How to distinguish between mesophilic and cooling stages in composting?

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In summary, mesophilic and cooling stages are two distinct phases in the composting process that can be differentiated based on temperature and microbial activity. The mesophilic stage is characterized by higher temperatures and rapid decomposition of organic material, while the cooling stage involves a decrease in temperature and a shift towards slower decomposition. This distinction is important in managing the composting process and ensuring optimal conditions for the composting microorganisms.
  • #1
Stephanus
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Dear PF Forum,
There are four composting stages that I read in these links.
http://www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com/compoststages.html
http://www.weblife.org/humanure/chapter3_9.html
http://www.agrowingculture.org/2011/08/humanure-part-iii-thermophillic-bacteria-composting-stages-the-sanitization-of-compost-joe-jenkins/
1. Mesophilic
2. Thermophilic
3. Cooling down
4. Maturation
Thermophilic is easy to detect, that it's hot.
Now, I want to know about this mesophilic stage.
What is the characteristic of mesophilic stage?
How do we know that the composter is in mesophilic stage?
Do we have to open the bin and extract its content? Even if we do that, then how do we know that it's in mesophilic stage?

Thanks for the reply
 
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  • #2
Stephanus said:
Now, I want to know about this mesophilic stage.
What is the characteristic of mesophilic stage?
How do we know that the composter is in mesophilic stage?
Do we have to open the bin and extract its content? Even if we do that, then how do we know that it's in mesophilic stage?
Hi Stephanus:

Where have you looked for an answer? I found the following at
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mesophilic .
"(of bacteria) growing best at moderate temperatures, between 25°C and 40°C."​
This contrasts with
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thermophilic
"(of bacteria) growing best at temperatures between 50° and 60°C."​
My guess is that a thermometer would be able to distinguish the two states.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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  • #3
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi Stephanus:

Where have you looked for an answer? I found the following at
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mesophilic .
"(of bacteria) growing best at moderate temperatures, between 25°C and 40°C."​
This contrasts with
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thermophilic
"(of bacteria) growing best at temperatures between 50° and 60°C."​
My guess is that a thermometer would be able to distinguish the two states.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
Okay, but how to distinguish between mesophilic and cooling and maturation?
And supposed I just throw organic waste in the composter bin. And it's 250C. How can I be sure that it's in mesophilic stage?
Thanks for the answer @BuzzBloom
 
  • #4
Stephanus said:
Okay, but how to distinguish between mesophilic and cooling and maturation?
And supposed I just throw organic waste in the composter bin. And it's 250C. How can I be sure that it's in mesophilic stage?
Hi Stephanus:

I justt found the sites with the information I posted by searching with my browser. I am not looking at all the sites the browser finds. I think you will be able to find more information by doing your own searches.

Regarding "distinguish between mesophilic and cooling", I think if the ambient temperature if lower than 25C, and the composting material is also less than 25C, I would guess that the mesophilic phase is over. If the temperature is exactly at 25C, the result probably means that the compost is at the threshold of transition between mesophilic and cooling.

Regarding cooling and maturation, I found the following at
http://www.valid-compost.com/en/maturation/
There is very little microbiological activity during this phase of maturation: at surrounding temperature, it is the micro wildlife that settles in.
Thus the product is stabilized and moisturized so as to get a homogeneous aspect (brown).
After 4 weeks of maturation a sample is taken to compare the finished product with the relevant NFU standard.​

You may want to search "NFU Standard".

Regards,
Buzz
 
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FAQ: How to distinguish between mesophilic and cooling stages in composting?

What is the mesophilic stage in composting?

The mesophilic stage is the second stage in the composting process, occurring after the initial thermophilic stage. During this stage, the temperature of the compost pile decreases and mesophilic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi become the dominant decomposers.

How long does the mesophilic stage last?

The mesophilic stage typically lasts for 1-2 weeks, depending on various factors such as the size and composition of the compost pile, moisture levels, and oxygen availability. Once the temperature of the pile begins to decrease, it is an indication that the mesophilic stage has begun.

What is the ideal temperature range for the mesophilic stage?

The ideal temperature range for the mesophilic stage is between 68-113°F (20-45°C). This temperature range allows for the mesophilic microorganisms to thrive and continue breaking down organic matter at a steady rate.

How can I maintain the mesophilic stage in my compost pile?

To maintain the mesophilic stage, it is important to regularly turn and mix the compost pile to ensure proper aeration and moisture levels. Adding new organic material and keeping the pile moist but not overly wet can also help sustain the mesophilic microorganisms.

What are the benefits of the mesophilic stage in composting?

The mesophilic stage plays a crucial role in the composting process as it breaks down complex organic compounds into simpler substances. This stage also helps to balance the pH levels of the compost pile and creates a more stable environment for beneficial microorganisms to thrive in, resulting in a nutrient-rich end product for use in gardening and agriculture.

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