North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Doc Lisenby" <longdistshtr@shtc.net>]

Yeah Jim, that should work where the ambient temperature doesn't allow 
oxidation/fermentation by as many microbes as are present in warmer 
climates.  Temperatures in an un-turned compost heap here will rise to the 
lethal point for nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Swamps demonstrate what happens 
in cooler climates versus warmer climates. Decomposition of organic material 
in southern swamps proceeds at a much more rapid rate than that in northern 
swamps. The noxious smells emanating from compost piles and swamps is due 
gases produced by microbes.  More microbes and warmer temperatures cause the 
production of more gases.  We are trying to control temperatures as well as 
trying to ensure complete and rapid decomposition. Unturned compost invites 
slime molds and other undesirable micro-organisms when the compost reaches 
temperatures over 90ºF.  Temperatures of compost piles should be in the 70 
to 90ºF for the most efficient production of the desired organic soil 
additive.  Composting methods should be adjusted to allow for differences in 
expected temperatures.  Here, we worry about baking the desired organisms. 
So, your method obviously works for you there.  I would have to use 
refrigeration to emulate your conditions.  Un-turned compost here turns into 
a slimy malodorous maggot- ridden mass reminding one of an opossum road kill 
in Florida after a day or two.
Doc