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[[Image:Compost_as_soil_conditioner.PNG|thumb|right|150px|[[Compost as soil conditioner |Compost as soil conditioner]], in Malawi (for credits, click the picture)]]
'''Composting is the term used to describe the controlled aerobic degradation of organics into a soil-like substance called compost. ‘EcoHumus’ is a term taken from Peter Morgan (see references) and is a more appropriate word to use for the material removed from a Fossa Alterna because it is produced passively underground and has a slightly different composition.'''
The process of thermophilic composting generates heat (50 to 80°C) which kills the majority of pathogens present. For the composting process to occur there must be adequate carbon, nitrogen, moisture, and air. The [[Fossa Alterna]] and [[Fill and Cover - Arborloo|Arborloo]] are ambient temperature variations of high-temperature composting . In these technologies, there is almost no temperature rise because vegetable matter is lacking. For that reason, the end material is not actually ‘compost’ and is therefore referred to as ‘EcoHumus’.
The WHO guidelines stipulate state that the compost should achieve and maintain a temperature of 50°C for at least one week before it is considered safe (although to achieve this value, a significantly longer period of composting is required). The WHO guidelines should be consulted for detailed information. For systems that generate EcoHumus in-situ (i.e. Fossa Alterna), a minimum of 1 year of storage is recommended to eliminate bacterial pathogens and reduce viruses and parasitic protozoa.
Compost/EcoHumus can be used beneficially to improve the quality of soils by adding nutrients and organics and improving the soil’s ability to store air and water. The texture and quality of the EcoHumus depends on the materials, which have been added to the excreta (especially the type of soil).
