What is the role of microbes in compost production ?

Explanation

All biodegradable waste can be converted into compost .
(i) Bacteria , fungi and actinomycetes are the microbes that decompose the organic matter.
(ii) Aerobic bacteria are the most important ones.
(iii) Microbes break down the organic matter and produce carbon dioxide , water , heat , and humus which makes it very nutritious .
(iv) They provide the most rapid and effective composting .
(v) Their excreta contains plant nutrients such as nitrogen , phosphorus and magnestium.
(vi) Actinomycetes are resposible for the earthy smell of the compost .
(vii) They decompose cellulose, starches and proteins liberating carbon , nitrogen and ammonia in the process , which are useful for higher plants.
(viii) Fungi breakdown cellulose and lignin and take over the final stage of composting.
(ix) Thus microbes help in recycling the nutrients through composting .