Composting

Definition :

Composting decomposition and stabilization of solid organic waste matter has been
taking place in nature since life appeared on this planet.
With the progress in civilization and knowledge efforts are being diverted towards
rationalizing and controlling the process, in such a way as to make it more effective and
efficient.
The process that have evolved as a result are referred as composting and final product is
called compost.
Prior to composting some salvageable materials are removed, recycled, reused. Thus the
major portion of input waste material is reused and recycled resulting conservation of
natural resources

Factors affecting aerobic composting:

1.organisms

Aerobic composting is dynamic process in which bacteria, antinomycates, fungi and

other biaological forms are actively involved .
Thermophilic antinomycates and fungi grow well in range of 40-60 C
Thermophilic bacteria are mainly responsible for breakdown of proteins and radially
biodegradable organic matter.
Fungi and antinomycates plays important role in decomposition of cellulose and lignins

2.Use of cultures

Required bacteria and fungi are indegineous to municipal refuse

When the environment conditions are appropriate,indegineous bacteria, better adopted to
municipal refuse then forms attenuated laboratory conditions.
Bacteria develop and multiply to keep in pace with available nutrients and environment
conditions

3.C/N ratio

The progress of decomposition in composting mass is greatly influenced by c/n ratio.

Living organisms utilised about 30 parts of carbon for each part of nitrogen.
Decomposers need carbon for energy and nitrogen for growth and it is the composters
job to supply both kinds of materials in roughly the proportions the microorganisms
prefer.

The ideal C:N ratio for composting is between 25:1 and 30:1, with carbon being the
higher number. Precision is unnecessary - with a little experience you will acquire a feel
for the best combinations.

Carbonaceous materials are generally brown or yellow, dry, coarse and bulky compared
with nitrogenous materials, which tend to be green, succulent, gooey and dense.

Carbon sources: straw, sawdust, paper

nitrogen sources: blood ,sludge, slaughter house waste

4.pH value
Although the natural buffering effect of the composting process lends itself to accepting
material with a wide range of pH, the pH level should not exceed eight. At higher pH levels,
more ammonia gas is generated and may be lost to the atmosphere.

5.Moisture
It is very important factor, without moisture, no bacteria can perform, which is
necessary for composting. Moisture replaces air from inter space between particle. Too low
moisture content reduces the metabolic activity of organics, whereas, anaerobic condition would
set in if the moisture content is too high. Therefore optimum moisture content for good
composting is in the range of 50- 60 % moisture required for aerobic composting will depend on
the method used; while for the anaerobic composting moisture required will depend upon
method of storage and handling.

6.Temperature

The process of composting involves two temperature ranges: mesophilic and

thermophilic. While the ideal temperature for the initial composting stage is 20-45 C, at
subsequent stages with the thermophilic organisms taking over, a temperature range of 50-70 C
may be ideal. High temperatures characterize the aerobic composting process and serve as signs
of vigorous microbial activities. Pathogens are normally destroyed at 55 C and above, while the
critical point for elimination of weed seeds is 62 C. Turnings and aeration can be used to
regulate temperature.