Project 2.1, The basics of composting

Before I design a whole new component to the composting world, I have to dissect exactly how composting works. This will give me a better idea of how to manage my rotor creation so that it works to the best of its ability. I have a running compost barrel at home but I have never done extensive research about composting- I just kind of expected that it is made up of organic plant based materials and it needs occasional aeration. I am almost happy that I was wrong...

- The first thing I learned was that there are 5 main areas that need to be controlled while you compost. These 5 are: nutrient balance, particle size, moisture content, oxygen flow and temperature. AKA, my compost barrel at home is extremely unhealthy.

- Based off of what I read from the EPA website on composting, my rotor will hopefully be addressing 5/5 of these. Its movement of material has the capability to move items in the bin around (nutrient balance), slightly tearing apart material in the process (particle size), turning so that all materials receive the same amount of moisture and air (moisture content and oxygen flow) and therefore distribute the naturally produced heat from the pile (temperature).

- Some flaws that I see in my compost barrel at home are that it is probably too hot since it sits in the sun, too moist because it only flops on two sides, and little aeration for the same reason as before.

- There are also 5 types of composting that the EPA website highlights. For the purpose of my rotor, I will be following the guidelines of onsite composting/aerated turned windrow composting. In this type of composting, the material is generally composed of yard trimmings, food scraps and paper products in great quantity (I will be scaling it down because I do not produce as much waste as say, a restaurant) and has a turnover time of 4-6 months. I think that this hybrid is the best choice for my rotor since I will be able to get the amount of waste I produce in and out of the system through a smaller, maneuverable, piece of technology.

- I have always loosely followed but admired EdibleAcres Youtube Channel which is a channel on permaculture. They have their very own aerated static pile compost that has quick turnover time but is directed by their crew of hens. If you are interested in this, I highly recommend paying tribute to their channel.

https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/types-composting-and-understanding-process

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznk4o83WjKFCwEZ8th8wHQ