Composting is the natural process of aerobic decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms under controlled conditions.
The difference between home composting and industrial composting is that the conditions and the controls are different.
Industrial composting is done in a controlled environment where the temperature, aeration, moisture, contents, nutrients and pH are monitored and controlled.
In the process of composting, microorganisms break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide, water, heat and humus (which is the end product i.e. a stable soil rich in organic matter).
Composting proceeds through three phases
1) the mesophilic a moderate-temperature phase,
2) the thermophilic, a high-temperature phase and finally,
3) a several-month cooling and maturation phase.