How to Make Compost Happen There are several key factors in
having a successful compost pile and how well you manage each
one will have an effect on how quickly your manure Managing Air
and Temperature Build the optimum pile size. To achieve high
enough composting temperatures to kill parasites, bacteria, and
weed seeds, a pile must be at least three feet high. Otherwise,
the heat generated in the initial stages will quickly dissipate
before the pile can reach high enough temperatures. For best
heating, try for a pile five to seven feet square on the bottom
rising to three or four feet high. Maintain airflow through the
pile. After a pile is formed, keeping air in the pile is
critical to prevent odors, achieve high temperatures, and to
complete the composting process in a relatively short amount of
time. If you have a tractor, turning the pile at regular
intervals, especially during the first few weeks after building
the pile, will speed up the decomposition process considerably.
In general, the more often yo