incorporated by reference in its entirety more systems and methods of composting are well known in the art some forms of composting can include two phases a first stage characterized by high oxygen uptake rates thermophillic temperatures high biodegradable volatile solids reduction and higher odor potential a second stage can be characterized by lower temperatures reduced oxygen uptake rates and lower odor production potential the stages of composting can be identified by measuring various characteristics of the composting material before during and or subsequent to composting such characteristics may be used to establish the stability and maturity of a soil amendment during and or subsequent to composting examples of characteristics can include particle size texture color odor moisture content and general appearance of the composting material and or resulting soil amendment more examples can include specific oxygen consumption rate presence or absence of phytotoxic compounds reduction of biodegradable volatile solids reduction in pathogenic organisms ph temperature of the composting material and or resulting soil amendment can be measured in some embodiments nutrient content nitrate ammonia ratio absence of readily degradable compounds such as starch absence of anaerobic intermediates such as acetic acid heavy metal content and or the effect on seed germination of the composting material and or resulting soil amendment.