Juan Fernando Moreira Calix, Timmerman, Anna, Hammett, Bert, Dunaway, Christopher R., Kuehny, Jeff S., Adhikari, Achyut, Willis, Joe
Composting is complex process which involves several cycles such as carbon or nitrogen production. Carbon and nitrogen production is directly affected by how much microbial activity there is in the compost pile. The best time for compost to be used for plant growth and development is once it is mature. A compost is considered mature once it moves from a phase of high microbial activity to a phase of low microbial activity. During this maturity phase most, organic materials will have broken down to useful humus and also carbon and nitrogen production will have been reduced.
Methods for Evaluating Compost Maturity
Method | How does it work? | Considerations |
Chemical Methods | Measures chemical changes in the compost such as; Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Carbon and Nitrogen Ratio (C/N Ratio), Nitrification, or pH | Measures chemical changes in the compost such as; Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Carbon and Nitrogen Ratio (C/N Ratio), Nitrification, or pH |
Biological Methods | Measures the phytotoxicity of a compost by determining if germination is affected by the compost | Can be done in a household setting, however it may use up valuable seeds. |
Microbiological Methods | Measures microbial activity; Immature compost=Microbial activity is high Mature compost=Microbial activity is low | Uses indicators such as; CO2 and NH3 production or Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). May need laboratory services however household tests are available (Ex: Solvita Compost Maturity Test |
Spectroscopic Methods | Measures the ability of light to refract through compost samples in order to measure how much humus may be in the compost pile | Does not destroy sample when analyzing, however, there is a need of complex spectroscopic equipment |
Degree of Humification | Measures the degree to which organic matter has degraded into humus, which is easily used by plants | Several ways of measuring mathematically, but needs certain measurements such as acid contents or carbon content which need to be measured in a laboratory |
Chromatographic | Measures biosynthesis of acid in order to measure indirectly degradation of large compounds in the compost | Need of complex equipment and expertise in how to use them |
Physical Methods | Measures physical aspects of the compost such as; temperature, appearance, color, uniformity and odor | Does not need expensive equipment, however, these characteristics can be very subjective and therefore not good indicators at times. Temperature can be very reliable because it is measured, but it must done properly with a compost thermometer. |
This easy-to-use maturity test uses microbiological methods but removes the need for laboratory services. Throughout the composting process different microorganisms work at degrading large materials into smaller materials. In the process depending on what type of microorganisms are present, they will increase or reduce the production of two gases: CO2 and NH3. Once microbial activity is low (compost is mature) these two gasses will be reduced. The Solvita test contains two pallets, one measures CO2 and the other measures NH3. This is done by taking a small sample of compost, placing it in the provided container along with the two pallets. Then the container is sealed and after one hour the colors that appear in each pallet are compared to a maturity index provided with the kit and the stage of the compost is determined.
Determination of compost maturity using Solvita text kits.
Authors:
Juan Moreira, Research Assistant, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences; Achyut Adhikari, Associate Professor, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences; Christopher Dunaway, Assistant Extension Agent, Jefferson Parish; Bert Hammett, Extension Agent, East Baton Rouge Parish; Jeff Kuehny, Director, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens; Anna Timmerman, Assistant Extension Agent, St. Bernard Parish and Joe Willis, Extension Agent, Orleans Parish.
Visit our website: www.LSUAgCenter.com
Pub. 3838-F (Online Only) 04/22
Luke Laborde, Interim LSU Vice President for Agriculture
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, LSU College of Agriculture
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
Funding for this publication is provide by the USDA NIFA FSOP Award #: 2020‐70020‐33035