Is My Compost Safe to Use

lizmac

As the only place for my compost bin is behind a shrubbery I have been using Compost Maker granules to speed up the decomposition.  After a year it looks quite nicely composted down but throughout it there are lots of white powdery granules in thick patches.   I presume this is ammonia from the compost maker.

Would it be safe to mulch it round my plants and shrubs in this state???

Does anyone who uses these compost maker products have the same problem?

 

 

Logan

I don't use it but if you can mix it up you could use it

cathy43

I don't use it but you could try ph testing the compost, it might give you an idea of what its like? not sure

DyersEnd

Logic tells me that compost making granules must contain something which encourages organic matter to break down and I'd be afraid that your compost might encourage your plants to break down.  I really don't know what I'm talking about though but with a bit of luck others will be able to help

lizmac

I think compost accelerator contains sulphate of ammonia which you can use to top dress the soil so I wondered whether its this that goes into white powder.

Jimmy Crawford

All most brands do is provide a burst of nitrogen and phosphates, which leads to an increase in bacteria faster than would normally occur, thereby speeding up the decomposition process. There shouldn't be anything harmful to a healthy plants, but i'd tip the box out, give it a mix and re-layer and water it then leave it for a few more months to be sure.

lizmac

Thanks for replies everyone - I will do what you suggest Jimmy - I have already emptied out into a pile and have been mixing it up - so will leave for a while.  I might also contact  manufacturer and see if I can get any advice there so will post back if there is any useful information.

Thanks again.