Mesophilic Composting

Mesophilic composting is a form of aerobic decomposition that you can use alone or in combination with other composting methods to produce finished compost. Knowing what sets mesophilic composting apart from other composting styles can help you determine if this composting method will suit your needs.

Identification

• Mesophilic composting occurs most rapidly when organic matter is between the temperatures of approximately 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Cathy Cromell, author of the book "Composting for Dummies." During mesophilic composting, oxygen-loving mesophilic bacteria break down easy-to-decompose materials.

Drawbacks

• Used alone, mesophilic composting doesn't allow organic waste to reach the high temperatures necessary for destroying potentially harmful microbes that could be present in the waste. As a rule, plan on using mesophilic composting in conjunction with high temperature thermophilic composting for decomposing organic waste, such as cow or horse manure. Such materials could contain weed seeds or harmful pathogens, advises Brett Markham in "Mini Farming for Self Sufficiency."

Factors

• Encourage mesophilic bacteria to work and reproduce more efficiently by keeping your compost waste about as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If you want to use mesophilic composting in conjunction with thermophilic composting, mix the waste once every two to four weeks to introduce more oxygen, which helps increase the microbial activity. As the mesophilic composting process speeds up, the bacteria produce extra heat, which raises the temperature, eventually allowing the thermophilic bacteria to take over the decomposition process.