Structural transformation study of water-extractable organic matter during the industrial composting of cattle manure

► The composting process degraded lignin, aliphatic, and protein-like materials. ► The composting increased aromatic matter and humification degree of cattle manure. ► The degradation process primarily occurred during the first few days of composting. ► The aromatization and humification took place during the later stages. ► The composting parameters described the degradation and stabilization of composts.