Knowledgebase

Anaerobic Compost with Aerobic Compost #816227

Asked November 10, 2022, 12:40 AM EST

In the flurry of taking care of work, family, dead tree removal, and crawl space renovation I left two very large bins with attached lid full of grass clippings for a couple of months. I rediscovered them yesterday and when I popped the lid the smell of ammonia almost knocked me down. It was so strong I didn't get a good look at the state of the clippings. Doing basic research it looks like the grass clippings are in anaerobic decomposition. Most of what I found online were various versions of how this was not good and should be avoided at all costs. That ship has already sailed so would it be possible or advisable to add this to all of brown materials, e.g., fallen leaves, wood chips, cardboard that I have gathered for aerobic decomposition? Is there a better way to use these decomposing grass clippings?

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question and patience, Andrew.  You have several options for this smelly mess.  You can add the clippings, the bacteria and ammonia to your compost pile, but it will need to be turned regularly to supply the oxygen that will kill the anaerobic bacteria.  This may take several months, particularly in cold weather.
You can also spread it out on perennial tree and shrub bases, but keep the clippings away from trunks and stems.  This will expose them to more oxygen, and act as a short term mulch.  Don’t pile them on so thickly that they prevent water from reaching the roots.  Over time, as soil microbes decompose the grass, nutrients will be returned to feed the plants in the spring.
I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 16, 2022, 12:06 PM EST

Loading ...