  Composting is defined as the biological decomposition and stabilization of
organic substrates under aerobic conditions to allow the development of
thermophilic temperatures. This thermophilic temperature is a result of
biologically produced heat. Composting produces the final product which is
sufficiently stable for storage and application to land without adverse
environmental effects. There are many factors which affect the decomposition of
organic matter in the composting process. Since the composting process is very
intricate, it is not easy to estimate the effect of a single factor on the rate
of organic matter decomposition. This paper looked at the main factors
affecting the composting process. Problems regarding the controlling,
inactivation and regrowth of pathogen in compost material are also discussed.
