Term: Composting

Composting

Composting is the biological decomposition of the organic matter under controlled aerobic conditions. The basic composting process is shown in figure 10. The main factors affecting the aerobic decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms are oxygen, moisture and nutrients. Carbon and nitrogen are essential for microbial growth and activity. Carbon is the principal source of energy, and nitrogen is needed for cell synthesis. Other important factors that can slow down the composting process are temperature and pH.