2.3. Sampling
Sub-samples from nine sampling points at a depth of 30 cm
were collected every 4 h in the experiment of rapid degradation
of food waste and 2 days in the control one. Sub-samples were
mixed thoroughly to make a composite sample and subsequently
divided into two fractions: the first fraction was dried in an oven
at 105 C for 4 h to determine the moisture content and particle
size (Jolanun and Towprayoon, 2010), the second fraction was
freeze-dried and ground to less than 0.5 mm prior to analysis.
2.4. Physical analysis
The particle size of the dried compost was determined by sieve
analysis method, in which the compost samples were sieved
through sieves of different mesh sizes (1–5 mm) until the amount
retained became more or less constant. The sieved particles of different
fractions were weighed separately (Gabhane et al., 2012).