Organisms that help break down compost need water to survive and thrive. The ideal moisture content for compost is between 40-60%, as levels below or above this can slow the composting process. Compost moisture can be tested manually by squeezing a handful - it should hold together but not be too wet or dry. Moisture levels can be adjusted by adding water, food waste, or dry materials like straw depending on whether the compost is too wet or dry.

1. Moisture Content
and the Organic
Compost

2. Whirlston Fertilizer Machinery
Website: www.fertilizer-machine.com
Email: info@fertilizer-machine.com
Moisture Content and the Organic Compost
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Organisms that help with the breakdown of the compost need water to survive.
Micro-organisms live in the thin film of water on the surface of the compost
particles. They use the water to move from place to place and can only utilize
organic molecule that are dissolved in water.
What is Ideal Moisture Content?
Moisture content is a percentage of total weight of water measuring its quantity
in a compost product. The ideal moisture content within a compost pile is
between 40% and 60%.
If the moisture content exceeds 60%, water will displace the air in the pore
spaces of the compost materials, which restricts air movement and leads to
anaerobic conditions in the pile, slowing down the composting process and
resulting in foul odors.
If the moisture content drops below 40%, the decomposition process will also

3. slow as microbes are less able to carry out their metabolic activities. Below a
15% moisture content, bacterial activity ceases entirely.
With respect to handling, too wet or too dry compost are also unfavorable. If
the compost is too dry, it can be dusty and irritating to work with. If too wet,
then the compost can be difficult to apply. Moisture content can also affect the
cost of delivery as it can affect the bulk density of compost.
Compost recipes are usually started with a higher moisture content of 55 to
60%, since as the composting proceeds, the moisture content generally
decreases as heat generated by the microbial activity causes water to
evaporate, whereas water added by rain or snow is less than water that is
evaporated.
Moisture Content Hand Test
An easy and effective hand test is widely used in composting industry. Grab a
handful of material and squeeze it. With the ideal moisture content the material
holds together and feels damp to the touch but no excess water exudes from it.
If water can be squeezed out, then the material is too wet. If you open your
finger and the compost crumbles and falls apart, it is too dry.

4. How to Adjust the Moisture Content?
Certain materials can be blended to achieve ideal moisture content. Fresh food
waste contains 80 to 90% moisture, while sawdust and straw may contain only
10 percent.
If the compost is too dry, you can add more food waste or add some water.
Turn it to help with the even distribution of moisture throughout the pile. If the
compost is too wet, you can introduce extra air into your pile by turning or add
more dry,carbon rich material, such as straw, leaves, sawdust, etc.
The Use of Compost Turner
Our hydraulic self-propelled compost turner uses hydraulic system to drive the
turning parts and other main working parts, the turning and transmission are
flexible and reliable. It is suitable for both fertilizer production plants and farms.