[USCC] technical definitions of finished compost

[Cathy Gill]

Hi all! 

You've been so helpful in the past so I was wondering if you wouldn't mind answering a couple of more questions for me.

What is the technical definition of when compost is "finished"? does it have to reach a certain temperature and then cool? Or is it based on levels of microorganisms that are active? I am very interested in knowing the science behind this.

Also, I have read somewhere that, at least in a home setting, compost that is finished may still need to be cured. How does one know when it is cured? What happens during the curing process? 

Thanks in advance!

Cathy Gill

AthenaES
1450 S. Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21227
410-455-6319
www.athenaes.com
cathy at athenaes.com