Yes that’s valid. For a lot of setups, this approach works really well.
In terms of the big benefit - faster breakdown, better nutrient retention, and fewer emissions. Without extra monitoring, you might still get to a finished product eventually, but analytics can help speed up the process while ensuring the compost is as nutrient-rich and eco-friendly as possible.
This definitely isn’t a one-size fits all solution but many people do find it to be a helpful tool!
I agree with everything else that has been said in this thread!
Just to add on, proper composting helps retain more nutrients in the final product, which is great for soil health, and it also reduces harmful emissions like methane that occur when the process turns anaerobic.
We use sensors from Bosch and Sensirion in our systems. They’re reliable and durable, even in tough environments like compost piles, where heat, moisture, and microbial activity can put tech to the test. Finding the right sensors took a lot of trial and error for us, especially since composting conditions are so unforgiving.
Let us know if you decide to pick up the project— we’d love to cheer you on or compare notes!
No worries at all, I appreciate the curiosity! You’re spot on—electronic monitoring becomes most valuable at larger scales, which is why our upcoming Monty Pro line is tailored for industrial composting facilities and large-scale operations. These setups can really benefit from the efficiency and cost savings that our data-driven insights offer, like optimising aeration cycles or catching inefficiencies before they become costly issues. You can check out the product website here: (https://www.monty-pro.com)
For households, the focus is less on cost savings and more on providing convenient insights to help everyday composters get the most out of their efforts. It’s all about enriching the overall composting experience on a smaller scale :)
For Monty’s system, we use sensors from Bosch and Sensirion. During our initial prototyping phase, we tested around 20 different types of sensors and found they had the most workable results across a range of composting environments.
Feel free to share more about your project ideas— happy to dive deeper if it helps!
Thanks so much for sharing these resources—this is fantastic!
If you’re into LoRaWAN, you might be interested to hear that we’re also developing an industrial composting monitor that incorporates LoRaWAN tech. Here’s the promo video link if you’d like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZFiiwLhZh8&feature=youtu.be
Can your sensor product feed data to open source software for hobbyist and professional agriculture?
I set up FarmOS in a container once; the PWA approach to the offline mobile app was cool but I guess I wasn't that committed to manual data collection or hobbyist gardening.
Are there open standards to support architectural sensor data?
Where is the identifier on the sensor? How does the user scan the visually-confirmable sensor barcode or QR code or similar and associate that with a garden bed or a container?
How does it notify of low battery status; is there a voltage reading to predict the out of battery condition?
Is there a configurable polling interval?
How do I find a sensor unit with a dead battery; is there a low-power chirp, or do I need a metal detector or very directional wireless sensors and triangulation or trilateration?
Are there nooks and crannies in the casing?
How to replace the battery?
Can they be made out of compostable materials? E.g. carbon with existing nanofabrication capabilities
After Single Walled Twisted Carbon Nanotube batteries which are unfortunately still only in the lab, and more practically Sodium Ion, which batteries can safely be discarded or recycled in the agricultural field?
LoRaWAN may be more economical than multiple directional long range WiFi antenna like can be found on YouTube. https://youtu.be/GWq6L94ImX8
Thank you so much for these questions! For clarity, I’ll copy and paste the question for each response:
Q: Can your sensor product feed data to open-source software for hobbyist and professional agriculture?
A: Yes, our sensors can definitely feed data into open-source platforms, making them a great fit for both hobbyist and professional agriculture setups. The guide offers a helpful starting point for integration. Additionally, data collected by the sensors can be exported as a CSV through our consumer app. This makes it easy to process the information or import it into FarmOS or other open-source tools you might be using.
Q: Where is the identifier on the sensor? How does the user scan the visually-confirmable sensor barcode or QR code or similar and associate that with a garden bed or a container?
A: Each sensor uses its unique MAC address as its name. To make setup even easier, each device features a visually confirmable barcode or QR code. Once connected, the sensor’s indicator lights confirm the connection status, so you’ll know right away when it’s properly associated.
Q: How does it notify of low battery status; is there a voltage reading to predict the out-of-battery condition? Is there a configurable polling interval?
A: For low battery notifications, the device features a red indicator light that activates when the battery is running low. Additionally, you can poll the device over Bluetooth to get the current battery level.
Q: How do I find a sensor unit with a dead battery; is there a low-power chirp, or do I need a metal detector or very directional wireless sensors and triangulation or trilateration?
A: A low battery is signalled by the sensor’s lights turning orange, while a dead battery is indicated by the absence of flashing blue lights. If the sensor still has some power, you can poll it via Bluetooth to check its battery level.
Q: Are there nooks and crannies in the casing?
A: Yes, if you’re thinking of something specific for this — please let me know! I’m happy to chat further :)
Q: How to replace the battery?
A: Currently, the battery in our sensors is not replaceable. However, when the device reaches the end of its life, we’re committed to sustainability. We plan to offer users a significant replacement discount and take back the module and responsibly recycle it into new Montys. Interestingly, the original Monty design included a removable battery pack. Through testing, we discovered that most connectors weren’t durable enough to withstand the tough composting environment, so we shifted to a sealed design to ensure long-term reliability.
Q: Can they be made out of compostable materials? E.g. carbon with existing nanofabrication capabilities
A: We’ve trialed biodegradable plastics in the past, but we found that they degraded in the field. Instead, we’ve opted for a 100% recyclable plastic material to ensure that it is able top withstand harsh compost conditions.
Hopefully, I’ve covered everything here—if you have any further questions, just let me know!
Verifying the metabolic processes in composting is a bit of a mix between understanding composting fundamentals and interpreting the data we collect. The processes are highly dependent on factors like feedstock type and volume. For example, a sudden spike in temperature might be due to an addition of nitrogen-rich materials or a recent turning of the pile—both of which can accelerate microbial activity.
While our sensors provide 24/7 data on temperature, gas composition, and more, there are always factors we can’t directly see or control for, like the exact distribution of materials within the pile. That’s where a bit of interpretation comes in: matching what the data is telling us with the fundamentals of composting.
By combining real-time monitoring with an understanding of what’s happening in the pile, users can make informed decisions to keep their composting process on track. It’s not an exact science, but the extra data helps a lot!
You’re absolutely right— a temperature gauge is a fantastic tool for monitoring for many composters who are focused on the basics of maintaining an active hot composting pile.
Where our system shines is when you want to go a little deeper. For example, adding data on gas, moisture levels, and air pressure allows users to troubleshoot or optimise their process more effectively. Is the activity aerobic or anaerobic? Is your moisture level tipping the pile too far one way or another? These kinds of insights can help when composting setups or inputs get more complex, or when things stall and you’re not sure why.
That said, we totally get that not everyone needs all the bells and whistles—sometimes a reliable temp gauge and your composting instincts are all you need to make amazing, healthy compost!
In terms of the big benefit - faster breakdown, better nutrient retention, and fewer emissions. Without extra monitoring, you might still get to a finished product eventually, but analytics can help speed up the process while ensuring the compost is as nutrient-rich and eco-friendly as possible.
This definitely isn’t a one-size fits all solution but many people do find it to be a helpful tool!