Getting Rid of Fungus in Your Compost: 10 Effective Techniques

 How to Get Rid of Fungus in Your Compost: 10 Effective Techniques

Composting can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with fungal growth in compost. Fungal growth can be a serious problem as it slows down the decomposition process, produces bad odors, and attracts pests like gnats and flies.

In this comprehensive guide, I will provide you with ten effective techniques to get rid of the fungus in your compost pile. But before we dive into these techniques, let's first understand the different types of fungi commonly found in compost.

Image by Andreas from Pixabay 

Know The Creature

There are several types of fungi that can be found in compost. Here are the three most common types:

• Mold: This is a type of fungus that grows on the surface of organic matter. It is usually white, green, or black in color and has a fuzzy appearance.
• Bacteria: This is a type of microorganism that is responsible for breaking down organic matter in compost. It is usually not visible to the naked eye.
• Mushrooms: This is a type of fungus that grows in clusters and can be found in compost that is rich in organic matter.

While not all fungi are harmful to your compost, some can slow down the decomposition process and produce bad odors. Here are the harmful and beneficial fungi commonly found in compost:

• Harmful fungi: These include pathogens such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium, which can cause diseases in plants.
• Beneficial fungi: These include mycorrhizae, which help plants absorb nutrients from the soil.

Understanding the role of fungi in composting is also crucial. Fungi break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can absorb, thus promoting healthy growth.

Effective Techniques to Get Rid of Fungus in Compost

Here are ten techniques that you can use to get rid of the fungus in your compost pile:

Technique 1: Adjusting the Moisture Level

Fungus thrives in moist environments. Therefore, adjusting the moisture level in your compost pile can help to get rid of the fungus. If your compost pile is too wet, add dry materials like shredded newspaper, hay, or straw. If it is too dry, add water using a watering can or hose.

Technique 2: Turning the Compost Pile

Turning the compost pile regularly helps to aerate it, which creates an environment that is unfavorable for fungi to grow. Use a pitchfork or shovel to turn the pile every two to four weeks.

Technique 3: Adding Carbon-Rich Materials

Carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, wood chips, and sawdust help to absorb excess moisture in the compost pile. They also provide a food source for beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic matter.

Technique 4: Adding Nitrogen-Rich Materials

Nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings, kitchen waste, and manure help to speed up the decomposition process, thus reducing the chances of fungal growth.

Technique 5: Increasing Oxygen Levels

Fungi thrive in anaerobic environments, which means an environment with little or no oxygen. Increasing oxygen levels in your compost pile can help to get rid of the fungus. You can do this by turning the pile regularly or using a compost aerator.

Technique 6: Using Compost Starter or Accelerator

Compost starter or accelerator contains beneficial microorganisms that help to break down organic matter quickly, thus reducing the chances of fungal growth. You can buy a compost starter or accelerator from your local garden center.

Technique 7: Applying Compost Tea

Compost tea contains beneficial microorganisms that help to suppress fungal growth in compost. To make compost tea, fill a bucket with finished compost and add water. Let it sit for a few days, then strain the liquid and apply it to your compost pile using a watering can.

Technique 8: Solarizing the Compost

Solarizing involves covering the compost pile with a clear plastic sheet and letting it sit in the sun for several weeks. The heat generated by the sun kills harmful fungi and other pathogens.

Technique 9: Using Beneficial Microbes

Beneficial microbes like Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum help suppress fungal growth in compost. You can buy beneficial microbes from your local garden center.

Technique 10: Employing Fungicides as a Last Resort

Fungicides should only be used as a last resort as they can harm beneficial microorganisms in the compost pile. If all other techniques fail, you can use a fungicide to get rid of the fungus.

Precautions and Tips for Preventing Fungal Growth in Compost

Preventing fungal growth in compost is better than treating it. Here are some tips to prevent fungal growth in your compost pile:

1. Maintain proper compost pile maintenance, including maintaining the right moisture level, turning the pile regularly, and providing proper ventilation.
2. Select the right composting materials, including nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials like greens and browns, kitchen waste, yard waste, coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells, wood ash, straw, and hay.
3. Avoid using certain types of materials in composting, such as meat, dairy products, and pet waste, as they can attract pests and cause bad odors.

Conclusion

Composting is an essential part of gardening, but fungal growth in compost can be problematic. By using the ten effective techniques outlined in this guide and following the precautions and tips provided, you can get rid of the fungus in your compost pile and promote healthy plant growth.

I encourage you to share your own experiences and tips on getting rid of the fungus in compost. Together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.