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The split pallet system creates compost in each half chamber. The system is made out of pallets wrapped in gopher wire to promote airflow and to prevent rodents from getting in. This system would be considered a static, semi-hot, vermicompost hybrid.
Step-by-step process
Step-by-step process
*Building the split pallet system requires extensive time, a stapler gun, and a circle saw.
1
Make the bottom frame using 3 of the 2x4’s. To do so, cut one of the 4 ft long 2x4’s in half. Use wood screws to fix the frame together.
2
Drill ½ inch holes 2 inches apart along the 4ft side of the frame, cut the PVC pipe using a PVC pipe cutter into 2 ft lengths.
3
Feed the PVC pipe through the holes and attach the plywood to the frame covering the holes.
4
Attach the remaining 4 2x4’s creating the legs for the box.
5
Attach any remaining wood as support for the end pieces of plywood.
6
Use the last piece of 2ftx4ft plywood to make a lid adding the hinge.
7
Use caulk to fill in any gaps between the plywood and the frame to create a watertight seal.
8
Create the rodent proof screen for the base. Using the 1in x 2in x 8ft furring board, create a screen, cut the board into 2 2ft pieces and 2 4ft pieces. Make a frame and staple chicken wire to cover it. Then, using the remaining wood, cut small pieces to act as pegs to hold the screen in place. Fix the pegs on the legs to allow space for the screen to slide into place covering the bottom opening.
Set Up
A significant layer of hay straw was added to the bottom of the chamber, about 1ft deep.
Maintenance and Use
Using the system is fairly simple. The worms do all the work of turning and processing. The job of the person is to maintain their environment.
The compost is regularly monitored. To feed the system, a small impression is made in the straw and the food scraps are deposited. After, more straw is added to cover the scraps. Future scrap material is continually added into the middle, creating a barrier of straw around the scraps to protect against flies, smell, and evaporation.
No turning of the compost is necessary, and the scraps don’t really need to be chopped up or processed, which takes care of the challenge of labor.
When one chamber is full of straw and food scraps, that chamber will be left to decompose and cure for 6 months. At this point, the next chamber can be prepared and utilized for food scraps.
Harvesting
After 6 months of no new additions to one chamber, the compost should be ready to harvest! The door for that chamber can be removed, and the compost can be shoveled into a wheelbarrow for transport. The door can then be returned to the system, and that chamber can be set-u to accept food scrap again.
System Takeaways
System Takeaways
Worm colony
*UPDATE THIS* This system has been continuously productive as the compost maintenance crew never detected a decline in worm population. It appeared as if the colony size did double in size after 90 days as intended.
Maintenance Complexity
The system is very easy to maintain. Little labor is required to maintain the system.
Moisture levels
*UPDATE THIS* Feeding with the 8:1 proportion of greens to browns does not negatively affect the system's moisture levels. Since the system has an abundance of bedding and depth, there is a lot of material to take in and absorb the moisture.
Aeration
The system has airflow due to the gopher wire surrounding the pallets. Air is able to enter in through the gaps in the wire.
The maintenance crew believes that the system benefits from the air gaps as it helps prevent odors and allows for aerobic decomposition.
Design Flaws
Difficult to rat-proof, mesh doesn't fully line up
Too big for standard backyard use
Rodent Activity
The pallet surrounded by gopher wire do not produce a perfect seal. This could lead to issues with rodent activity, although no activity has been detected at this point.
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