Why do you need to monitor compost?
replies(6):
One of the exciting things about our open-source compost monitoring tech is its flexibility. You can connect it to platforms like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or other single-board computers to expand its capabilities or integrate it into your own projects.
Our system includes sensors for: * Gas composition * Temperature * Moisture levels * Air pressure
All data can be exported as CSV files for analysis. While it’s originally built for monitoring compost, the hardware and data capabilities are versatile and could be repurposed for other applications (IoT, environmental monitoring, etc.)
Hacker’s Guide to Monty Tech: https://github.com/gtls64/MontyHome-Hackers-Guide
If you’re into data, sensors, or creative tech hacks, we’d love for you to check it out and let us know what you build!
The biological processes produce enough heat to keep the thermally insulated compost bin from freezing easily down to -15C (~5 F). But this requires that there isn't too much finished compost in the bin that won't produce heat any more, so any turn downwards on the thermometer means I'm probably late in emptying the bin. Which happens every year when it gets cold (below -20C/-5F), but can be remedied by a 40W light bulb for 48 hours to heat up and restart the composting.
Another thing that needs to be monitored is humidity, because too humid and the compost goes anaerobic and starts rotting instead of composting. This I "monitor" by smell but this project has some kind of gas composition sensor which could be useful. I don't have issues with this any more as I have practically unlimited supply of wood chips to keep it dry.
But the wood chips bring another problem which is pH levels that may go too low. Here's where I'd really like to have a monitor so I could estimate if I need to do something to adjust the pH.
Is this something you've measured? I add a lot of wood chips and conifer needles and it's not a problem; the compost ends up between 6 and 7.5 pH (neutral is 7). I also liberally spread woodchips on the paths between the beds and things are fine.
The effects of wood mulch on plants and composts are well understood:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1629-mulchi...
If want to change the pH of your soil you need something stronger, like sulphur or lime.