I have a bunch of roots – basically a thick mat – at the bottom of my compost (definitely in it, not under it). It seems to grow back after I remove it. No green vegetative material is growing out of it; just dense roots. I’m using more of a slow composting method over time, not hot composting. I’m in the US Northeast.
What is this? Is it some sort of self propagating plant rhizome that has compromised my compost? Or roots from a neighboring tree? (The compost pile is next to my shed and about 50 feet from a few mid-to-large size trees, dogwood, red cedar, maple.) Thanks!
by malycleave
10 Comments
I thought you were gonna ask if you could compost roots and I was like UGHHH
anyways, interesting question I’m here for an answer
What do you have near it? This looks like some sort of shrubbery roots or maybe even the ends of some tree root
I’ve had tree roots grow into my pile looking for nutrients, but they are typically the thickness of a finger and long. This could be from a nearby bush or could be from certain types of grass.
I’ve had this in my compost pile which was close to some bushes, mostly holly. I assumed it was them, but don’t know. I would cut and turn them with the compost shovel. Neither the bushes or the compost seemed to suffer.
This happened to me (just this year!) when I decided to sift my experimental Geobin, which was a loooooooong term pile with a lot of woodchips. Thick mat of roots on the bottom. The soil here is AWFUL so I’m pretty sure everything around that pile grew up and into it looking for nutrients. Similar thing happens in my raised beds, which must be an oasis of fertility. Normal, I guess if your soil is crappy. My other bins are solid with holes on the bottom, so nothing (including critters) get in.
That’s grass roots, it also grows on my pile if I don’t touch it.
?
No idea.
If it bothers you, burn it??
Looks like tree moss
So is it some tree or shrub getting their grubby hands on your food (compost)?
Any trees nearby your bin?