A digital catalog of composting agents: microbes, fungi, and worms with technical specifications and compatibility data.
Aerobic bacterium with high breakdown speed. Optimal temperature: 25-35°C. Moisture requirement: 45-55%. Compatible with vegetable scraps and paper materials.
Anaerobic fermenting bacteria. Works in low-oxygen environments. Moisture requirement: 50-60%. Effective for kitchen waste and Bokashi systems.
Filamentous bacteria that break down complex organic compounds. Moisture requirement: 40-50%. Compatible with woody materials and cellulose-rich waste.
Beneficial fungus that decomposes organic matter and suppresses harmful pathogens. Moisture requirement: 45-55%. Works well with mixed organic waste.
Common composting fungi that break down cellulose and lignin. Moisture requirement: 40-50%. Effective for paper and cardboard materials.
Red wiggler worms. High processing rate. Optimal temperature: 15-25°C. Moisture requirement: 60-80%. Compatible with most kitchen scraps.
Red earthworms. Moderate processing rate. Optimal temperature: 10-20°C. Moisture requirement: 55-70%. Suitable for cooler environments.
Different agents work best in combination. Some combinations enhance decomposition rates, while others may compete for resources. Understanding compatibility helps optimize system performance.
Microbial agents typically work well together when moisture and temperature ranges overlap. Fungal agents complement bacterial activity by breaking down complex compounds that bacteria cannot process. Earthworms integrate well with both microbial and fungal communities.
