Studies on Temperature Fluctuation and Moisture Changes in Different Methods of Composting

Decomposition of organic materials temperature and moisture is a major factor for composting. The study on temperature fluctuation during composting was initially higher and thereafter reduction in it was recorded in all composting methods till maturity. The higher temperatures were recorded in Local compost method (57.76°C) in first 15 days observation and lowest in MA composting method (34.66°C). At 10 days interval, the higher temperature ranges from 67.86 to 52.23°C in Local (anaerobic) composting methods and lower temperature from 46.73 to 35.26°C in Nagpur (aerobic) composting methods was observed. For the better decomposition of wheat straw the moisture was maintained up to 150 days and before the addition of water the samples were collected for measurement of moisture content. The data reveled statistically significant at 75 to 175 days after incubation. The significantly maximum moisture (66.67 and 50.26%) was retained in local compost method (anaerobic), respectively. The lowest moisture content (50.13 and 30.77%) was recorded in MA compost method (aerobic) at 75^th and 175^th days, respectively. It indicates that the requirement of moisture in anaerobic methods of composting were more as compared to other methods.