Effects of turning on the microbial consortia and the in situ temperature preferences of microorganisms in a laboratory-scale swine manure composting

► A novel experimental system was developed to clarify the effects of turning. ► Microbial consortia in composting runs with and without turning were compared. ► Turning accelerated the death of enteric bacteria, including possible pathogens. ► Temperature preferences of microorganisms were determined in situ without isolation. ► Most microorganisms in the composting without turning survived in that with turning.