From lab bench to compost bin: enzymes at work

Compost is a slow conversation between microbes and enzymes. Understanding the enzymes helps you speed it up.

Why enzymes matter

Microbes release enzymes that cut large molecules, such as cellulose and proteins, into pieces small enough to absorb.

• Cellulases break down plant fibers
• Proteases handle proteins
• Lipases handle fats

What you can control

Moisture, air, and temperature set how active these enzymes are. A pile that is too wet turns sour; one that is too dry stalls.

Try this

Turn your pile weekly and keep it as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Watch how fast the volume drops.