What makes a compost pile decompose faster?

Keeping air available for decomposition and respiration and micro-organisms and recyclables respectively alive and nutritious are reasons why mixing and watering speeds the decay of plant materials in compost piles. Air means that carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables will decompose through the introduction of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide and through the support for respiratory needs of macro- and micro-organisms. Moisture, as long as it gives the compost pile the consistency of a wrung-out sponge, prevents composted and composting materials from drying out or overheating.