The biological foundations
Explore carbon, nitrogen, moisture, oxygen and their roles in the process.
All modules
Technical topic 02 · Science and resource flows
Foundations of Composting: Science and Practice
Understand the biological process behind producing stable compost.
Who it’s for
Prospective operators, community project teams and educators.
What you take away
Understand the process controls and evidence needed to assess compost quality.
What we explore.
Processing methods
Compare windrows and other pile systems, including turning and aeration.
Temperature and process records
Understand the purpose of monitoring, pathogen-reduction requirements and recordkeeping.
Curing and maturity
Follow the transition from active processing to a stable finished material.
Common process problems
Examine contamination, moisture swings and low-oxygen conditions.
Standards and compliance
Identify the regulatory and product-quality questions that apply to a proposed operation.
Apply it to your context
Questions for
your next decision.
- What materials and balance would our process require?
- How would we monitor and document performance?
- Which standards and tests apply to our intended products?
Discuss your context and learning goals with Oliver to identify the right starting point.
How this supports your business case
Turn the learning
into evidence.
Use this module to identify implications for demand, available resources, operating requirements, investment, risk and outcomes. Record what you know, the assumptions you are making and what still needs validation in your OPPORTUNITY business case.