Showing papers in "Compost Science & Utilization in 1996"
TL;DR: In this article, various ratios of leaves, grass and brush were mixed and composted in two series of windrows; and one set of static piles, and the effects of different treatments were examined by measuring compost temperature, oxygen concentration, pH, organic matter and moisture content, volatile fatty acid content, bulk density, stability, humification and seed germination indices, total and available nutrient levels, and particle size distribution.
Abstract: Because of proposed bans on the landfilling and incineration of leaves, grass and brush, large-scale composting is fast becoming the primary disposal option for yard trimmings in many states. Few systematic studies have been done to compare the effects of turning regime, feedstock mix ratio, or windrow vs. pile configuration on composting and the characteristics of finished compost. In this study, various ratios of leaves, grass and brush were mixed and composted in two series of windrows; and one set of static piles. One windrow series (#1) was turned seven times every four weeks, while the other windrow series (#2), and the piles, were turned once every four weeks. The effects of the different treatments were examined by measuring compost temperature, oxygen concentration, pH, organic matter and moisture content, volatile fatty acid content, bulk density, stability, humification and seed germination indices, total and available nutrient levels, and particle size distribution. Results showed that turning...
143 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used simple chemical analyses of the aqueous extract of the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste stream, using a windrow process, to determine the stability point of the compost.
Abstract: Compost was prepared from the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste stream, using a windrow process. Stability was defined using rather simple tests. The pH was acidic at the beginning and stabilized near a neutral range. Electrical conductivity (EC) dropped and stabilized near a value of approximately 50 percent of the initial reading. The drop in EC was not due to leaching but to decomposition of organic acids. Another sensitive index was NH4 concentration. It decreased sharply from initial levels of a few hundred ppm to a stable value of about 50 ppm. The stability point as determined by simple chemical analyses of the aqueous extract of the compost correlated well with the decrease of the organic matter decomposition rate.
95 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a compost originating from the organic fraction of MSW, separately collected, was added to a loamy soil at different application rates, and water retention properties, after compost addition, were monitored.
Abstract: A compost originating from the organic fraction of MSW, separately collected, was added to a loamy soil at different application rates. Modifications of soil physical and biological properties were studied after compost addition. Water retention properties, after compost addition to soil, were monitored. Organic carbon mineralization was followed during a six-month incubation. Enzyme activities were assayed immediately after compost addition, as well as after incubation of soil-compost mixtures. These properties provided information about the modification of overall microbiological activity and specific nutrient cycles in the amended soil. Water retention, carbon mineralization and most enzyme activities after incubation were increased by compost incorporation. The additivity or nonadditivity of compost effects on soil properties was discussed.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a greenhouse study was conducted using ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as a test plant to evaluate this release from composts, and the experimental design consisted of four blocked replicates in a complete factorial with two types of compost (wastewater treatment plant biosolids and cow manure), four application rates (1, 2, 5 and 10 percent of weight of sand), and three fertilizer treatments (0, 100 mg N/kg mixture, and 100 mg P/ kg mixture).
Abstract: Use of composts as soil amendments to enhance crop growth requires a knowledge of rates and amounts of nutrients released. A greenhouse study was conducted using ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as a test plant to evaluate this release from composts. The experimental design consisted of four blocked replicates in a complete factorial with two types of compost (wastewater treatment plant biosolids and cow manure), four application rates (1, 2, 5 and 10 percent of weight of sand), and three fertilizer treatments (0, 100 mg N/kg mixture, and 100 mg P/kg mixture). Rye-grass top growth was harvested after 21 days. The regrowth was harvested three additional times. Roots were recovered after the fourth harvest. Total N uptake was significantly and positively affected by the total amount of N supplied by the compost or compost plus N fertilizer (r2 values ranged from 0.992 to 0.999). Initial N uptake depended on the mineral N concentration in the compost and was higher from biosolids than from cow manure compost. Bi...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a 0.33 m3 batch of broiler litter with wood shavings as a bedding material was used to achieve a C:N ratio of approximately 30:1.
