Compost Starters & Accelerators

What Are Compost Starters and Accelerators?

Compost starters and accelerators are products or substances designed to speed up the decomposition of organic matter in compost bins or piles. They work by introducing beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, or nutrients that enhance the natural composting process. These products help break down organic materials more quickly, ensuring your composting system remains healthy and efficient.

Compost Starters

Compost starters typically consist of a blend of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes), which are essential for breaking down organic material. They help to inoculate the compost pile with beneficial microbes that are naturally present in healthy soil. By introducing these microorganisms, compost starters encourage faster decomposition, which can reduce the time it takes to create finished compost.

Compost Accelerators

Compost accelerators, on the other hand, are often a combination of microbes, enzymes, and sometimes nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus that boost the rate of decomposition. They enhance the microbial activity in the compost, ensuring that organic matter breaks down more quickly. Accelerators can be particularly helpful when composting materials that are harder to break down, such as woody stems, leaves, or fibrous plant material.

How Do Compost Starters and Accelerators Work?

Composting is a natural process that involves the breakdown of organic materials by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These microorganisms require certain conditions to thrive, including moisture, temperature, and a balanced mix of carbon (brown materials) and nitrogen (green materials). By adding a compost starter or accelerator, you are ensuring that these microorganisms have everything they need to decompose materials more effectively.

Microbial Inoculation

A major function of compost starters is to inoculate your compost pile or bin with beneficial microbes. These microbes break down complex organic compounds, such as cellulose and lignin, which are found in plant matter. By adding a starter, you provide a large population of microbes that help establish the biological community needed for efficient composting.

Nutrient Addition

Some compost accelerators contain additional nutrients like nitrogen, which acts as a catalyst for microbial activity. Nitrogen helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the compost pile, which is crucial for optimal decomposition. Many organic materials (like leaves, straw, or cardboard) are rich in carbon but may be lacking in nitrogen, causing the composting process to slow down. By adding a compost accelerator with nitrogen, you can boost microbial activity and speed up the breakdown process.

Improving Aeration and Moisture Retention

Some accelerators contain ingredients that also help with aeration, improving airflow within the compost pile. This is important because oxygen is necessary for aerobic decomposition, the process that produces rich, dark compost. Additionally, certain compost accelerators can help retain moisture, ensuring that the pile doesn’t dry out. Proper moisture levels (about 40-60%) are essential for composting microbes to remain active and effective.

Types of Compost Starters & Accelerators

There are several different types of compost starters and accelerators available on the market, each offering unique benefits. Understanding the different types will help you choose the right one based on your composting needs.

1. Microbial Compost Starters

These compost starters are made up of various strains of bacteria and fungi, designed to kickstart the decomposition process. These products are typically in powder or liquid form and are sprinkled or sprayed onto the compost pile. Microbial starters are especially useful for new compost piles, helping to establish a robust community of microbes that will break down organic matter efficiently.

Benefits:

• Rapidly introduces beneficial bacteria and fungi.
• Helps create a healthy microbial ecosystem.
• Works well for new compost piles or bins.
• Ideal for home gardeners.

How to Use:

• Sprinkle the microbial starter directly on the layers of organic matter in the pile.
• Add a small amount of the starter for every 2-3 inches of compost material.
• Moisten the pile to activate the microbes.

2. Nutrient-Rich Accelerators

Some compost accelerators are formulated with added nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. These accelerators help to balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your compost pile, providing the fuel necessary for microbes to break down materials quickly. They are especially useful when composting carbon-heavy materials like dry leaves, sawdust, or straw.

Benefits:

• Increases microbial activity.
• Balances the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
• Boosts the breakdown of stubborn materials like leaves and wood chips.
• Ideal for gardeners who have access to a lot of carbon-rich materials.

How to Use:

• Mix the accelerator with your compost pile as you add new materials.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended amount to use.
• Mix it thoroughly into the pile to ensure even distribution.

3. Enzyme-Based Accelerators

Enzyme-based accelerators are composed of natural enzymes that work to break down complex organic matter more quickly. These enzymes help to degrade tough materials like woody stems, straw, and thick plant matter, which would otherwise take a long time to decompose. Enzyme accelerators are beneficial when you are composting a variety of materials, including fibrous and woody waste.

Benefits:

• Speeds up the breakdown of tough, fibrous materials.
• Works with both cold and hot composting methods.
• Enhances the overall composting process.

How to Use:

• Apply the enzyme accelerator directly onto the compost pile, and mix it in well.
• Add water if necessary to ensure the enzymes are activated.
• Use regularly to speed up decomposition, especially with hard-to-decompose materials.

4. Organic or Plant-Based Starters

Organic starters use plant-based ingredients like alfalfa meal, seaweed, or molasses to provide the nutrients that microbes need. These natural starters are often rich in trace minerals and other beneficial nutrients that help boost the composting process. Plant-based starters are an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer eco-friendly, organic methods and materials.

Benefits:

• Organic and eco-friendly.
• Provides trace minerals to enhance soil fertility.
• Suitable for sensitive composters (e.g., those avoiding synthetic additives).

How to Use:

• Add the plant-based starter to your compost pile at regular intervals.
• Sprinkle a thin layer across the pile and mix in well.
• Use it in conjunction with other composting methods for best results.

5. Compost Tea

Compost tea is a liquid version of compost starter made by steeping finished compost in water, allowing beneficial microbes to multiply. This nutrient-rich liquid can be applied directly to the compost pile, or it can be sprayed on plants to encourage healthy growth. It is an excellent way to boost microbial activity and accelerate decomposition in compost bins or piles.

Benefits:

• Adds beneficial microorganisms to your compost.
• Can be used both in compost piles and on plants.
• Improves soil health and plant growth.

How to Use:

• Steep a small amount of finished compost in water for 24-48 hours.
• Strain the liquid and apply it to your compost pile, or use it as a foliar spray on plants.

How to Use Compost Starters & Accelerators Effectively

To get the best results from compost starters and accelerators, it’s important to use them correctly. Here are some tips for maximizing their effectiveness:

1. Balance Green and Brown Materials

For efficient composting, it’s crucial to have the right balance of nitrogen-rich (green) materials and carbon-rich (brown) materials in your pile. Compost starters and accelerators work best when the compost has a good mix of both. Green materials include food scraps, grass clippings, and fresh plant trimmings, while brown materials include leaves, straw, and shredded cardboard. Aim for a 3:1 ratio of brown to green materials.

2. Aerate Regularly

Aeration is key to maintaining a healthy compost pile. Turn your compost regularly to introduce oxygen, which helps aerobic microorganisms break down organic matter more quickly. This also helps to prevent unpleasant odors. Compost starters work best in well-aerated piles, as this increases microbial activity.

3. Keep the Pile Moist

Moisture is essential for composting, as it helps activate the microorganisms that break down organic matter. Aim to keep the compost pile moist, like a wrung-out sponge. If the pile becomes too dry, it will slow down the decomposition process, even with the use of accelerators. Conversely, too much moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions, which are detrimental to the composting process.

4. Use the Right Amount of Starter or Accelerator

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of starter or accelerator to use. Overuse can lead to imbalanced microbial populations or an excess of nutrients, which could harm the composting process. Too little, on the other hand, may not have a noticeable impact on the rate of decomposition.