The temperature of a windrow plays a key role in the diversity of microbial species which differ in their ability to degrade.

During biodegradation, the micro-organisms already present in the substrates generate heat by oxidizing the organic matter.

The temperature level of the compost depends

• on the heat generated by the micro-organisms.
• loss of heat caused by ventilation and the surrounding environment.
• the moisture content inside the windrow. This can moderate the heating or cooling of the compost.

How long the compost remains warm depends

• on the chemical composition of the decomposing matter.
• the size of the windrow.
• the shape of the windrow.

The temperature of the windrow determines whether the micro-organisms are active and whether they can multiply.
The efficiency of certain fungi in assimilating complex carbon sources such as cellulose or lignin has been demonstrated up to a temperature of approximately 55°C.

During the composting process, the temperature tends to rise quickly, which promotes the volatilization of odorant compounds.

Scientists and fieldworkers have determined the optimal temperature thresholds for each phase of the biodegradation cycle.

During the active thermophile phase, pathogenic organisms are destroyed, the most common of which are Escheria coli, Staphylocossus aureus, Bacillus subtillus and Clostridium botulinum.

The temperature of a windrow plays a key role in the diversity of microbial species which differ in their ability to degrade.

Unlike the tracking of oxygen consumption, however, tracking the temperature is only an indirect measurement of the aerobic degradation of substrates.

Maintaining what is considered to be the optimal temperature for a given composting period does not necessarily mean that the optimal output of aerobic biodegradation has been achieved in that phase.

That is why Umic measuring probes can combine the measurement of the pore space oxygen level with the temperature measurement.

The quantity of oxygen in a windrow determines how the process of aerobic biodegradation takes place, and the type and concentration of the products resulting from it.

Click here to find out more about the role that oxygen plays in compost.

>> Take measurements at different points in the windrow and at different depths, from the top to the side.

>> Sink the rod into the compost and leave it for the amount of time necessary to obtain a stable measurement. 5 minutes will generally suffice and no prior calibration is required.

>> Find out where the warmest pockets lie: these need careful monitoring as it is better not to exceed 60°C in order to encourage a wide variety of microbial species.

>> Record the data collected in the form of tables or graphics so that you can track developments and ventilate at a suitable moment.

>> When the temperature does not correspond to the optimal value, ventilate the windrow.

UMIC has designed an integrated system which does everything for you, from measurement to switching on the ventilators, using intelligent regulation of oxygen and temperature. Coupled with UMIC F1, F2 or F3, UMIC Aero is THE SOLUTION for optimal compost management.

Aero software manages a forced ventilation system with 4 modes of operation: - control and regulation by temperature - control and regulation by oxygen concentration - regulation using a time-out - manual regulation.

Discover what UMIC Aero can do for you.