Should I Add Lime To My Pile?

1.	Should I Add Lime To My Pile?
Answer» Do not add lime to a pile because it may cause nitrogen to be released from the pile as ammonia gas. This gas SMELLS bad and leaves your compost with LESS nitrogen, an important plant NUTRIENT for your garden. You don't NEED to worry about the pH of a compost pile. pH, being a measurement of alkalinity or acidity, will generally adjust itself and, when compost is mature, the pH is usually around neutral. If you need to adjust the pH of compost, do this after it has completed its COMPOSTING. First test the pH of your finished compost and adjust it as needed.

Answer»

Do not add lime to a pile because it may cause nitrogen to be released from the pile as ammonia gas. This gas SMELLS bad and leaves your compost with LESS nitrogen, an important plant NUTRIENT for your garden.
You don't NEED to worry about the pH of a compost pile. pH, being a measurement of alkalinity or acidity, will generally adjust itself and, when compost is mature, the pH is usually around neutral.
If you need to adjust the pH of compost, do this after it has completed its COMPOSTING. First test the pH of your finished compost and adjust it as needed.

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