Decay will be slower, cooler, and less effective at killing weed seeds and pathogens. Managing the decay process You can affect the speed of the composting process and the quality of the compost product by managing the factors described below. A list follows of some materials commonly used in making compost. Wheat Straw CornStalks GrassClippings Fresh Dairy, Chicken or Rabbit Manure Fruit and Vegetable Waste Garden Trimmings Coffee Grounds Ground and Tree Shrub Trimmings Horse Manure and Bedding Deciduous Leaves Legume Hay Energy materials provide the nitrogen and high-energy carbon compounds needed for fast microbial growth. If piled without bulking agent, these materials usually are too wet and dense to allow much air into the compost pile.
Bulking agents are dry, porous materials that help aerate the compost pile.
They are too low in moisture and nutrients to decay quickly on their own. Balanced raw materials. Some raw materials contain a balance of energy and bulking agent properties. These materials will compost readily without being blended with other ingredients. Examples include horse manure mixed with bedding, spoiled alfalfa hay, and deciduous leaves.