They are responsible for the majority of the decomposition work. At this point, thermophilic bacteria kick in. It is these bacteria that can raise the temperature high enough to sterilize the compost and kill disease-causing organisms and weed seeds. Three to five days of 155 F is enough for the thermophiles to do their best work. These high temperatures also kill most weed seeds, as well as harmful pathogens that can cause disease problems.
Most people don t bother charting the temperature curve in their compost pile.
They just try to get a good ratio of carbon to nitrogen, keep the pile moist and well aerated, and wait until everything looks pretty well broken down. If you want to get a little more scientific about it, buy a compost thermometer. Commercial activators can help raise the temperature in your compost pile by providing a concentrated dose of microorganisms and protein. Other effective activators that can help to get your pile cooking include humus-rich soil, rotted manure, finished compost, dried blood, and alfalfa meal. Unless speed is a priority, frequent turning is not necessary.