To compost in the tropics, focus on proper site selection and managing inputs to suit the climate and prevent pests.
Composting successfully in a tropical environment involves selecting the right location and being mindful of what materials you add to your pile.
Choosing the Right Location
The site for your compost pile in the tropics is crucial for effective decomposition and managing heat and moisture.
- Full Sun: Set up your compost pile where it receives full sun. This helps maintain temperature, which is important in humid tropical conditions.
- Good Drainage: Ensure the location allows for drainage. Avoid setting your pile up on cement or other impermeable surfaces.
- Direct Ground Contact: The ground is best for the base of your compost pile. This allows beneficial organisms like worms, bugs, and microbes better access to the composting materials, speeding up the process.
What to Include and What to Avoid
Adding the right materials is key to a healthy, non-smelly compost pile in the tropics.
- Avoid Pest-Attracting Materials: To prevent attracting pests and avoid a stinky compost pile, do not put in dairy or meat scraps and bones. These items decompose differently and can attract unwanted visitors like rodents and flies, as well as create unpleasant odors.
- Managing Avoided Materials: For items like dairy, meat, and bones that you should not add to the compost, freeze these until bin day and then put in with the rubbish.
By carefully choosing your compost site and being selective about the materials you add, you can create a functional and pest-resistant compost system suited to the tropical climate.
