HAND-TEST For the Percentage
of Moisture of Compost
 

Take a handful of compost, just enough to squeeze the product while closing your hand. The amount of water that comes out of the fistful will tell you the percentage of moisture it contains.

 

The following results are associated with a percentage of moisture.

 

• 80% + = 4 drops for a constant flow of liquid

• 70% = 3 drops

• 60% = 2 drops  

• 50% = 1 drop

• 40% = no drops but an accumulation of liquid between the fingers

• 30% = material holds together when compressed

• 20% = material starts to fall apart

• 10% = material does not hold together at all and can be blown away