it in! Thanks.

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posted in: compost, , Ammonia

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Comments (3)

GmaSandi writes: Thank you Chris! I think I'll go with the "animal by-product" and save the ammonia for cleaning windows. Ever hopeful, husband said possibly it could be used in a modest portion mixed with water. But for now, just water and our central valley heat is doing it's magic and my barrel of compost-to-be is breaking down and getting darker all the time! I'll try to get some photos online.
Posted: 12:42 am on September 3rd

ChrisMcLaughlin writes: (Meant to type "C:N ratio") *grin*
Posted: 8:10 pm on August 27th

ChrisMcLaughlin writes: Pouring straight ammonia onto a pile can produce an excess of nitrogen in there which could off-set the C:N ration - and create a less-then-pleasant smell to boot. Your husband is on the right track, however, if he's looking for a nitrogen source. But it's more beneficial to just add manures from herbivorous animals (rabbits, chickens, horses, sheep, etc) or other nitrogen rich sources such as grass clipping.

That said, I have heard of someone using human urine as a nitrogen source when they were desperate, LOL!
Posted: 8:09 pm on August 27th

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