containing test mixes the apparent increase in the c12 c20 range hydrocarbons results from the mass fractions needed for total unity 1 some of the heavy fractions may have been degraded to smaller hydrocarbons in the c12 c20 range nutrient analysis showed that no nutrients were limiting following the 41 day test moisture content had dropped to about one half of the initial despite periodic misting of the surface of the test mix at the end of the test the moisture content in the top u00be of the test mix was only 9 1 wt whereas the bottom u00bc was 35 4 wt the low moisture present at the end of the test would explain the drop off of respiration activity as shown in fig4 and 5 after day 13 since mixing was not allowed during the test it was difficult to ensure adequate moisture was maintained throughout the test mix a definite layering of moisture was observed in all tests with the bottom being wet and the top being dry continued watering would have allowed free water to collect on the bottom of the reactor which would have lead to anaerobic conditions in future tests reactors with leachate drains should be used so that more water can be added throughout the test composting activity was.