There are many different methods that you can choose to maintain your own composting bin. It is quite easy to manage, and once you get familiar with the proportions of greens and browns, you can develop an efficient system where the garden will receive maximum benefit from the composting mixture.
However, it is always recommended to start slow and then work your way to expanding the composting bin. Let’s briefly cover the use of dirt in the composting bin and whether or not it is viable long term.
Can I Put Dirt in My Compost Bin?
Even though people like to start with greens and browns straight away, a little bit of dirt doesn’t harm the overall system. Some experts have pointed out that a minimal amount of dirt can benefit the compost mixture by initiating the decomposition process. So, if you’re just starting out, using small quantities of dirt shouldn’t be an issue. However, as you go on increasing the composting mixture, make sure that the maximum portion is made of greens and browns.
With that said, many people struggle with a sludgy mixture after adding wet dirt to their composting bin. Using wet dirt won’t only slow down the process of decomposition but will also decrease the temperature while changing the structure of the mixture. So, you have to ensure that the dirt you’re adding to the compost bin is dry. That way, you won’t have to deal with the composting mixture turning into sludge. This method is viable long-term and brings plenty of benefits to the table.
The dirt also encourages worm activity in the plant and develops a uniform structure throughout the composting bin. When you introduce this compost mixture to your garden, the plants receive maximum benefit from the dirt and the distribution of greens and browns in the mixture. Along with managing the moisture in the dirt, you have to make sure that the quantity of dirt used in the composting bin is minimal. Otherwise, the decomposition rate will slow down, and you won’t get the necessary performance from the system.
After you get a blanched composting mixture, you can introduce it to your garden as per the nutrient demands of the plants. It is best to cycle the addition of the compost and the starting of the season to notice maximum results in your garden’s efficiency. Hopefully, this helps you maintain a sustainable composting bin.
To Conclude
Adding soil to the composting bin shouldn’t be an issue as long as you make sure that the soil is dry and not wet. Having excessive moisture in the soil makes the structure of the composting mixture slimy, and the decomposition rate of the greens and browns goes down substantially.
Similarly, using large amounts of dirt brings the same impact on the soil, and you won’t be able to notice any significant improvement in the mixture. So, use a minimal quantity of dirt in the composting mixture to encourage worm movement and aid the composting process through the initial phases. You just have to keep control over the moisture content and the amount of dirt you’re using in the bin, and that should be enough for the system.