AERATION
Microbes require oxygen to decompose organic
wastes efficiently. Some decomposition will occur in
the absence of oxygen (that is, under anaerobic
conditions); however, the process is slow and foul
odors may develop. Because of the odor problem,
composting without oxygen is not recommended in
residential areas unless the process is conducted in a
fully closed system (such as the plastic bag method
described later under “Composting Structures”).
Mixing the pile once or twice a month will provide
the necessary oxygen and significantly hasten the
composting process. A pile that is not mixed may
take three to four times longer to produce useful
compost. A well-mixed compost pile also reaches
higher temperatures, helping to destroy weed seeds
and disease-causing organisms (pathogens).