Turning the pile regularly speeds the composting process by adding oxygen and mixing the outer layers into the inner layers. Water the pile as you turn it. Use a compost thermometer to check the temperature of the pile's interior. Temperatures in excess of 140 degrees F for three or four days kills pathogens and weed seeds. Smaller piles will heat up but they do not stay hot long enough to kill a significant number of weed seeds and pathogens.
Fresh manure is effective in heating up a pile.
When the temperature drops and remains down even after turning, the compost may be mature and ready to be used. The compost is ready to use when you sift through it and everything is broken down into nondiscernible brownish, sweet smelling humus or litter. If you want finished compost in a hurry, turn your pile often and keep it moist. As a rule of thumb, add one cup of sulfate of ammonia per 10 inch layer of browns. It may also be too dry.