Mesophilic Composting

Mesophilic composting (in opposition to thermophilic composting) is an aerobic microorganism-driven decomposition of organic matter at low temperatures (the mesophilic range). Mesophilic bacteria thrive from 20 to 30 degrees celsius, but just survive at temperatures above 40). In many backyard compost piles, these mid range bacteria do most of the work. However, if conditions are right they produce enough heat to activate the thermophilic bacteria (see also thermophilic composting).