Efficiency of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to assess and predict the stage of transformation of organic matter in the composting process

Changes in composts of sewage sludges and green wastes were analysed by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and chemical analysis with 426 samples representative of six stages of composting: 8, 20, 35, 75, 135 and 180 days. Maturity of compost was assessed through changes in C:N ratio. Results of spectroscopic properties (200 wavelengths) were studied with several multivariate analyses. First, a descriptive approach revealed compost changes with time of maturation. Then, a constrained ordination (RDA with permutation tests) demonstrated a significant effect of three factors of sampling: stage of composting, depth and position in windrows. Precise calibration models between spectral data, the C, N, C:N values and composting time were build using partial least square regression (r2 > 0.95). Together, these results show the efficiency of NIRS to predict chemical changes and the stage of transformation of organic matter during the composting process.