Using organic materials may protect the environment, save costs and provide much-needed nutrients for plants. Then, the high carbon and nitrogen materials, including peanut shells, are more commonly used.
This article will provide information about the peanut shells in compost, how to make them, and their benefits. Keep on reading to grow your wonderful garden!
Can You Mix Peanut Shells In Compost?
Of course, yes. You can decompose any organic matter as fertilizer, including peanut shells.
It contains a lot of biocarbon that produces sugar, humic acid, cellulose, and fulvic. These substances combined with several minerals such as silica, calcium, and magnesium will optimize production and create a sustainable source of nutrients for the soil. Therefore, you can completely mix it.
How To Process Peanut Shells In Compost
This material is dry and tough, often difficult to decompose if you leave them whole. Thus, you need to do it carefully to promote its decomposition faster from the beginning step.
First, you need to pound or break the outer before soaking it in water for 12 to 16 hours. If you use salted roasted bean pods, you should change the water frequently to reduce the salt concentration. This substance can be harmful to beneficial microorganisms and future plants.
After the above time, you put them in the bin with brown organic compounds to improve aeration in incubation. Then you add a little green organic compound and coffee grounds to attract beneficial organisms. You can also mix them up to help blend the compounds together more tightly.
Before entering the composting period, you need to cover it with garden soil and water. You should cover and keep the bin in a shady place to balance moisture and heat. After that, you can mix it up once a week to provide oxygen for the microorganisms to grow and prevent them from rotting.
When it turns brown, you can use it as fertilizer. This process usually requires at least six months to bring high production.
The Benefit Of This Compost
This fertilizer provides many nutrients needed for plant growth. Some of them must be mentioned as:
- Maximum carbon content
- Many minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, etc.
- High humidity and oxygen
- Cheaper and more nutritious than chemical fertilizers
In addition, it also helps the soil retain the necessary moisture for plants and delivers some nutrients that support the germination process.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take For Peanut Shells To Decompose?
Decomposition time often depends on many different factors such as shell size, temperature and humidity supply, soil quality, weather, etc. Therefore, it also fluctuates from 180 to 300 days.
You must also regularly mix to provide oxygen for microorganisms during incubation. Otherwise, it may rot before decomposing.
Can You Use Peanut Shells As Mulch?
Yes. It is an excellent mulch for the soil because it can hold water and contains many good nutrients. These elements will seep into the soil to replenish the lost nutrients for the plant when decomposed. Besides, it also helps to reduce soil erosion and protect trees from harsh climates.
Are Peanut Shells Brown Or Green Compost?
This mixture is usually divided into two types, brown and green. Greens are nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as leftovers or freshly cut grass. Meanwhile, the brown one is as rich in carbon as dry twigs and leaves. Peanut shell contains a lot of carbon, so it belongs to the brown side.
When mixing, you also need to pay attention to the contribution ratio of these two fertilizers to balance the nutrients to help plants thrive.
Conclusion
Peanut shells in compost are a source of carbon and some minerals beneficial to the soil and plant growth. You need at least six months to complete this process for it to be fully productive.
Moreover, it is also used as mulch to protect the soil from erosion and the impact of harsh climates.
Hopefully, this article may encourage you to use organic fertilizers for your garden to save money and distribute to protect the environment.
Last Updated on April 21, 2022 by admin
