Johnson–Su Bioreactor Composter

COLLECTION ONLY FROM RH9 8DF

A no-turn, fungal-dominant compost system for regenerative growing

The Johnson–Su Bioreactor is a durable, easy-to-use composting unit designed to produce high-quality, biologically rich compost without turning or electricity.
Based on the original Johnson–Su design developed at New Mexico State University, this model is adapted for the UK climate and woodland materials — leaves, chipped wood, nettles, and other natural feedstocks.

Each unit is built from 4 mm Galfan-coated welded mesh with 75 mm square apertures, forming a strong 1 m × 1 m × 1 m frame. The interior is lined with heavy-duty non-woven weed-suppressant fabric to retain moisture and prevent loss of fine material while maintaining airflow.

Six removable vertical aeration pipes (Ø 75 mm) ensure perfect oxygenation during the first 24 hours. Once withdrawn, they leave open air channels that sustain aerobic, fungal-dominant composting throughout the year.
A toggle-fastened breathable cover keeps the contents moist, shaded, and protected from rain and wildlife.

How to Use

1. Place on soil or bricks with a woodchip base for drainage.
2. Insert the six pipes (one central, five around).
3. Fill gradually with alternating layers of leaves, woodchips, and green material (nettles, comfrey, etc.), watering to keep it as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
4. Remove pipes after 24 hours.
5. Cover and leave to mature — no turning needed.
   After 9–12 months, the compost is ready: dark, crumbly, fungal-rich, and odour-free.

Specifications

Benefits

• No-turn, odour-free composting
• Fungal-dominant biology for better soil health
• Long-life, corrosion-resistant frame
• Made from fully recyclable materials
• Scalable modular system — use one or many side-by-side

Please note: This item is collection only from Hanging Wood, Surrey. We’ll contact you to arrange pickup.

🌱 Explore Our Self-Sufficiency & Sustainable Living Range

Practical products for a more self-sufficient and lower-waste way of living, including composting, sanitation and beekeeping.

→ Compost Loo with Urine Separator
A practical urine-diverting compost toilet for off-grid living, cabins, allotments, woodland sites, glamping and other locations where conventional plumbing may not be available.

→ Johnson-Su Bioreactor Composter
A purpose-built composting system based on the Johnson-Su bioreactor approach for producing biologically rich compost using an aerated, low-disturbance process.

→ Assembled Cedar National Beehive – 1½ Brood with Gabled Roof
An assembled British National beehive made from Cedar, supplied with additional components to provide a practical starting setup for new beekeepers.

Our self-sufficiency range reflects many of the practical systems and traditional approaches we use ourselves at Hanging Wood, from woodland management and composting to keeping bees. 🌿🐝