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Basics of Composting June 2009 PDF
Basics of Composting June 2009 PDF
Human-controlled composting optimizes the conditions needed for the natural decomposition process. By
creating these ideal conditions, a much faster and efficient decomposition of the organic waste and
stabilization of the final product can be achieved.
In order to enhance the composting process, the following criteria are very important:
Temperature
The optimal temperature for composting is between 55 and
65 degrees C. This temperature is created by the
microorganisms themselves and is important for killing
potentially pathogenic organisms and weed seeds. At
temperatures below 55 C, the process is slower and may not
result in proper sterilization of the product. At temperatures
higher than 65 C, some of the beneficial microorganisms are
killed which also slows the process. The temperature can be
controlled by moisture, aeration and by mixing.
Air-Filled Porosity
Air-filled porosity is the volume of air inside a volume of
compost. The organic waste must allow the passage of air
through the material because composting is an aerobic process,
where the microorganisms require oxygen to decompose the
material. The air-filled porosity should be between 35 and 45%
of the volume of the material. Air-filled porosity is usually not
measured directly, but inferred from measuring bulk density and
moisture content.
Bulk Density
The bulk density is the weight of the composting material per volume, usually expressed in kilograms per
cubic meter. The composting material should have a bulk density of between 600 and 700 kg per cubic
meter. Material having a bulk density lower than this is likely too dry, or the particles are too large to
compost properly. Material having a higher bulk density is likely too wet, or has particles that are too small
to allow oxygen to enter the material.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of the composting material must be between
45 and 65% moisture content. The bacteria and fungi that do the
composting live in a water layer around the organic particles. If the
moisture content is below 45%, there is not enough water around the
particles for the microorganisms to live, and if the moisture content is
greater than 65%, the pores between the particles are filled with
water, and the microorganisms cannot obtain enough oxygen. The
rule of thumb is that if you can squeeze water out of the material, its
likely more than 70% moisture content and is too wet.
Mixing
Mixing the composting material is very important to ensure that all of the material reaches temperatures
required for pathogen kill. It also breaks preferential air pathways that may develop and slow the
composting process.
COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGIES
Composting technologies can be separated into the following categories: