INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE UPON THE MICROBIOLOGICAL POPULATION AND DECOMPOSITION PROCESSES IN COMPOSTS OF STABLE MANURE

Abstract

The temp. of a compost of stable manure was found to be one of the most important factors in controlling the rapidity of the decomposition of the manure and the conservation of its N, by controlling the microbiological population. The most rapid decomposition took place at 65[degree]C, followed by 50[degree]C and 28[degree]C; the least rapid at 75[degree]C, at which temp. the cellulose was not attacked at all, and only a part of the hemicelluloses was decomposed. At 28[degree]C a markedly heterogeneous population comprising bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa, and nematodes developed. At 50[degree] thermophilic fungi were at first most active, soon followed by bacteria and actinomycetes. At 65[degree] no animal forms were found, fungi appeared but seldom, bacteria and actinomycetes were primarily concerned in the decomposition processes. Among the actinomycetes the genus Micromonospora was particularly abundant and was represented by several spp. At 75[degree], the population consisted almost entirely of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria. Cellulose decomposition was carried out at the different temps. by the various groups of organisms Cytophaga at 28[degree]. fungi and actinomycetes at 50[degree]C, and anaerobic cellulose-decomposing bacteria and actinomycetes at 65[degree]C. Total N conservation occurred only under conditions where active decomposition took place immediately, namely at 50[degree] and 65[degree]C; considerable losses were found at temps. where decomposition was delayed, namely, at 28[degree] and at 75[degree]C. Most active nitrification took place at 28[degree] and 50[degree]C. Some nitrate began to be formed at 65[degree], after considerable time..