Instruments for Raw Material Preparation and Composting Process Monitoring: Key to Efficient and Sustainable Composting

Introduction

Composting is a basic practice in sustainable agriculture that not only helps reduce waste, but also enriches the soil with nutrients. In order for the composting process to be effective, it is essential to properly prepare the raw material and carefully monitor the parameters during composting. In this blog we will explore the instruments used to prepare the raw material and monitor the composting process, in order to optimize the work and achieve a quality compost.

Instruments for the preparation of raw material for composting

Proper preparation of the raw material is the key to an efficient and fast composting process. The raw material must be properly processed to allow optimal decomposition. There are several instruments that are used to prepare the raw material for the composting process:

Set of sieves and vibrating devices
One of the most important instruments for the preparation of raw materials is a set of sieves with different opening sizes. This tool allows you to sort the raw material by particle size. The sieve set is used to sort the material, thereby ensuring uniformity in particle size, which improves air circulation and accelerates decomposition. In practice, small materials (such as dry leaves or straw) respond better to decomposition, while larger materials (such as larger branches) can slow down the composting process.
Council: The use of vibrating devices to sift raw material makes the process faster and more efficient.
Chopping and shredding materials
Many types of organic waste, such as branches, stems, and larger pieces of plant waste, need to be shredded before being added to the compost. For this purpose, it is used material shredderwhich allows faster and more uniform composting, reducing particle size and allowing microorganisms to break down the material more easily.

Instruments for monitoring the composting process

Monitoring key composting parameters is important for a successful result. Parameters such as temperature, humidity and oxygen levels directly affect the decomposition rate and quality of the compost. Various instruments help maintain optimal conditions for microorganisms that decompose organic matter.

Thermometers for measuring temperature
Temperature is one of the most important factors for successful composting. The ideal temperature for composting is between 50°C and 60°C. For precise temperature monitoring, they are used digital and bimetallic thermometers. For small amounts of compost, bimetallic thermometers are affordable and efficient, while digital thermometers allow temperature monitoring at multiple points in medium to large volumes of compost.
Moisture Meters
The humidity of the compost must be in the range of 50% to 60%. If the humidity is too high or too low, microorganisms will not be able to break down organic matter effectively. To monitor humidity, it is used moisture measuring instrument. These instruments allow for precise determination of humidity and allow users to respond in a timely manner, adding water or dry material as needed.
Oximeter for measuring oxygen levels
Sufficient oxygen levels are necessary for composting, as the microorganisms in the compost use oxygen for aerobic respiration. Lack of oxygen can lead to anaerobic conditions and unpleasant odors. Oximeter is used to measure oxygen levels in compost. This instrument allows to maintain optimal aeration of the compost, preventing conditions that can slow down the process or create poor quality compost.

All these parameters are monitored by our EcoTERRA smart composters and allow you to have controlled conditions within the organic mass and a fast decay process.

Grouping of instruments by volume of raw material

Composting monitoring instruments can be classified depending on the volume of production:

Less amount of raw material— Ideal for individual composting
For small amounts of compost, such as household ones, simple, economical thermometers and moisture gauges are sufficient. These instruments are easy to use and provide the basic data needed to maintain optimal conditions for decomposition.
Medium quantities of raw material— For small farms and rural farms
For medium volumes of raw materials, mobile instruments of the middle price range are used. These instruments make it possible to monitor the temperature and humidity at multiple points of the compost. On farms and country farms, these devices help maintain optimal conditions for efficient composting.
Large amounts of raw material— Industrial composting
For industrial composting, it is necessary to use sophisticated systems that allow continuous monitoring of parameters. These devices can automatically monitor temperature, humidity and oxygen levels over large areas, making the composting process faster and more efficient. This approach makes it possible to achieve high standards of compost quality and reduce composting time.

Conclusion

Proper preparation of the raw material and monitoring of key parameters during the composting process are key to achieving high-quality compost. Using the right instruments can significantly improve process efficiency and accelerate decomposition, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and waste reduction. Regardless of the volume of production, by choosing the right instruments, you can achieve optimal composting conditions and produce nutrient-rich compost that improves soil quality and helps grow healthy plants.