By Melody Craig
A compost tumbler is a container used to facilitate the decomposition of organic materials by turning them. They come in different shapes, sizes, styles, designs and made from different materials; while others are used outdoors, there are those which are used indoors. The decomposed matter commonly referred to as compost is then used to enrich soils in order to enhance the growth of plants in farms or gardens or even trees. The tumblers are designed in such a way that farmers or any one using them do not have to touch the decomposing materials when aerating and turning them.
The container is normally covered fully so that it can trap the generated heat which in turn speeds up the process of decomposition. Compost tumblers were designed with an objective of not just speeding this process but also greatly simplifying it. It is important to know that compost bins and tumblers are two different things. There are four major designs of compost tumblers namely: base rolling drums which are rotated using hands and are fixed on a base horizontally, crank-operated drums that features a manual crank on its outer surface and is fixed horizontally above the ground, rolling spheres are in form of circular balls that are rolled on the ground in order mix its content as well as center-axle drums which are just like the crank-operated drums with the difference only being that it it is fixed vertically on the ground.
Why Use a Tumbler versus Normal Compost
There are several reasons why a compost tumbler should be used to make compost manure instead of normal compost. The first reason is the fact that compost tumblers take an average of three weeks to produce the final product compost since the conditions within the tumblers are very ideal; this happens because the tumblers are tightly covered. Unlike compost tumblers, the normal compost relies on the environmental weather conditions to rot; this means that when it is cold and wet, the decomposition process takes much longer to complete. This is due to the fact that the major factors that determine the speed in which compost is formed are the right carbon balance, the time of the year, environmental temperatures as well as nitrogen. Unlike normal compost, compost tumblers keep raccoons, rodents and even pets away and do not have bad odors. They are also very attractive and tidy no mess is created hence add glam to the yards they are used. The other important reason why compost tumblers should be used unlike the normal compost is the fact they can be used either in the suburban or urban residences.
The Difference Between Plastic and Steel Tumblers
The most obvious difference is the fact that plastic compost tumblers are made from plastic materials whereas steel compost tumblers are made from steel which is a metal. Due to this fact, plastic tumblers are much cheaper and less durable than the steel tumblers which are more expensive and very durable. Plastic is also very fragile unlike steel which is strong hence steel compost tumblers are stronger than their counterparts. Steel tumblers are also sealed or covered with paint which is resistant to rust or corrosion. For aeration purposes, holes are drilled on their sides from up downwards. A rust-resistant pole such as one made from aluminum is then driven into the steel drum to the other side right in the middle. Two aluminum or pieces of wood treated with pressure are also fixed onto the ground on opposite ends of the steel tumblers with the space between them only a foot long plus the width of the tumbler and rungs are then fixed on the top of each of the two poles.
The Difference Between Compost and Mulch
Despite the fact that compost and manure can be used for the same purpose of enriching soils in gardens so that plants can grow healthily, there are several differences between the two worth noting. Mulch is the materials placed on top of soil but below plants in gardens in order to protect them using materials such as straw, wood chips and even grass among other organic materials whereas compost is formed through a decomposition process where the organic materials are broken down into smaller particles. Materials used as mulch can be used in the process of producing compost whereas compost can also be used as mulch. Mulch also helps to retain moisture in the ground so that it does not evaporate into the atmosphere. After a period of time, materials used for mulching can be overturned into the soils so that they can rot and act as manure to the plants hence promoting their growth.
Which One is Right for You?
You might be wondering whether to go for compost or mulch when taking care of your plants and need to promote their growth. First of all, it is important to note that compost acts as a substitute of nutrients to plants when the soil does not contain all the necessary nutrients required by plants to grow. Therefore, go for compost manure when you are looking for natural or organic fertilizer to use in your garden. When you want to protect your plants and ensure that they do not lose moisture, you can go for mulch. Whether it is mulch or compost that you go for, it is important to note that they are made from organic materials hence natural hence your plants will be healthy unlike those grown using certain kinds of artificial fertilizers. In addition to having healthy plants, they are also very cost-effective as the materials used to make them are readily available in the environment. Artificial fertilizers can be quite expensive hence if you do not have the money to purchase them or you are on a tight budget, then you can resort for the organic manure. Remember that what is right for someone else might not be right for you hence you must assess yourself and your needs in order to determine which one is the right one for you.
How to Buy
There are several companies that sell compost tumblers both in physical stores and online stores. Choosing the right tumbler is of great importance and there are several factors that you must put into consideration when planning to purchase one. The first factor to consider is the size of the tumbler. Compost tumblers come in various sizes and selecting the right size is influenced by your need for compost. If you own a very large farm or garden, then you will need a very big tumbler which will help you make the right amount of compost at once. Though, if you own just a small garden, then go for a small tumbler. Compost tumblers are also made of either plastic or steel; if you want a durable tumbler go for those made of steel whereas if you just want one for temporary use, a plastic one will do. Select the right color according to your preferences and in case you do not need so much compost, you can go for the indoor compost tumblers that also come with a range of benefits such as keeping your house warm. Finally, budget is very important; buy a compost tumbler which you can afford.
To read more about the benefits and advantages of composting visit: http://www.compostbins.net.au/advantages-of-composting/
Melody Craig
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