Composting Potato Culls and Potato Processing Wastes

$15.00

This publication presents a detailed report on the ground-breaking pilot study in Aroostook County, Maine, conducted by Woods End for the Maine Dept. of Agriculture, which resulted in the country’s first successful full-scale potato composting process, a forerunner project to similarly successful efforts following it on Prince Edward Island. The study focuses on identifying the problems with modern potato disposal practices (open piling in constructed ditches) and examines the existing pitfalls to successful composting, such as their fermentation semi-anaerobically to produce massive amounts of acetic acid. Through a series if empirical scientific steps, the researchers develop a technically sound composting process based on careful analysis of the wastes, their chemical and biological constraints, and the needed characteristics of compatible blending and bulking materials. A special research section outlines potato pathogens feared present in potato wastes,- which potentially posed disease transfer risks if utilized within farming in the region- the major impediment to acceptance of the practice by the Maine Potato Board. The researchers carefully track both natural and spiked pathogens including Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium spp., Erwinia carotovora, Corynebacterium sepedonicum and phythiaceous fungi, using plating and bioassay techniques to reveal dissipation. “A must read for anyone wanting to learn how to piece together basic science, farm-scale R&D and familiarization with farming environments to make a successful contribution.”

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