Speeding up weed decomposition

[Max]

Hi Folks,

My parents are visiting and we've been putting them to work in the yard. They've done a bunch of weeding and now I want to get rid of all those weeds. First off, we have 4.5 acres of land, most of which is woods, so it's not a problem to just dump them in some far off corner and let nature take its course which is exactly what we have done. I don't really need to do anything more to them to be honest, the pile is out of sight and not in the way of anything or anybody. I was just wondering though if there is anything that I can throw on top of the pile to help speed up the decomposition? As I said, I don't need to do anything but if the process is likely to take years then I would like to help nature out. I have leaf piles back there from earlier in the season too, I just don't want to have piles, piles and more piles everywhere. Hopefully nature can keep up. I looked on line and most links I followed discussed composting and using bins. Well I don't want to build a compost bin back there unless I have to so everything is pretty much in an exposed heap.

Cheers, Max

[HayZee518]

Most inexpensive way is to inter disperse regular lime between layers. The internal heat that builds up will decompose the organic matter. Something that takes years upon years to decompose will take about 6 months.

[Max]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

[JC]

A few 2 litre bottles of Coke will help as well...

[Max]

Do they have to be 2 litre bottles or will any size do?

[woodycrest]

the simplest way is to pile leaves , weeds, kitchen waste etc together. a mixture of browns(leaves) and greens(weeds,grass clipping, kitchen waste)will create the heat without the addition of lime. the 'stuff' decomposes and becomes compost. you dont need a bin, an 'exposed heap' works just fine.

Dave