Abstract: Composting broiler litter (a mixture of manure, bedding material, and wasted feed) with commonly available high-C substrates may be a viable alternative to reduce current land disposal practices for litter. Broiler litter with wood shavings as a bedding material and broiler litter with peanut hulls as a bedding material were composted with wheat straw, peanut hulls, pine bark and paper mill sludge in 0.33 m3 batch reactors. Litters and C substrates were mixed to achieve C:N ratios of approximately 30:1. Dry weight, total N, total C, temperature, electrical conductivity and pH were determined at regular intervals. Maximum temperatures peaked near 70°C within 2.25 d after mixing peanut hulls with litter and within 2.58 d for pine bark and litter. Composts made from paper mill sludge approached 50°C within 3.71 d. Wheat straw composts never exceeded 40°C which could present potential health problems associated with pathogenic microorganisms. Mass loss and C:N ratio gradually declined and stabilized approxima...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, chemical changes in extractable lipids from four mixtures of farmyard manures were investigated during the composting process, and the results indicated that the lipids became chemically more homogeneous during composting and that biologically resistant molecules predominated at the end of composting.
Abstract: Chemical changes in extractable lipids from four mixtures of farmyard manures were investigated during the composting process. Lipid extractions with diethyl ether (DEE) and chloroform (CHCl3) were sequentially performed on samples collected at seven different times during composting. Amounts of DEE-extractable lipids decreased continuously during composting, while CHCl3-extractable lipids remained relatively constant. 13C NMR and mass spectrometric data indicated that the lipids became chemically more homogeneous during composting and that biologically resistant molecules predominated at the end of composting.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conventional potting media containing peat moss, softwood bark and sand was amended to contain 0,25,50,75 and 100 (percent vol−1) municipal compost made from yard waste and biosolids.
Abstract: A conventional potting media containing peat moss, softwood bark and sand was amended to contain 0,25,50,75 and 100 (percent vol−1) municipal compost made from yard waste and biosolids. Each medium was adjusted with limestone and sulfur to an approximate pH of 5.0, 6.0 or 7.0. Rhododendron Panticum L. ‘Anah Kruschke’ (Rhododendron), Thujia occidentalis L. (Arborvitae) and Rudbeckia hirta L. ‘Goldilocks’ (Black-eyed Susan) were grown in each medium and pH level for 18 months. Leachate from pots was tested for NO3-N and NH3-N+NH4-N to determine how media pH and the amount of compost effected the potential for potting media to be a source of nitrate in surface and ground water.Media pH affected plant growth more than the percent compost. Compared to media with a pH of 7.0, statistically significant increases in the growth of Rhododendron occurred in media with a pH of 5.0 or 6.0. This pH effect was similar but less pronounced for Thujia. Growth of Rudbeckia was not effected by media pH or percent compost. Me...
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of Bacillus licheniformis HA1 cell density on the acceleration of organic waste composting was tested in a bench-scale composting system utilizing a process limit temperature of 60°C.
Abstract: The effect of Bacillus licheniformis HA1 cell density on the acceleration of organic waste composting was tested in a bench-scale composting system utilizing a process limit temperature of 60°C. Variables measured during composting were CO2 evolution rate, conversion of substrate carbon and pH. When an initial cell density of 2.0×104 cfu/g-dry solid was used, the strain HA1 increased in number and prevented the decrease in pH during the early stage of composting. This resulted in enhanced populations of other thermophiles and increased the rate of organic matter decomposition. By contrast, no effect was observed at a lower cell density of HA1. It was found that the minimum cell density of HA1 to accelerate organic decomposition was around 104-105 cfu/g dry solid of raw material.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three mixtures of ground yard trimmings (50 percent by volume in each mix), chicken manure (50, 27 and 40 percent), potato processing, gelatin and bakery wastes were composted in four pilot-scale, 208 liter, insulated vessels (the first mixture was replicated).
