ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the basic aspects of the composting process. Specifically, it discusses the effect of oxygen, aeration, moisture, temperature, nutrients and pH. The chapter covers the carbon and nitrogen cycles during the composting process. Composting is the biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled aerobic conditions. In contrast, fermentation is the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. The major factors affecting the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms are oxygen and moisture. Other important factors that could limit the composting process are nutrients and pH. Nutrients, especially carbon and nitrogen, play an important part in the process as they are essential for microbial growth and activity. The composting process can be depicted in many ways. It shows a general relationship for respiration and temperature as a function of composting time. The shape of the curve varies with the feedstock being composted and the composting method.
