Re: [compost_tea] Thermophilic stage of composting

From: David Anderson <danderson_at_backpackgeartest.org>
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 11:40:14 -0700
Thanks Frank, I figured that someone here would have the answer. Most of
the composting literature that I have read seems to be mostly interested
in producing compost as fast or as easily as possible, not on how to
make the most biologically active compost.

Since I am building my own insulated actively aerated pile, I could
certainly up the aeration, but then I would have to make some more piles
and pay the electricity for pumping the air. I actually have some other
ideas instead of the windrows that should give me some good results on
the home scale.

As for adding it to the worm beds, isn't there some value to having both
regular compost and vermicompost biology available while making tea? and
wouldn't adding the unfinished compost to the worm bin cause it to
become mostly vermicompost biology? I am planning on using compost
through the winter as my worm food, but wanting the biological diversity
has kept me form going that route from the start.

But as for the temperature range that you cite, it is my understanding
that 104 is actually the point where the compost starts becoming
thermophilically dominated, so the bioremediation would be taking place
in a pile that was still thermophilic, but not all the way up at the
weed and pathogen killing temperatures.

Thanks for the book reference, I will try and dig up a copy.

Frank L Teuton wrote:

> Hi David,
>
> Thermophilic composting does indeed only accomplish the big kill of weed
> seeds and pathogens, after which the pile should indeed either be broken
> down into mesophilic sized piles or windrows, reduced in heat by increased
> aeration and moisture addition, or added to a worm system for further
> breakdown, in my opinion and experience.
>
> For some greater details see The Science and Engineering of Composting,
> Hoitink and Keener eds, published by Renaissance Press, which contains many
> articles on the virtues of mesophilic decomposition, and on maintaining a
> temperature ceiling during the mesophilic-low thermophilic phase.
>
> According to the literature cited here, the best decomposition rates as well
> as the most thorough bioremediation of xenochemicals occurs in the 104 to
> 122 F temperature range, which is clearly mesophilic.
>
> Worm bin temps are obviously even lower.
>
> Good composting,
>
> Frank Teuton



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Received on Wed Jul 28 2004 - 15:25:32 EDT

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