Composting 123Figure 3.19 Aerobic composting unit for a small community, Thailand
From Obeng and Wright (1987) and Haug (1980), composting systems can
be classified into non-reactor and reactor (Tables 3.3 and 3.4, respectively).
Based on the information given in Table 3.3, it appears that for the non-reactor
composting systems (with proper C/N ratio and provided with some types of
aeration, natural or forced-air), the time required for the first phase composting
(Figure 3.2) is at least 3-4 weeks, followed by about 4 weeks of maturation or
curing. The reactor composting systems (operating under aerobic conditions,
Table 3.4) should require about 4 weeks. These composting systems, when
properly operated according to the environmental requirements listed in section
3.4, should result in a temperature increase in the compost mixture up to 50oC or
more which is essential in inactivating the pathogens.