Field test for compost maturity

A rapid compost maturity test was evaluated by the Maine Compost Team at more than 40 sites in the state. To determine the accuracy, compost from the same samples also were compared using self-heating and respirometry tests in the lab.

IN THE fall of 1995, over 80 samples of composted materials were taken from more than 40 compost operations throughout Maine to evaluate a new test kit marketed as giving an accurate indication of the level of compost maturity in four hours. The site visits and testing were carried out by the Maine Compost Team, who gained first hand knowledge about the compost operations, the ingredients included and site management.

In recent years, …