How to Make a Leaf Pile Decompose Faster With Fertilizer

The decomposition of your composted materials can be sped or slowed somewhat with the addition or deletion of certain compounds. The goal in composting is to create a proper balance between carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich materials so microbes are fueled to do their work breaking down the organic materials in the compost pile. Generally, you want a ratio of 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen in any compost pile, according to Missouri State University. The addition of fertilizer, in moderate amounts, can help speed decomposition of the organic material by introducing a reliably nitrogen-rich ingredient.

Things You'll Need

• Granular 12-12-12 fertilizer or similar ratio
• Gloves

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Introduce 1/4 cup of 12-12-12 or similar ratio of granular fertilizer for roughly every 6 square feet of surface area of composted materials.

   • 2

     Scatter 1/4 cup of fertilizer very evenly over the layer of carbon-rich organic materials, like grass and leaves.

   • 3

     Repeat the process, as the height and number of layers in your compost pile dictate, adding the fertilizer over each successive layer of organic carbon materials.