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UNDERSTANDING AND OPTIMIZING COMPOST TEMPERATURE
T
emperature is an excellent indicator of the two-stage process occurring within composting material (see table below). Compost
temperature increases due to microbial activity, and the change is noticeable within a few hours after a pile is created. Expect the
temperature to rise rapidly to 122° to 140°F during that time, and remain at that level for several weeks. This period is called the
active composting stage. As active composting slows down, the curing stage begins. During curing, the temperature gradually falls
to about 104°F.
Composting essentially takes place within two temperature ranges: 50° to 104°F, and above 104°F. Temperatures above 104°F are
desirable because they destroy more pathogens, weed seeds and fly larvae in the material. Composting temperatures of 113° to
150°F, when extended for more than two weeks, can kill pathogens and destroy the viability of weed seeds. However, if
temperatures exceed 150°F (65°C) on a sustained basis, enough micro-organisms will be killed to abort active composting.
Compost temperature indications and suggested actions
Temperature Indication(s) Action(s)
122° to 140°F Active stage Monitor temperature
(50° to 60°C)
>140°F (60°C) 1. Low to moderate moisture Add moisture and turn pile Turn pile to
2. Micro-organisms are working accelerate heat loss mainly caused by water
hard and generating evaporation. Allowing moisture content to
damaging heat fall too low increases the risk of reaching
damaging high temperatures.
<122°F (50°C) 1. Insufficient oxygen/aeration Turn pile to increase oxygen
2. High moisture content Add dry material
~104°F (40°C) with Material is entering the curing stage Monitor temperature daily. A sustained drop
no change from in temperature indicates the end of the
above actions active composting stage. The failure of a
cooled pile to reheat after turning indicates
that decomposition has slowed enough to
complete the curing stage.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General Tools warrants the T300-36 Soil/Compost Thermometer with 3 Foot Probe against defects in material or workmanship for
one year from the date of purchase. General will replace or repair the defective unit, at its option, subject to verification of the defect.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration or unreasonable use
of the product. It also does not cover products purchased from unauthorized distributors. A proof of purchase must accompany each
warranty claim.
For more details or to file a warranty claim, contact General Tools Technical Support at techsupport@generatools.com or
(212) 431-6499.
RETURN FOR REPAIR POLICY
Every effort has been made to provide you with a reliable product of superior quality. However, in the event your instrument requires
repair, please contact our Customer Service to obtain an RGA (Return Goods Authorization) number before forwarding the unit via
prepaid freight to the attention of our Service Center at this address:
General Tools & Instruments 75 Seaview Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 212-431-6100
Remember to include a copy of your proof of purchase, your return address, and your phone number and/or e-mail address.
©2016 GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
Secaucus, NJ 07094
www.generaltools.com (800) 697-8665
NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
T300-36 INSTRUCTIONS 11/03/16