Abstract: Three mixtures of ground yard trimmings (50 percent by volume in each mix), chicken manure (50, 27 and 40 percent) and potato processing, gelatin and bakery wastes were composted in four pilot-scale, 208 liter, insulated vessels (the first mixture was replicated). The mixes were obtained from a commercial composter and were studied both to obtain kinetic parameters for materials of this type and to help solve a problem of inconsistent maturity of product at the commercial operation. A 65°C set point controlled a high/low fan aeration system for each vessel. Temperature (at several points), air flow, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide evolution and ammonia production were monitored. The vessels were weighed and materials were remixed twice each week during a four week composting period. At each remix, water was added to maintain a 50 percent by weight moisture content, and samples were taken for moisture content, volatile solids, chemical composition (including C:N ratio), pH and compost stability determin...
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a laboratory-scale cocomposted soil containing 17,000 ppm mineral oil and grease (MOG) of which 40 percent was aliphatic, 32 percent (wt/wt) polar and 28 percent (wmt/wt) aromatic was co-composted with maple leaves and alfalfa in a laboratory scale reactor.
Abstract: Weathered, hydrocarbon-contaminated soil containing 17,000 ppm mineral oil and grease (MOG) of which 40 percent (wt/wt) was aliphatic, 32 percent (wt/wt) polar and 28 percent (wt/wt) aromatic was cocomposted with maple leaves and alfalfa in a laboratory-scale reactor. The cocompost pH was acidic initially (6.4) but rapidly increased, reaching 8.5 by day 19. During this period the cocompost temperature had risen from ambient to 53°C (day 2) and subsequently, gradually returned to room temperature. The rates of carbon dioxide generation and oxygen consumption were both low during the first 15 hours after which they rapidly rose to 135 mmol CO2/(hr-kg initial dry cocompost) and 180 mmol O2/(hr-kg initial dry cocompost). By day 12 the rates had descended to less than 10 mmol/(hr-kg initial dry cocompost). The RQ (rate of CO2 generation/rate of O2 consumption) was initially about 0.9, but it had decreased to 0.7 by day 2. The maximum rate of MOG degradation (about 600 mg/kg initial dry cocompost-day) occurred ...
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relative contributions of sludge and the bulking agent (pine sawdust) to the biodegradability of a compost mix were investigated. But, the overall level of microorganisms did not change markedly during composting, subpopulations able to degrade selected macromolecules were present at varying levels.
Abstract: Best design of a compost system is dependent on knowing the degradability of the waste. Although many bulking agents used to adjust moisture and porosity consist of organic matter, it is usually assumed they contribute only a small proportion of the total degradable material in a compost mix. As the microorganisms degrade the organic compounds during composting, it is generally presumed that they grow, and increase in biomass and numbers. In this study, bench-scale compost reactors were used to determine the relative contributions of sewage sludge and the bulking agent (pine sawdust) to the biodegradability of a compost mix. Although the overall level of microorganisms did not change markedly during composting, subpopulations able to degrade selected macromolecules were present at varying levels. Populations capable of degrading bacterial cell walls and thereby of contributing to recycle of inorganic nutrients through biomass turnover were present throughout the composting period.
TL;DR: In this paper, three kinds of tropical soils (inceptisol, mollisol and oxisol: USDA) were amended with increasing quantities of municipal refuse compost, and the effects of urban compost effects on soil chemical parameters were evaluated.
