[GreenYes] Re: ComposTumbler

["brian@no.address" <brian.rosa@no.address>]

In my experience, tumblers do not work as well as the manufacturer
would like you to think they do ! A couple of reasons, for composting
to really happen you need 4 basic needs; Brown (carbon), Green
(nitrogen), Water (40%- 60%) & Air. But you also need a strong back a
microorganisims. The tumblers is suspended in the air, with air flow
all around the bin - this tends to dry the compost out, you will need
to monitor and add water more often. I like the fact that a compost
pile directly on the ground is in contact with soil micro & macro
organisims, which play a huge role in the process of decomposition.
For composting to speed up or excellorate, you need enough material in
the mix (critical mass) to get the pile or microbs going (heat up -131
F- 150 F optimum). At those temperatures the organic material is broke
down very quickly, also plant pathogens and weed seed are distroyed in
the center of the pile. This heat is generated by the microbs
(thermophilic) that when comsume or break down a carbon molecule, it
releases that energy stored in that molecule. Along with heat they
respire water, which then dries the pile out further. The other
problem that will be incountered is the dead weight. When you have 60
gallons of material in a drum, most of the weight will settle, this
tends to squeeze out air and all the weight is at the bottom. In order
to mix & aereate the pile or the bin, you have to tumble or get that
weight at the bottom of that pile, up to the top, several times to mix
thoroughly. This can weigh quite a bit and can be hard work. Not to
say turning a pile on the ground with a pitch fork is not hard, I just
find it difficult and more time consuming to monitor, maintain and a
rotate a tumbler.
Check out craigslist.com, you can get a slightly used $600 tumbler for
about $150. I wonder why ?

Brian Rosa

On Apr 4, 12:53 pm, lizzie <lizziech...@no.address> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any experience with or opinion of a home
> composter made by a Pennsylvania company called ComposTumbler? It/they
> look good, but I'm new to this game and want to spend my money wisely!
>
> thanks,
>
> Lisa Chase