Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Place Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News |  Composting Process-parameters affecting the frequency of windrow turningBy: Allance Compost Turner Machinery Composting is a natural biological process, carried out under controlled aerobic conditions (requires oxygen). In this process, various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter into simpler substances. The effectiveness of the composting process is dependent upon the environmental conditions present within the composting system i.e. oxygen, temperature, moisture, material disturbance, organic matter and the size and activity of microbial populations. Composting is not a mysterious or complicated process. Natural recycling (composting) Composting is relatively simple to manage and can be carried out on a wide range of scales in almost any indoor or outdoor environment and in almost any geographic location. It has the potential to manage most of the organic material in the waste stream including restaurant waste, leaves and yard wastes, farm waste, animal manure, animal carcasses, paper products, sewage sludge, wood etc. and can be easily incorporated into any waste management plan. Since approximately 45 - 55% of the waste stream is organic matter, composting can play a significant role in diverting waste from landfills thereby conserving landfill space and reducing the production of leachate and methane gas. In addition, an effective composting program can produce a high quality soil amendment with a variety of end uses. The essential elements required by the composting microorganisms are carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and moisture. If any of these elements are lacking, or if they are not provided in the proper proportion, the microorganisms will not flourish and will not provide adequate heat. A composting process that operates at optimum performance will convert organic matter into stable compost that is odor and pathogen free, and a poor breeding substrate for flies and other insects. In addition, it will significantly reduce the volume and weight of organic waste as the composting process converts much of the biodegradable component to gaseous carbon dioxide. Generally, composting begins at mesophilic temperatures and progresses into the thermophilic range. In later stages other organisms including Actinomycetes, Centipedes, Millipedes, Fungi, Sowbugs, Spiders and Earthworms assist in the process. Temperature Temperature is directly proportional to the biological activity within the composting system. As the metabolic rate of the microbes accelerates, the temperature within the system increases. Conversely, as the metabolic rate of the microbes decreases, the system temperature decreases. Maintaining a temperature of 130°F or more for 3 to 4 days favors the destruction of weed seeds, fly larvae and plant pathogens. At a temperature of 155 degrees F, organic matter will decompose about twice as fast as at 130 degrees F. Temperatures above 155 degrees F may result in the destruction of certain microbe populations. In this case temperature may rapidly decline. Temperature will slowly rise again as the microbe population regenerates. Moisture content, oxygen availability, and microbial activity all influence temperature. When the pile temperature is increasing, it is operating at optimum performance and should be left alone. As the temperature peaks, and begins to decrease, the pile should be turned to incorporate oxygen into the compost. Subsequently , the pile should respond to the turning and incorporation of oxygen, and temperature should again cycle upwards. The turning process should be continued until the pile fails to re-heat. This indicates that the compost material is biologically stable. Composting microorganisms thrive in moist conditions. For optimum performance, moisture content within the composting environment should be maintained at 45 percent. Too much water can cause the compost pile to go anaerobic and emit obnoxious odors. Too little will prevent the microorganisms from propagating. Particle Size The ideal particle size is around 2 to 3 inches. In some cases, such as in the composting of grass clippings, the raw material may be too dense to permit adequate air flow or may be too moist. A common solution to this problem is to add a bulking agent (straw, dry leaves, paper, cardboard) to allow for proper air flow. Mixing materials of different sizes and textures also helps aerate the compost pile. Turning During the composting process oxygen is used up quickly by the microbes as they metabolize the organic matter. As the oxygen becomes depleted the composting process slows and temperatures decline. Aerating the compost by turning should ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to the microbes. Composting Period The composting period is governed by a number of factors including, temperature, moisture, oxygen, particle size, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and the degree of turning involved. Generally, effective management of these factors will accelerate the composting process. Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio The microbes in compost use carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein synthesis. The proportion of these two elements required by the microbes averages about 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. Accordingly, the ideal ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen (C:N) is 30 to 1 (measured on a dry weight basis). This ratio governs the speed at which the microbes decompose organic waste. Most organic materials do not have this ratio and, to accelerate the composting process, it may be necessary to balance the numbers. Compost Turner for Sale: http://compost- Windrow Composting Process: http://compost- End
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Account Phone Number