STABLE MANURES AND FECAL RESIDUES 



23 



is taken by a population concerned in the decomposition of cellulose, 

 hemicelluloses, and proteins. 



The decomposition of complex plant and animal residues leads to a 

 rapid reduction in carbohydrates and is accompanied by the evolution 

 of considerable heat, the temperature of the compost reaching as high 

 as 75° C, as shown in Figure i. 



In order to hasten the decomposition of manure, conditions must be 

 favorable to the activities of microorganisms. It must be properly 



2z 



.WITH BEDDING 



15 20 25 30 35 40 45 

 COMPOSTING PER.10D IN DAYS 



Figure i. Influence of straw bedding upon temperature changes in the 

 composting of manure. Circles indicate times of turning composts. From 



Waksman and Nissen (961). 



aerated and well moistened but not saturated with water. By placing the 

 manure, together with the waste materials of the farm and the home, 

 in heaps, designated as composts, the decomposition processes can be 

 controlled so as to lead to heat liberation j this results in the destruction 

 of the injurious organisms and the conservation of the plant nutrient 

 elements. When not properly regulated, the decomposition processes 

 may be wasteful, unsanitary, and unsightly, and may even become a 

 source of infection to man and his domesticated animals. 



