Photosynthesis - The ability of a plant, with the aid of sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to form sugars. Phytotoxic - An adjective describing a substance that has a toxic effect on plants. Immature or anaerobic compost may contain acids or alcohols that can harm seedlings or sensitive plants. Porosity - The volume of pores divided by the total volume. Putrescible - With a tendency to become putrid.
Some organic materials are prone to degrade rapidly, giving rise to putrid odors.
Respiration - Metabolic function consuming oxygen. Runoff - Any liquid originating from any part of a composting facility that drains over the land surface. Shredder - A mechanical device used to break up materials into smaller pieces, usually in the form of irregularly shaped strips. Shredding devices include tub grinders, hammermills, shears, drum pulverizers, wet pulpers, and rasp mills. Slow composting - A minimal effort composting method that produces finished compost in a year or more.