Abstract: Three kinds of tropical soils (inceptisol, mollisol and oxisol: USDA) were amended with increasing quantities of municipal refuse compost. Prepared mixtures: 0, 1.2, 2.5, 5, 10 and 25.6 percent (by volume) of compost were utilized as growing substract (without mineral fertilizer) in pot vegetation trials including three successive plantations taking corn as the test plant. Plant yields and heavy metal concentrations were determined. Urban compost effects on soil chemical parameters were evaluated. Corn growth had been significantly enhanced by the presence of urban compost showing no toxic effects. However, this fertilizing effect decreases after successive harvestings. Cadmium and lead concentrations in the plants were found to be under detection concentration limits (0.5 and 5.2 ppm respectively). Concentrations of copper and zinc in the plants increased relative to the amounts of urban compost but never reached toxic concentrations.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated raw and composted pulp and paper sludge as soil additives or mulches for cottonwood plants in a field soil (Quincy loamy fine sand) that was mixed (incorporated) or mulched (placed on top the soil) with raw or composted sludge mixtures at application rates of 0,45,90, 135 and 180 Mg/ha.
Abstract: Pulp and paper sludge is a by-product of paper production and may be suitable in agricultural applications as a soil amendment or mulch. The objective of this study was to evaluate raw and composted pulp and paper sludge as soil additives or mulches for cottonwood plants. Primary sludge, a combination of by-products from bleached kraft and neutral sulfite semichemical paper, was mixed with tailings, slaughterhouse paunch, and 10 percent wood ash (by volume), and used raw or composted and cured in the field for 39 weeks. Cuttings of two cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh) clones were planted in a field soil (Quincy loamy fine sand) that was mixed (incorporated) or mulched (placed on top the soil) with raw or composted sludge mixtures at application rates of 0,45,90, 135 and 180 Mg/ha. The plants were grown in a plastic house for nine weeks. Electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soluble Cl and extractable Na in soil amended with 180 Mg/ha of compost were 37, 22, 197 and 13...
TL;DR: Changes in microbial biomass were monitored by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in a bench-scale composting bioreactor and internal ATP standards were used in ATP bioluminescence assays to quantify the recovery efficiency.
Abstract: Changes in microbial biomass were monitored by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in a bench-scale composting bioreactor. Internal ATP standards were used in ATP bioluminescence assays to quantify the recovery efficiency. The ATP levels were comparable and found to be within a range of 0.1 to 10 μg/g dry wt compost in bioreactors maintained at 40, 50 and 60°C. In compost experiments at 70°C, the estimated respiratory quotients suggested enhanced respiration but the level of biomass measured as ATP decreased.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of applying noncomposted municipal solid waste (MSW), amended with either poultry litter (PL) or NH4NO3 to adjust C:N ratios in the soil surface in either the spring or fall were evaluated.
Abstract: Soil management practices that contribute to increased soil productivity and longterm sustainable agricultural production have been neglected over the last four decades. The need to increase soil productivity led to the evaluation of a system of disposing of large quantities of organic by-products and poultry litter on agricultural land. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of applying noncomposted municipal solid waste (MSW), amended with either poultry litter (PL) or NH4NO3 to adjust C:N ratios in the soil surface in either the spring or fall. Changes in soil chemical properties, bacteria population shifts, changes in species richness and evenness of indigenous soil bacteria, and response by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were evaluated. Soil P, K, Ca, and Mg were increased in the surface 0–15 cm by a factor of three or four times by application of organic by-products. After two annual applications, soil Cu increased slightly, Zn doubled, Co and Cr decreased, while Pb increased by a factor of two...
TL;DR: The benefits of compost applications on various soil types were demonstrated in greenhouse studies as discussed by the authors, where a compost prepared from yard waste feedstock cocomposted with biosolids at a 1:1 ratio was used to grow broccoli and leaf lettuce at 0, 15, 30, and 60 dry tons per acre (t/a).
