The Right Conditions and Processes for Composting

Humans have little improved the natural composting process over the past few millennia, and so, given the right ingredients and conditions, it will often need little human intervention for it to function at its optimal capacity to decompose organic matter. 

The Right Conditions and Processes for Composting

Therefore, if the right ingredients are used in the right ratio, the right conditions for optimum compost ratios will often create themselves. If the following conditions are met, the composting process will be efficient and effective with minimal unpleasant odors and/or environmental problems.

Humidity should be kept at a level between 35% and 60%. The compost should have the feel of a squeezed sponge. Moisture levels can be estimated by trying to make a ball with a handful of composting material. In general, a weak ball can form that will shatter if it bounces off the hand. 

If the material is not holding any shape, the compost is likely to be too dry. If water can be squeezed out of the ball, the material is likely to be too moist; the acidity of the material should be kept at a pH level of less than 7.5. 

This is best controlled by ensuring a balanced input of material (for example, adding too much lime will increase the alkalinity of the compost); and the temperatures in the compost should be around 55°C. Digging the pile should give off heat that warms the hand without discomfort.

However, this rule differs in vermiculture systems where the ideal temperature for optimum earthworm activity is around 20°C. Too high a temperature can cause worm migration through the active feedstock layer and cause system failure. Optimal temperatures, humidity levels, ventilation and material mixes will generally provide good incidental control of flies and other pests. 

Rodents, birds and wildlife can be a little more difficult to control. However, good site hygiene and management will reduce the need for certain control measures. Pre-processing to physically break larger sized materials into smaller, more perishable parts can increase the efficiency of the process, often by reducing the time it takes to produce a viable product. An example of this is the preferential addition of sawdust as opposed to chips.

Our organization provides very different certification services for businesses in various sectors and carries out the necessary testing, analysis, control and evaluation activities within this framework. In these works, it always follows domestic and foreign standards, applicable legal regulations and generally accepted practices. Our organization has a trained and experienced staff and advanced technological facilities. In this framework, it also provides compost certification and C-Label (Compost Labeling) compost labeling services to businesses that request it.