Composting is the conversion of organic material, such as plant material and household foodstuffs, to a material having a soil-like consistency. This material is called compost. The composting process, which is one of decomposition, relies upon living organisms. Insects and earthworms participate. Bacteria and fungi are of fundamental importance.

Composting is a natural process and enables nutrients to be cycled back into an ecosystem. The end products of composition are compost, carbon dioxide, water and heat.

The decomposition process is achieved mainly by bacteria and fungi. Bacteria predominate, making up 80 to 90% of the microorganisms found in compost.

There are several phases to the composting process, which involve different microorganisms. The first phase, which lasts a few days after addition of the raw material to the compost pile, is a moderate temperature (mesophilic) phase. As microbial activity produces decomposition and by-products, including heat, a high-temperature...