Product Brochure

19
TROUBLESHOOTING WITH THE ComposTumbler
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Batch is not
heating
(low temperatures)
Not enough nitrogen Add a nitrogen source such as
manure, blood meal or activator.
Batch too small Add more materials to fill the
Tumbler; make sure you maintain a
correct C/N ratio.
Not enough moisture Add water by lightly sprinkling or
misting, then turn the drum.
Too much moisture Add absorbent carbon material such
as shredded leaves or sawdust.
Cooler weather Add additional fresh materials or
booster to “jump start” the batch if
warm weather returns.
Cold weather Stop composting if your
temperatures are below 41ºF (5ºC).
Batch smells like:
Strong Ammonia Too much nitrogen Add a high carbon source such as
dry shredded leaves, sawdust, or
shredded straw.
Foul Too wet, grass is fermenting Aerate the batch by turning the
materials and add bulking material
such as wood chips to increase air
space within the pile. Add absorbent
dry material like sawdust.