Effect of high moisture content on temperature and microbial activity of composting dairy cattle manure

The effect of high moisture content on the composting reactions of dairy cattle manure was investigated to determine the upper limit of moisture content that can promote composting reactions. The results of the study showed that both mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms were active over a broad range of moisture content (37 to 74%) during the early stage of composting. Even at a moisture level greater than 76%, compost temperature increased to more than 50 deg C. The specific growth rate of microorganisms was high at a moisture content greater than 80%, suggesting the possibility of high moisture composting without using a bulking agent.