On Farm Composting- Energy Input vs Output

$15.00

Evaluation of Manure Blends and

Intensity of Handling to Produce Quality Composts

This report presents results of a large, USDA funded investigation by Woods End of specific on-farm composting recipes and handling practice for poultry and dairy manures. The study outlines specific straw/sawdust recipe strategies based on C:N and moisture recipe design. The study goes to compare different compost handling methods in their impact on the biology of the process and time to reach a stable end-product. The various handling methods studied include: no-turning, bucket turning and windrow-machine turning at differing frequencies up to twice-weekly turning.
“This unique report shows clearly how organic matter and nitrogen losses (as well as cost/ton) are closely tied to intensification”. It demonstrates that turning alone is not necessarily the key to quality, as the gains, such as in reduced time to maturity, are not necessarily adequately offset by the cost of the handling. Microbiological investigations of “aerobic” vs. “anaerobic” conditions are shown with careful descriptive methods carried out by Dr. Droffner, revealing a highly diverse constantly changing microbial consortia “resulting with all methods attaining a pathogen-free status after only 120 days.” Appropriate technology models, and graphs and charts are included.

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