Compost thermometers are available for measuring compost temperature. To Top Particle Size Smaller materials have more surface area available for microbes to attack. Therefore, reducing the particle size of raw materials will increase the speed of the composting process. Size reduction also reduces the volume of the compost pile, thereby saving space. It is a good idea to chip or mulch small limbs and twigs to a size of 2-3 inches before composting.
Particle size can be too small.
For example, sawdust sized and wet materials can decrease aeration, reduce the rate of composting and perhaps cause anaerobic conditions leading to odor problems. What's important is to understand how greens and browns affect the compost process and to use them to manage your compost system. N ratio of your materials by using the chart below. If you have a slow connect speed, the Virtual Pile may take a minute or two to load. Wood chips are very high in carbon, but low in nitrogen.