The “Four Seasons Symphony” of Compost Microbes: Who Leads the Transformation and When?

Within a fermenting mixture of vegetable waste and cow manure, a magnificent drama invisible to the naked eye is unfolding. Trillions of microorganisms—bacteria and fungi—act like a well-trained symphony orchestra, taking the stage in precise sequence to transform complex organic matter into stable humus. Recently, scientists have, for the first time, detailed the complete succession map of microbial communities during the composting of tomato stalks and cow manure using high-throughput sequencing technology. This is not merely a “cast list” of microbes but a crucial code for understanding the composting process and optimizing fermentation techniques. First Movement: Spring Overture—Microbial Pioneers of the Mesophilic Phase In the first few days of composting, the temperature gradually rises from ambient to above 50°C. This stage is like the beginning of spring, with everything coming back to life. Early Bacterial Prosperity At this time, bacteria of the Firmicutes phylum become active first. This phylum includes the familiar genus Bacillus, experts at decomposing cellulose and hemicellulose. Like the first flowers of spring, they utilize the most readily available simple sugars and starches, rapidly multiply, release heat, and drive the pile temperature upward. Fungi’s Preliminary Appearance Among fungi, various Ascomycota begin to appear. Genera like Aspergillus and Acremonium are relatively active. These fungi can secrete various enzymes and start degrading complex components in plant cell walls. The microbial community at this stage is relatively diverse, with various microbial groups “blooming like a hundred flowers,” reserving sufficient biomass and enzyme systems for subsequent high-temperature fermentation.

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