The bin modified by Practical Action includes the following features:
- To improve the aeration, the modified bin was designed with more aeration holes. 70-100 holes were included in each ring and the diameter of these holes was less than 1 cm (this minimize pest entering).
- Previous bin designs included only one door of 10″x3.5″ for compost removing purposes. As people encountered difficulties in compost removing, the new bin was designed with three compost removing doors of 10″x3.5″.
- Some designs included a bottom pad which enabled the bin to stand steadily and prevent rats entering. But, it was not porous enough to drain excess moisture. Therefore, the new design included a permeable pad with 5-10 holes of ½” size to enable draining of excess water. Further, it facilitates entering of soil micro organism to the composting process.
- Design Improvements for a solid lid is important for easy handling and to prevent pests entering. Prior to the solids lids, there were galvanized lids that were of light weight. These lids did not cover the bins properly as they were not steady. Therefore, a thin concrete lid was designed to cover the bin well so that the lid would not fall off. As these concrete lids are solid, it keeps away from pest and prevents any rain water entering.
- In the new design, all breakable components are reinforced with irons which help to withstand under rough handling. Therefore, it gives extra strength to the new bin with three compost removing doors.
- Rats entering the bin was a major problem that was encountered before in earlier designs with poorly fitted doors. The modified design includes a simple locking system to keep the bin door tightly closed to prevent any pests entering the bin.
- In the new design, each ring is well fitted with interlocking groves. This minimizes displacing of rings with mixing and other management activities. It also keeps minimum space to protect from snails and cockroaches.
source: www.practicalaction.org
For more information, contact:
Dept. of Science and Technology
Rm. 303 DOST Bldg., DOST Complex,
Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631
Telephone Nos: (632) 837-20-71 to 82
Fax: (632) 837-8937
Web: www.dost.gov.ph
2010 · All Rights Reversed ·
can you add how to control millipedes the natural way? My compost is severely infested with millipedes, they’re everywhere including the orchids pots, COT’s pots and other flowering and ornamental plants, I can’t use organic pesticide always because of allergies. Need your help.