Layer or mixing definitely has it advantages. Decomposition rate and thoroughness is based on the C:N ration, aeration (bulk density), moisture and volume. The better the distribution of the greens (nitrogen) and browns (carbon), the easier it is for the decomposing organisms. The organisms need the nitrogen energy to decompose the carbons. The better the mix, the more even and thorough the decomposition. When turned, if turned, there is a remix of the lesser decomposed materials that otherwise may sit as unaddressed input materials.

The volume aspect applies more specifically to the managed hot composting. A large pile provides the materials and conditions that encourage organism population which quickly finishes your desired compost.

I always have mixed as opposed to layers I think it works better and I turn the pile once or twice a week depending on temp When I turn I try to get everyting nicely mixed also

I have a 6 bin system made from pallets, and always layer mine. I really think it helps get the entire pile working faster, because there's shredded leaves, grass clippings, and dry dog food layered about 20 times in each bin. The initial turning of the pile is done based on internal temperature of each bin, which is usually a few weeks after filling.

EG

Sorry, I now realize my OP wasn't clear...(though it does demonstrate the ill effects of drinking a pot of coffee in a short period of time!).

I meant to ask: is there a benefit to layering in each component (say perhaps 3" layers) rather than mixing it all in when you create the pile? I typically mix it all up at the get go, rather than layering, & I'm wondering if my technique is lacking.

Thanks!

I prefer to mix as I go if I can.

I think either is fine. Mixed will perhaps enable the micro-dudes to multiply a bit quicker. But with everything else being in the proper ranges for composting, the bacteria will multiply very quickly in either case.

When I've used the Earthmachine in "continuous" mode, I usually add the kitchen stuff, mix it into the top of the leaves that were there before and then add a couple more inches of leaves on top for any odor suppresion. This way there is always a layer of leaves ready to have the kitchen scraps mixed in. The leaves on top also seem to absorb some of the moisture trying to get out. This does not work in my winter, everything freezes solid, so add and cover would be the rule then.

Lloyd

P.S. I've never actually used the EM in the winter, too much of a pain.

You know, you reminded me of something I wanted to ask about/comment on: I've noticed that when I scatter a layer - up to 1/2" or so - of already somewhat composted stuff on top the heap for odor suppression, having that fine-textured top layer seems to help the stuff below stay hot...seems to keep heat & moisture in, & maybe supresses outgassing (not sure about that last bit)?

I've usually had smallish piles so far, not usually over a cubic yard, so maybe they need the extra help from that top layer? I'd love to hear opinions on this!

The only real benefit to layering as you build your compost pile is to get the various compomemets, the Carbon and Nitrogen, in about the right proportions. If done properly, and you were piling up vegetative waste and manure, you would have close to the optimal 6 inches of vegetative waste and 2 inches of manure piled to what ever height. The first time you turned that pile of material it would no longer be in that order but thoroughly mixed together. Beyond that the only advantage of layering might be that you could be sure there was enough, but not too much, moisture in the mix.
Layering has nothing to do with how fast the bacteria digest the materials when all the conditions are near what they need to work, ie. sufficient food, moisture, and air.

I like to mix them. It seems to me to help things decompose better/faster. It also helps avoid a big clump of stuck together leaves here, clump of grass there, clump of paper there. And plenty of mixed in leaves or straw also seems to avoid heavy wet areas, keeps it all fluffier and lighteer, less compacted, maintaining air better for a longer period of time.

Karen

Mixing or thin layers helps prevent clumping and seems to speed up the process. Thick layers will not really get cooking until the pile is turned. I layer the materials in the pile then mix prior to the next set of layers and moisten prior to the next set of layers. It is always hot the next day. I also add a fork or two of hot material from an existing pile every few layers if possible.

My heaps tend to go in layers as I tend to get 'stuff' in batches and just chuck them on top and flatten them out a bit. Anything that might go yuccky or smelly tends to get a layer of something less yucky on top, maybe donkey manure or even straw, as I like to keep my heap so that I'm happy to show it to visitors in the hope of persuading them to set up their own.

If I have a lot of material, I try to alternate adding it so I have layers. The coarser stuff makes air channels for the fine stuff.

For me layering means less work not more. I compost in the laziest way possible (or the second laziest way) whether it's a gradual kitchen waste pile or an all at one go pile. This is in pallet bins. When we've thrown enough kitchen waste on a pile to make one layer we cover that layer with carbon material - straw, leaves, eelgrass etc. If making a pile all at once, with garden waste, horse manure etc and carbon materials, I layer as well. In either case, about 3" layers of greens to 8" layers of browns. As lazygardens says, the coarse material makes air channels for the fine stuff.

The beauty and the laziness of this method is that it needs no turning.

A thick layer of browns on top at all times is important - it helps keep moisture in, and weed seeds from sprouting. It also provides a dark workspace for red wigglers aka manure worms, so they'll work the top area of the compost, again saving me the work of turning the pile.

Some of each here. I mix up a big homogenous batch when I have a lot of ingredients - this is ideal but not always possible. After that, everyday contributions are layered on top of the big pile. The first turning will mix those in. I don't turn much, once or twice per batch.

My newest compost pile is in a tall circular wire bin. It is meant to just pile up and compost on its own. The first few feet of things that go in I can't even reach. So layering works well, for example I have peaches on the bottom, some leaves, a layer of mangos, more leaves, some horse manure, more leaves, etc. I want the layers to be suitable for composting themselves without me mucking about in it. Just due to the nature of getting the stuff and raking leaves, etc., I have each ingredient at a particular time. It would be inconvenient to keep things outside the bin until I can put them in in a more mixed up form.

Marcia