Prokaryotic successions and diversity in composts as revealed by 454-pyrosequencing

► Pyrosequencing was applied to analyze compost prokaryotic communities. ► Communities were analyzed at each of the three major compost phases. ► In-depth census of community composition was attained and succession patterns revealed. ► Mesophilic- and mature-phase communities were distinct. ► This data on community composition may help determine biomarker assays for compost maturity.