| Properties of compost
substrates |
C/N ratio |
Low C/N ratio substrates lose
nitrogen by NH3 volatilization, while high C/N ratio substrates compost more slowly. |
(33) |
| Biochemical composition |
It demonstrates
their ability for biodegradation, or stable
feedstocks are difficult to disintegrate during composting. |
(32,34) |
| Particle size |
Small particle substrates—likely
to encourage the formation
of clumps. |
(21) |
| Large particle substrates—
difficult to disintegrate. |
| Moisture |
Acts as a conduit for the transfer
of nutrients within the compost mixture and has an impact on gas exchange
within the compost heap. |
(31) |
| pH |
Influences
NH3 volatilization in addition to microbial
activity. |
(35) |
| Environmental factors |
Temperature |
Indicates the level of microbial
activity and the stage of
composting. High temperature is beneficial for compost sanitary. |
(33,36) |
| Aeration |
Compost aeration has a substantial
impact on the quality of the compost as well as the GHG emission. |
(37,38) |
