Duration of Composting and Changes in Temperature, pH and C/N Ratio during Composting: A Review

Abstract

Composting is the most viable treatment for biodegradable solid waste. Numerous techniques have been developed by different agencies to carry out composting. The most common method is aerobic bin method carried out on small scale. Compost piles and windrow methods needs larger land area and are mainly carried out by industries. The total time for completion of composting depend upon the type of substrate and the methods employed. Moisture content, temperature, pH and C:N ratio are among the most important factors for carrying out composting. The present review emphasised on the estimation of time taken by different types of substrates under different methods of composting and the changes in temperature, pH and C:N ratio occurring therein.

Characterization of composting process and chemical composition of compost from recycling centers in Surabaya City, Indonesia

“…According to (El-Mrini et al, 2021), a pH level close to neutral indicates a successful and mature composting process. This stands in contrast to the findings (Lalremruati & Devi, 2021), who noted that composting of vegetable waste, kitchen scraps, and plant materials (such as wheat straw) typically commences with a lower pH, ranging from 4.5 to 6.8, owing to the high carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of the raw materials.…”

The Effectiveness of Bio-enzymes Made from Fruit Waste and Mixture of Fruit Waste and Chicken Intestinal Content as Composting Activators

“…During the mesophilic stage, the compost temperature rises to reach the temperature of about 40 °C; in this stage, mesophilic microbes dominate. Gradually, thermophilic bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes are replaced as the temperature increases between 50 and 60 °C [17,18]. Table 1.…”

“…Compost materials with a high C/N ratio often contain complex organic compounds, such as tannins, that inhibit decomposition. Therefore, the C/N ratio is often used to measure decomposability [17,[23][24][25]. In addition, Partanen et al [20] stated that there is a close relationship between the composition dynamics of the bacterial community and changes in the chemical and physical properties of the compost material degraded during the decomposition process.…”

“…Fauzan et al [29] added that a high C/N ratio of the raw materials plays a role in unpleasant odor production because perfect decomposition does not occur. Lalremruati and Devi [17] stated that materials with a very low C/N ratio may also lead to odor problems. The material contained too much N, which likely released ammonium gas into the atmosphere.…”

Performance On Nitrogen Rich Component for Composting of Food Waste

“…This value shows that there is a significant increase in the value at the end of composting period with highest K value at the end of composting obtained by compost C. The increase was due to the higher microbial activity in all compost which consequently caused a higher rate of mineralization [3]. It is important to note that parameter such as temperature, moisture content and pH affects the potassium concentration in the compost [11]. The fluctuation in the graph along with the gradual increase caused by the activity of microorganisms in compost can be unstable, which can cause fluctuations in the total potassium content reading.…”