A natural process in which microorganisms convert organic matter into a stabilized product termed compost, which can then be used as a beneficial soil amendment. In the case of animal carcass composting, the carcass is placed in a compost bin, covered with a supplemental carbon source (straw, corn stalks, shavings, litter, etc.) and allowed to decompose through natural microbial activity.
Resources:
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/animals/animals/composting.htm
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publications/Publication.cfm?ID=35
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/psfact11.html
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publications/PDFs/FS717.pdf
By Josh Payne, PhD, Oklahoma State University
