Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

Ivor Backache · « **on:** April 11, 2009, 18:31 »

My compost system consists of two dust bins. First where all the waste material goes in has a single drain hole. The second has several holes for ventilation.
Out of the first bin I collect the dark brown liquid. I have searched the internet for a compostion of this liquid, but cannot find one. I have several litres of this stuff and I will dilute it and use it as a general fertiliser.
Does anyone know if it is nitrogen, phospahte or potash type of fertiliser?

Stripey_cat · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2009, 18:53 »

Not sure! My compost bin doesn't leak (well, now it's on soil but the old one on concrete never leaked). Maybe the mix going in is too damp?

birmancats · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2009, 19:06 »

Hi. I'm sure it's just like you get off a wormery only most of use have them on soil nd never see it. It's probably, like the worm stuff, really quite high in all nutrients so i'd dilute 10 to 1 before using,

Ivor Backache · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2009, 19:09 »

I have now changed the way that I make compost, but putting in more brown material which should soak up the liquid produced by the greens. My new compost is on the allotment and it is on bare ground. So I won't be getting any more liquid. It's not a real problem. If it was a nitrogen feed then I would use it on the cabbages or otherwise on the roots. I know what went into the compost so the liquid should be beneficial to the garden. Just curious if anyone has the answer.
PS: I have now seen your reply birmancats-thank you.

iwantanallotment · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2009, 21:00 »

The nutritional value will depend on the composition of your bin, and there are too many factors which will affect it, which is why I expect there are no general values listed.
I'd go with birmancats and treat it as wormery leach - although lacking in worm wee (to the same concentration, at least) it could potentially be more powerful than the dry material in your bin - so dilute 1:10 to be safe

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Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

Ivor Backache

Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

Stripey_cat

Re: Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

birmancats

Re: Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

Ivor Backache

Re: Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

iwantanallotment

Re: Liquid that leaches from the compost heap

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