During the early part of July we have been working to produce aerobic compost at the Willits Energy Farm. The compost project of July and August is important because we are seeking to demonstrate a model of sustainable farming practices that focus on soil fertility and includes an on-site composting center. The challenge for this project is to produce 10 piles of aerobic compost by sometime in August.

Currently, there are two piles that have reached high temperatures of up to 150°F and are now entering their “cool down” phase where they will sit until the fall. The two piles have turned from a mixture of green and yellow to a dark brown/black color. Two other piles are beginning to decompose and will need to be turned a couple of more times before being allowed to cure. We are going to let the piles sit for a couple of months so that they can mature and allow the compost develop a diverse set of micro organisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and macro arthropods.