3.2. Evolution of compost characteristics
3.2.1. Organic matter loss during composting
Dry matter losses mainly occurred during the first 13 days but
varied among composting replicates at this stage of composting,
with a mean loss of dry matter of 31 ± 9% (Table 1) and a coefficient
of variation of 29%. The average dry matter loss reached 40 ± 7%
over the entire composting process and variability among composting
replicates decreased to 17%. The extent of dry matter loss
was similar to observed during sewage sludge composting on a
full-scale composting site over 110 days (Sánchez-Monedero
et al., 1999). Similar patterns were observed for TOM, with a loss
of 46 ± 6% (CV = 12%) of the initial TOM during the overall composting
process. Total organic carbon loss of 42 ± 6% (CV = 14 %)
of initial TOC at the end of the composting was similar to the