Note: A thermometer is a nice tool but is not essential for good composting.
Is Heat Necessary for the Composting Process?
Good compost can be made in a pile that never gets hot, but decay will be slower and it will take longer to make compost. Not enough air, too little or too much water, or too many browns in the mix could all keep a pile from heating.
High Temperature Benefits
The benefits of a high pile temperature include:
- Fostering the most rapid decomposing of organic materials
- Killing off of pathogenic (disease causing) organisms
- Killing off of weed seeds