Changes in Bacterial and Fungal Communities across Compost Recipes, Preparation Methods, and Composting Times

Abstract

Municipalities, industry and agricultural farms are generating substantial amounts of organic wastes. These wastes not only strain landfill space, but also pose serious threats to the environment. Compostable materials (including paper, food wastes, and grass clippings) comprised 62% (155 million tons) of this waste stream in the US [1]. Composting represents an important solution for a more sustainable management of organic waste. Not only does composting remove waste, it can effectively convert the waste into a nutrient-rich organic amendment for a variety of agricultural, horticultural or landscaping applications. Countries, states, and municipalities are increasingly enacting legislation and regulation to promote the diversion of organics from solid waste disposal facilities to recycling and composting.