Microbial enhancement of compost extracts based on cattle rumen content compost - Characterisation of a system

► A system for compost extraction and microbial enhancement was characterised. ► Molasses favoured bacteria while 'fish and kelp hydrolysate' favoured fungi. ► Dilution of 1:10 (w/v) showed the highest nutritional and microbial status. ► Aeration improved extraction of soluble metabolites and microbial growth. ► There was a little effect of using bags during incubation on microbial activity.