To complement the information I recently uploaded on the physical and chemical parameters involved in the decomposition of the composting process, today I bring you how temperature and pH affect composting efficiency.
▶ The temperature of the mixture to be composted depends on the microbial activity that causes the release of energy in the form of heat, which results in a temperature increase if the microorganisms are active.
▶ Credits: Iamcountryside. – [Image of Public Domain]
During the process, the size of the pile and the C/N ratio influence the temperatures reached. High temperatures allow pathogens, parasites and weed seeds to be eliminated.
Therefore, the composting process will be considered efficient as the temperature evolves since it has a direct relationship with the degradation capacity of the compost.
As the process progresses the pH varies, initially, in the mesophilic stage a decrease can be observed caused by the release of organic acids, progressively degradation processes of organic acids.
Additionally, the generation of ammonia due to the decomposition of proteins also occurs, making the medium alkaline and later stabilizing with a tendency towards a neutral pH, indicating good decomposition and humus formation.
NOTE: Reference material.