How does organic waste decompose inside a compost bin?
Specifically, what is the process that takes place inside a compost bin in order to break down its contents? Does it require compost worms? Are there any environmental factors which speed up the process?
A good compost heap gets hot through biological chemistry(some bacteria exist in the soil which stand temperatures in the region of 70degC,they are the only bacteria at work when the heap gets hot) and need a good airflow(it is an aerobic process) and no worms could live in it at the hot stage,which might last a fortnight to a month,plant diseases are also killed in the hot stage.The compost is ready to use when worms breed in it.Compost heaps need to be large enough and enclosed so that they heat up and it helps to turn them over every 10 days and water added because the heating drives of steam. Using composting worms is more useful when digesting slow awkward stuff like leaves or some household waste.,It does better in the absence of air (is anaerobic)and does not heat up,composting gives off carbon dioxide,so it is a slow burning process whereas wormaries give of methane.
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Its broken down by bacteria, fungus and bugs. Compost worms will speed up the process as will warmth and air (oxygen).
References :
http://www.wormsdirectuk.co.uk/acatalog/Advice_sheets-What_is_composting_.html
A good compost heap gets hot through biological chemistry(some bacteria exist in the soil which stand temperatures in the region of 70degC,they are the only bacteria at work when the heap gets hot) and need a good airflow(it is an aerobic process) and no worms could live in it at the hot stage,which might last a fortnight to a month,plant diseases are also killed in the hot stage.The compost is ready to use when worms breed in it.Compost heaps need to be large enough and enclosed so that they heat up and it helps to turn them over every 10 days and water added because the heating drives of steam. Using composting worms is more useful when digesting slow awkward stuff like leaves or some household waste.,It does better in the absence of air (is anaerobic)and does not heat up,composting gives off carbon dioxide,so it is a slow burning process whereas wormaries give of methane.
References :
Been composting for many years and learned only slowly.