Abstract: The benefits of compost applications on various soil types were demonstrated in greenhouse studies. A compost prepared from yard waste feedstock cocomposted with biosolids at a 1:1 ratio was used to grow broccoli (Brassica oleracea botrytis, var. ‘Brigadeer’) and leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa, var. ‘Lallorosa’) at 0, 15, 30, and 60 dry tons per acre (t/a). Surface soil from three dominant regional soil types (Arnold loamy sand, Goleta loam and Todos-Lodos clay loam) was used in plastic pots in the greenhouse studies.All rates of compost applications increased the height and dry weight of broccoli shoots and dry weight of lettuce shoots in the various soil textures tested. In loam and clay loam soil, optimal rates of compost applications were 30 to 60 t/a for broccoli and 15 to 30 t/a for lettuce. In loamy sand soil, optimal rates for broccoli and lettuce were 30 and 15 t/a, respectively. Broccoli showed less phytotoxicity symptoms to higher compost loads than did lettuce, probably because of more tolerance...
TL;DR: For three years, undecomposed leaves were applied on a sandy terrace soil (Windsor) and a loamy upland soil (Mt. Carmel) in spring or fall as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: For three years, undecomposed leaves were applied on a sandy terrace soil (Windsor) and a loamy upland soil (Mt. Carmel) in spring or fall. Yields of peppers from these plots were compared to yields from plots amended with fully mature leaf compost and unamended controls. In general, the greatest pepper yields were from plots amended at both sites with leaf compost and the smallest yields were from plots amended with leaves in the fall. At both sites, higher yields were due to increased number of peppers/plant. The reduction in yields from plots amended with leaves in the fall appear unrelated to nitrogen immobilization as nitrogen concentrations were greater or similar to the unamended control plots. The possible role of phenol phytotoxicity from the fall applied leaves is discussed.
TL;DR: The thermogradient respirometer as discussed by the authors measured the respiration activity at a number of different temperatures, from 20 to 66°C, and revealed more information about the history and origin of the samples than respirometry at one specific temperature.
Abstract: A reliable method for monitoring the composting process evolution and assessing compost stability is a key factor for successful composting. Respirometric methods are commonly used, but they usually measure the activity at one specific temperature. In this study the objective was to determine simultaneously the respiration activity, in terms of oxygen uptake rate, at a number of different temperatures. The “thermogradient respirometer” developed consists of a solid aluminum cylinder (1.5 m long, 155 mm diameter), in which a controlled and stable temperature gradient was achieved by attaching an electrically heated plate to one end and a cooling system to the other.The respiration rate of samples obtained from a 0.6 m3 pilot scale bioreactor, where olive mill wastewater was cocomposted with extracted olive press-cake, was determined at eight different temperatures, from 20 to 66°C. The thermogradient respirometer revealed more information about the history and the origin of the samples than respirometry at...
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative study was run during 13 months on two biowaste definitions involving both lab tests and field surveys and two similar test areas, each with about 425 inhabitants, were defined in a semiurban area north of Antwerp.
Abstract: A comparative study was run during 13 months on two biowaste definitions involving both lab tests and field surveys. A narrow biowaste definition, allowing only biogenic wastes (kitchen and garden waste) and referred to as ‘Biowaste,’ was compared to a broad biowaste definition, referred to as ‘Biowaste Plus’ and including man-made products, such as nonrecyclable wastepaper and diapers. Two similar test areas, each with about 425 inhabitants, were defined in a semiurban area north of Antwerp. During the entire test period, the amount of curbside waste (i.e., biowaste and restwaste or ‘grey waste’), was continuously measured and analyzed regularly (twice per season) for composition. At the start, middle and end of the test, the population of each test area was surveyed. Bench-scale aerobic composting experiments were run to evaluate the influence of both biowaste definitions on the composting process and the compost end product.The introduction of source separated waste collection resulted in an overall la...
TL;DR: The results suggest that compost derived from sugarcane filtercake can be successfully utilized as an amended medium for citrus seedling rootstock prod...
