January 2022

TEXT-ONLY VERSION (scroll to bottom to download Newsletter in PDF)

The Science behind Composting

Composting undergoes three phases (Trautmann & Olynciw, 1996). These phases are classified by the micro-organisms which predominate that phase and the temperatures reached.

1. Mesophilic Phase

This phase usually lasts a few days and usually occurs between 10-40°C. During this phase mesophilic micro-organisms rapidly breakdown soluble, easily degradable compounds and this produces heat.

2. Thermophilic Phase

This phase can last for weeks up to months depending on various factors and usually occurs between 40-60°C. This phase and its high temperatures is incredibly important for pathogen kill and neutralisation (Kim, et al., 2012). High temperatures also accelerate the breakdown of proteins and fats. EarthPet’s closed composting system has consistently registered temperatures above 60°C during this phase.

3. Cooling and Maturing/Curing Phase

As the decomposition process continues the supply of high-energy compounds becomes exhausted. The compost temperature will gradually decrease, and mesophilic micro-organisms once again take over. This final phase can last for weeks up to months and is responsible for the maturation and “curing” of the remaining organic matter. This results in nutritious compost that can be used in your garden.

Why are these phases important?

• Mesophilic micro-organisms that naturally occur have been proven to assist with the breakdown of Sodium Pentobarbital (Schwarz, et al., 2013). This chemical compound is commonly used to euthanise animals and can have disastrous consequences if allowed to infiltrate the surrounding environment.
• The high temperatures present in the thermophilic phase neutralises harmful pathogenic micro-organisms. Viruses such as those responsible for avian influenza, african swine fever, canine distemper, rabies, and foot and mouth disease will be neutralised effectively during this phase. Other harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella will also be neutralised with temperatures that are high enough to prevent the re-growth of Salmonella (Biswas, et al., 2019).
• Curing is important because it allows for the compost to mature. Uncured or immature compost can be very harmful to plants (Fletcher, 2021). It can produce phytotoxins, decrease the availability of oxygen and nitrogen in the soil and can contain high concentrations of organic acids. Curing in EarthPet’s system takes place after the compost has been deemed safe (through microbiological tests) and is then removed from the bio-chamber. This allows for physical decomposers such as earthworms to enter the system and support the return of mesophilic microbes that further allows the compost to mature.  

It is very important that composting is done correctly and managed properly. This allows for the composting process to continue being safe and effective.

EarthPet’s Infographic

Composting undergoes three phases. These phases are classified by the micro-organisms which predominate that phase and the temperatures reached. It is very important that composting is done correctly and managed properly. This allows for the composting process to continue being safe and effective.

Thermophilic Phase of composting: This phase and its high temperatures is incredibly important for pathogen kill and neutralisation. High temperatures also accelerate the breakdown of proteins & fats.

Notable viruses and their deactivation temperatures:

• Avian Influenza Virus: Low Pathogenicity 1 day @ 26.7°C / High Pathogenicity @ 43.3°C.
• African Swine Fever: 56°C for 70 minutes.
• Canine Distemper Virus: 1 day at room temperature.
• Rabies: <24 hours at room temperature, highly resistant to low or freezing temperatures.
• Foot and mouth disease: >50°C.

Distemper Outbreak: During December 2021, there was an increase in distemper cases in the Western Cape. Please remember to vaccinate your animals.

Sodium Pentobarbital:

• Harmful euthanasia compound.
• Can cause pentobarbital poisoning in wildlife & scavengers.

• Reasons why composting phases are important:
• Mesophilic micro-organisms assist in the breakdown of chemical compounds such as sodium pentobarbital.

2. High temperatures neutralise pathogens & accelerate the breakdown of proteins & fats.
3. Curing assists in the formation of nutritious compost that is good for the ground.

EarthPet’s System Guarantees:

• A humane and environmentally friendly of method of laying pet to rest.
• Neutralisation of harmful pathogenic micro-organisms.
• The elimination of the attraction of scavengers, rodents, birds and insects.
• Lowering of greenhouse gas emissions and diverts organic waste from landfill.
• Safe and effective closed composting system.

Make the RIGHT choice: Pets are often our best friends in life. Make the right choice and choose a farewell process that is not only humane and respectful, but also environmentally friendly.

Good for the ground: Compost helps enrich the soil by: retaining moisture, suppressing plant disease, adding nutrients, and increasing the overall soil health of lawns and gardens.

References

Trautmann, N. & Olynciw, E., 1996. Compost Microorganisms. [Online]
Available at: http://compost.css.cornell.edu/microorg.html#:~:text=Under%20optimal%20conditions%2C%20composting%20proceeds,month%20cooling%20and%20maturation%20phase.
[Accessed January 2022].

Kim, J. et al., 2012. Validating Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella spp. in Fresh and Aged Chicken Litter. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 26 January, 78(4), pp. 1302-1307.

Schwarz, M., Bonhotal, J., Bischoff, K. & Ebel, J., 2013. Fate of Barbiturates and Non-steriodal Anti-inflammatory Drugs During Carcass Composting. Trends in Animal & Veterinary Sciences Journal , 4(1), pp. 1-12.

Biswas, S. et al., 2019. Thermal Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium in Poultry Carcass and Litter at Thermophilic Temperatures. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 28(2), pp. 307-317.

Fletcher, V., 2021. Unfinished Compost: Everything You Need To Know. [Online]
Available at: https://yuzumag.com/unfinished-compost/ [Accessed 15 January 2022].