Solvita - Compost Maturity and Stability Index
Assess Compost Stability and Microbial Activity with Industry-Leading CO₂ Burst Technology
Know When Your Compost is Ready—and How It Will Perform
Mature compost doesn’t just smell better—it works better. The Solvita® Compost Maturity Test uses a standardized CO₂ respiration method to evaluate microbial activity, biological stability, and organic matter decomposition in compost samples. This test helps you determine whether your compost is stable, finished, and ready for soil application —or still undergoing biological breakdown.
Whether you're blending bulk compost, meeting spec for landscape supply, or fine-tuning inputs for soil health, this test gives you confidence in compost quality and performance.
What This Test Measures
- CO₂ Burst – Measures respiration from microbial activity after compost is rewetted
- Biological Stability – Indicates level of microbial readiness vs. ongoing decomposition
- Compost Maturity Index – Scored on an industry-standard scale for easy interpretation
Test is performed using the Solvita CO₂-Burst Method, a lab-validated protocol known for its speed, accuracy, and ease of comparison across batches or materials.
Why CO₂ Respiration Matters
- Stability – Unstable compost may continue decomposing, overheating, or damaging plants
- Microbial Activity – Reveals biological richness or dormancy in the material
- Soil Health Support – Indicates whether compost will boost or hinder microbial life
- Carbon Cycling Insight – CO₂ release reflects the turnover and mineralization of nutrients
Methodology
- Standard Solvita Protocol(2019 update)
- Sample dried and sieved, then rewetted to standardized moisture content (~50% pore space)
- 24-hour reaction time monitored using colorimetric gel pads analyzed digitally
Sample Requirements
- Minimum Sample Size: 2 cups of compost (well-mixed, not wet)
- Packaging: Submit in a clean, sealed bag labeled with product name or source
- Turnaround Time: 5 business days from lab receipt
Ideal For:
- Compost manufacturers evaluating product maturity before distribution
- Organic farms and soil amendment suppliers
- Landscape supply companies ensuring quality assurance
- Consultants assessing microbial health and C:N dynamics
- Research trials studying compost inputs and soil performance
Order the Solvita® Compost Maturity Test Today
Don’t just guess if your compost is finished—prove it.
Get reliable maturity data and optimize your product for soil health, safety, and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are your business hours?
Our office is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. We do close for major holidays, so we recommend ordering your testing and sending your sample early if a holiday is coming up. You can always reach us by email. Just send us a message at info@tpslab.com
- When will I get my results?
We understand that you need your results as soon as possible. That is why we make sure to begin processing your samples as soon as they arrive at our laboratory. When the results are ready, we will email them to the email address you provided on your submittal form. The list below will give you an idea of our usual turnaround times.
Soil Tests: 5-7 Business days
Water Tests: 5 - 7 Business days
Plants Tests: 24 - 48 Hours
Compost Tests: 7 - 14 Business days
Fertilizer Tests: 3 - 5 Business days
Heavy Metals Test: 7 - 14 Business days
We offer a rush option for an additional 50% of the testing cost, but we would encourage you to give yourself time to test before you get to a point where a rush is needed.
