Cocoa pod husk composting

Cocoa pod husk compost preparation guide created by Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana in collaboration with University of Reading, UK by Mr Dickson Atorqui, Dr. Amos Kojo Quaye, Dr.. Laura Atuah, Prof. Dadson Awunyo-Vitor & Prof. Tom Sizmur Composting speeds up the decomposition of organic materials. The decomposition is carried out by microorganisms which are active when there is oxygen in the environment (aerobic conditions). The microorganisms are everywhere but will become active when conditions are favourable. Materials needed: Macerated cocoa pod husk, Nitrogen source: Poultry manure OR gliricidia trimmings OR moringa leaves & stem OR wild sunflower leaves & stem High density polyethylene sheet (black) Shovel 12 liter Bucket Cutlas & chopping board Hand gloves & long boot Watering can 2.5m hollow side-sliced Bamboo sticks (optional) 3m long Bamboo sticks Mallet Nose mask Collecting and preparing the materials The cocoa pod husk should be broken into smaller pieces. It will be best if one can mill them. In the absence of milling they could be trampled upon with the wellington boots worn. Crushed cocoa pod husk has good physical properties to enhance the decomposition process. The cocoa pod husk should be free from foreign materials such as diseased infected pods, plastics, metals, and stones. The cocoa pod husk should be broken into smaller pieces. It will be best if one can mill them. In the absence of milling they could be trampled upon with the wellington boots worn. Identify a nitrogen source. This can be shredded/chopped gliricidia or moringa or wild sunflower or poultry manure Setting up the compost heap Clear an area of 3 meter square for a heap of about 1.5m3 The surface of the area should be firmed and levelled. Using a 12 liter bucket, measure out cocoa pod husk and shredded/chopped gliricidia or moringa or wild sunflower or poultry manure in a ratio 4:1. Sprinkle a reasonable amount of water and turn to make a heap. The water should be introduced on each layer before another layer is added to make it moist but not soggy. Note: After each layer dip a stick to check the depth of reach of moisture in the heap. A damp end of the stick should indicate that the heap is moist. Mix the husks and the nitrogen source together and use a black polyethylene sheet to cover the heap. From the open top of the heap, insert three 2.5m hollow side-sliced bamboo sticks into the heap to reach the base. These reduce the need for frequent turning Finally cover the top portion of the heap with a strip of black polythene sheet. Secure the edges well with any appropriate heavy items that can not be blown away Turning and monitoring the compost heap The composting should take between eight to twelve weeks. The first turning should be done after five days. The temperature in the heap will be high for the few days or weeks and will begin to drop as time goes by until the compost is ready. Turn weekly from 5-10 days until maturity. The frequency of turning can be reduced as temperature reduces. The bamboo stick reduces the need for frequent turning (turn every 2-3 days without this) Allow the compost to cure for about two weeks before use.