| The opinions shared here are based upon my own experiences working with compost and may not be shared by all. What’s the white stuff in my compost? |
| Quite often, l am asked, “What’s the white stuff in my compost? Is it fungi?” I remember the first time I saw it in my hot compost pile some eight years ago. At the time, I thought the heat within the mixture was so high that it was burning elements of the material. The ‘white stuff’ looked like scorch marks. This is an easy and forgivable mistake for a novice composter, especially when working with high compost temperatures, with steam rising from within each turn. I was captivated by the mystery of these white strands, so I delved into research until I uncovered the answer. These strands, sometimes mistaken for fungi, are actually aerobic actinomycetes. They’re a type of microorganism found in compost piles, their presence resembling crisscrossing cobwebs. Isn’t that fascinating? How utterly awesome! Actinomycetes, often mistaken for fungi, are a type of bacteria from the Thermophilic Actinobacteria group. In compost, they act as ‘uber recyclers ‘, breaking down complex compounds like protein, cellulose, chitin, and lignin. Their presence, resembling fungi, is usually found on woody components, paper-based products, and insect exoskeletons. Actinomycetes can produce an enzyme that breaks down complicated compounds like protein, cellulose, chitin, and lignin, but they are also responsible for giving compost that delicious earthly comfort smell. Actinomycetes are truly remarkable in their ability to thrive in high temperatures. They can withstand excessive heat with higher pH [potential of hydrogen] and prefer temperatures between 28 to 40 °C/104 °F and higher. This is a testament to their adaptability and resilience, which is a boon for composters dealing with heated compost piles. Actinomycetes are also a form of bacterial aggressor. They will compete, if not battle, with other bacteria and fungi to get nutrients from the non-protein or protein sources they feed on. Actinomycetes keep the balance with the other bacteria within the compost heap. These bacteria are harvested for a resource to use with chemotherapeutic antibiotics, for example. For hot composters, the presence of actinomycetes in their compost heaps and bins is a boon. These bacteria excel at breaking down woody-based materials, recycling nutrients, and maintaining a balance with other bacteria, including pathogens. Their unique abilities make them a valuable asset in the composting process. |
A Gardener's Curiosity 
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