That might work OK. You may want to consider finding a way to mechanically break down the bones, since they will degrade much more slowly than vegetable matter. Bone meal is a good source of phosphorus and a fair source of calcium, so it would be good soil amendment. It's also slow-release, unlike "hotter" inorganic chemical fertilizers.sophiecentaur said:Thanks. That all makes sense. I have a plastic 'dalek' in my small garden and it works very well with all our veg waste and peelings. It has a massive population of worms and other invertebrates which cope well with large vegatable items and I reckon the slugs and beetles would deal with small lumps of meat before they would be acted on by microorganisms. I was considering building a brick unit which would be rat proof and, having dealt with that issue, the breaking down of quite small quantities of animal waste would not be too much of a problem. I'm talking about the occasional well- picked chicken or fish carcass and nothing bigger.
Bone meal, blood meal, all good stuff for different needs.turbo-1 said:That might work OK. You may want to consider finding a way to mechanically break down the bones, since they will degrade much more slowly than vegetable matter. Bone meal is a good source of phosphorus and a fair source of calcium, so it would be good soil amendment. It's also slow-release, unlike "hotter" inorganic chemical fertilizers.
sophiecentaur said:Thanks. That all makes sense. I have a plastic 'dalek' in my small garden and it works very well with all our veg waste and peelings. It has a massive population of worms and other invertebrates which cope well with large vegatable items and I reckon the slugs and beetles would deal with small lumps of meat before they would be acted on by microorganisms. I was considering building a brick unit which would be rat proof and, having dealt with that issue, the breaking down of quite small quantities of animal waste would not be too much of a problem. I'm talking about the occasional well- picked chicken or fish carcass and nothing bigger.
sophiecentaur said:Hellfire, this sounds like a major defence issue: WW2 bunker stuff.
I was going to put it on a concrete floor with some v. small holes for drainage. I think the rats would blunt their their teeth on that! If I hear a Kango going in the middle of the night then I'll know who's at it! I planned an aluminium shutter at the bottom sliding in a channel.
I guess some thermal insulation could help get the internal temperature up nice and high.
I have to admit that it's a bit of a way down my list of jobs to do, though.
The primary reason for putting meat in compost heaps is to add a source of nitrogen. Meat contains high levels of protein, which breaks down into nitrogen-rich organic matter that is essential for plant growth. Composting meat also helps to reduce food waste and create a more balanced nutrient mix in the compost.
Yes, you can put any type of meat in compost heaps, including raw or cooked meat, bones, and even dairy products. However, it is important to consider the potential for attracting pests and creating unpleasant odors when deciding how much and what type of meat to add to your compost.
The decomposition time for meat in a compost heap can vary depending on factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and the size of the meat pieces. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months for meat to fully decompose in a compost heap. Chopping or grinding the meat into smaller pieces can help speed up the process.
Composting meat can create strong odors, especially if not managed properly. To minimize odors, it is important to cover meat scraps with a layer of carbon-rich materials, such as leaves or straw, and to regularly turn the compost to ensure proper aeration. Adding a compost accelerator or using a specialized composting bin can also help control odors.
Yes, it is safe to use compost with meat in it for gardening. The high temperatures reached during the composting process should kill any harmful bacteria or pathogens present in the meat. However, it is recommended to avoid using compost with meat in it on edible plants and to wash any produce grown in this compost before consuming.