ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the factors that affect the microbial population, rates of microbial degradation, and the manifestations that occur because of changes in these factors. Although microbiology is the single most important facet of composting, relatively little research has been conducted in this area. As a biological process, composting involves a myriad of microorganisms. These organisms decompose organic matter and organic compounds. Several important factors affect the microbiological population. Both the variety of microbes and the microbial populations fluctuate throughout the composting process. Based on data by Walke, shows the fluctuations of actinomycete, fungi, bacteria, and total microbial populations as a function of time during windrows composting of biosolids and bark. While many composting organisms thrive at temperatures near 50°C, numerous organisms grow at temperatures exceeding 50°C. Waksman and Cordon found that introduction of thermophilic populations to a compost pile brought about greater decomposition at higher temperatures than did the introduction of mesophilic populations.
