What is the ADAM principle in caring for your compost bin?

Remember the A.D.A.M. principle for keeping the compost in balance.

1. A. Aliveness. Lots of micro-organisms, decomposers, so there is a mini ecosystem to break down the compost material. There should be plenty of visible life, like worms, slaters and springtails. If not, adjust your Carbon:Nitrogen ratio to attract a diversity of critters.
   
2. D. Diversity. A variety of material will attract a variety of life to break down the material (decomposers).
3. A. Air. More air = Less smell. Put twigs and sticks to allow air spaces in the pile and turn once a week at least. Balanced: should smell like the earth. If it's smelly and acidic, turn more often, add some garden lime, wood ash or dolomite. If it's too wet, add more dry material. If it decomposes without air (anaerobically) it produces methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas.
4. M. Moisture. Balanced compost should be moist, like a well wrung out sponge. To balance the mixture either add water, or add more dry material.

First answer by Cobber43. Last edit by Cobber43. Contributor trust: 57 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]