- Microbial activators are dry powders that provide the compost the fungi and bacteria needed for decomposition. A compost pile without these ingredients would not decompose at all. Microbial activators are often used to hasten the decomposition without having to wait for a resident population of bacteria and fungi to start thriving naturally. Although even the slowest of compost heaps contains some amount of microbes, there is often no harm in adding some more.
- Minerals are just as important for plants as they are for humans. However, the soil-borne minerals are mostly rock particles that take a long time to dissolve and since the compost pile is mostly organic matter, it is low on minerals. The mineral activators added to composter solve this problem by adding essential rock powders or ground seashells to the compost. By infusing the compost with the essential calcium and other minerals, mineral activators help to elevate the nutritional value of the compost.
- Biodynamic activators work along the same lines as homeopathic medicines to improve health. When added to composters, biodynamic activators create vitality and balance for composts. Biodynamic activators are created with six key plant-based ingredients: chamomile, yarrow, oak bark, stinging nettle plants, valerian flowers and dandelion flowers. Biodynamic activators are expensive and should be used when making or selling compost which is meant to be biodynamic in nature.
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