Rural Compost Operations and Compost Use Training Project
The Rural Compost Operations and Compost Use Training Project project is in full swing through summer 2025!
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are 300,000 miles of rivers and shorelines that are polluted by sediments, excess nutrients, heavy metals, and detrimental microorganisms that can land your favorite fishing spot on the impaired waters list. Moreover, the US EPA estimates that over 200,000 million people live within 10 miles of impaired waters in the U.S. To help rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois protect their local water sources from pollutants, the Iowa Waste Reduction Center has implemented a free on-site training opportunity.
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center will be traveling throughout the Upper Midwest to provide on-site training and technical assistance in seven rural communities to teach attendees, 1) how to compost food waste including best management practices, and 2) how to use the finished product, compost, to protect water sources including rivers, lakes, and groundwater from pollutants and contaminants. Training events will teach attendees the best practices to keep a compost operation healthy and active including classroom lectures and hands-on field exercises. Then the training event will delve into strategies that are proven to protect local water sources from pollutants found in stormwater including compost blankets, filter socks, filter berms, incorporating compost into soils, bioremediation, and finally rain gardens.
How to Compost
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio
The optimal carbon to nitrogen ratio of feedstocks combined is generally 30:1 but this can vary depending on your type of feedstocks. Carbon is generally considered “browns” while nitrogen is considered “greens”. You can start with roughly 2-4 parts “browns” to 1 part “greens”.
Mixing
Thoroughly mix feedstocks when adding to your pile. Depending on the size of your compost operation, mixing is important to limit odors and anaerobic conditions.
Moisture
Optimal moisture content is 40-60%. Squeezing a handful of compost should result in a few drops of water rather than a stream or water or barely any drips of water.
Air
The reasonable range of free air space is 30-65%. To encourage airflow and aerobic conditions, ensure your carbon feedstock consists of clean wood waste of various sizes from 1” wood chips or twigs to sawdust.
Temperature
An active pile you are adding feedstocks to should maintain a temperature of 135-165° F.
Curing
A curing pile will eventually become mature enough to use. When you stop adding feedstocks to your pile, allow it to sit and cure. The compost will become mature at ambient temperatures in a few weeks to months.
Limiting Odors
Ensure you are following optimal guidelines. If all else fails, 9 times out of 10 odors can be mitigated by adding more carbon or bulking agent of various sizes but especially allowing airflow by mixing in 1” wood chips will help eliminate odors.
This material is based upon work supported under a grant by the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Utilities Service.
Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Inc., Iowa Waste Reduction Center, and University of Northern Iowa are equal opportunity providers and employers.