Abstract: Seeds of sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco) were sown in Speedling trays filled with mixtures (v:v) of 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent sugarcane filtercake compost (a natural waste by-product of sugarcane processing mills; bagasse) and a peat-lite medium. Seeds sown in 100 percent compost resulted in lower total percent germination, but similar mean days to emergence (MDE), seedling heights, and shoot weights and lower root weights than the control (100 percent peat-lite medium). Media amended with 25, 50 or 75 percent compost resulted in similar total percent emergence, (MDE) and root weights, but taller seedlings with heavier shoots than the control. SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter readings, and leaf N, Ca and Zn contents were higher for seedlings produced in compost amended media than in 100 percent peat-lite medium. The results suggest that compost derived from sugarcane filtercake can be successfully utilized as an amended medium for citrus seedling rootstock prod...
TL;DR: The authors investigated the effect of poplar wood versus corn cobs as the composting substrate on atrazine mineralization at three different temperatures: 25°C, 37°C and 55°C.
Abstract: Composting of atrazine-amended poplar wood was investigated at three different temperatures: 25°C, 37°C, and 55°C In addition, we investigated the effect of poplar wood versus corn cobs as the composting substrate on atrazine mineralization at 55°C Maximal mineralization of poplar wood carbon to CO2 was observed at 37°C, with 10 percent mineralization at the end of 84 days of incubation Also, the extent of mineralization of corn cobs was higher (>15 percent) than that of poplar wood (less than six percent) at 55°C Mineralization of atrazine was low in all cases and there was no direct correlation between mineralization of the lignocellulosic substrate and that of atrazine
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of seven commercially available activators were evaluated for their efficiency in the composting of yard trimmings (grass clippings/wood chip mixture) two naturally available additives, and a control (absence of activator) were also evaluated Four measures of composting efficiency were used to compare the overall decomposition response for each activator: weight loss, volume reduction, volatile solids decrease, and oxygen uptake rate.
Abstract: The effects of seven manufactured commercially available activators were evaluated for their efficiency in the composting of yard trimmings (grass clippings/wood chip mixture) Two naturally available additives, and a control (absence of activator) were also evaluated Four measures of composting efficiency were used to compare the overall decomposition response for each activator: weight loss, volume reduction, volatile solids decrease, and oxygen uptake rate Four experimental blocks were set up in the field, and two experimental blocks were set up in the laboratory The physical/chemical characteristics of the compost material were monitored as a function of time for each additive Interrelationships between measures of composting efficiency were also evaluated Results showed that grass clippings can be composted as efficiently with naturally available materials such as topsoil or mature compost, as with commercially available compost activators, or an unactivated control The cost of commercially ava
TL;DR: The leaching of arsenic from plant growth medium, admixed with different proportions of composted biosolids in field containers, was determined over a four-month period as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The leaching of arsenic (As) from plant growth medium, admixed with different proportions of composted biosolids in field containers, was determined over a four-month period. Eight-week-old perennial flowers, Coreopsis grandiflora L, were transplanted in the field in 2-L containers filled with plant growth media. The treatments were replicated three times and rainfall was supplemented to supply 2 cm of water per day. Water percolating through potted plant containers was collected biweekly and analyzed for As using graphite furnace atomic spectrometry. The concentrations of As in the leachates increased with increasing proportions of compost in the medium and decreased with time of leaching, generally remaining below the drinking water standard of 50 μg/L after two months. Leaching of As occurred at a rapid rate initially but then continued at a slow rate. Compared to other metals of concern, as Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb, As in the compost appeared more mobile.
TL;DR: The effect of sewage sludge compost on the viability of ascarid eggs was examined and eggs of Ascaridia galli were used as a model for the eggs of the human pathogen Ascaris lumbricoides.
Abstract: Ascariasis affects approximately one quarter of the world's population and is particularly prevalent in developing countries. As improvements in sanitation in most of these countries becomes more widespread, composting of human excreta and sewage sludge has become a popular and cost-effective method of treatment, as well as offering a valuable source of organic fertilizer and a soil amendment. If, however, the composting process is not properly controlled there may be a potential risk from pathogens, helminths and other infections to workers handling the compost and to consumers of foodstuffs grown on land treated with the compost.During this study the effect of sewage sludge compost on the viability of ascarid eggs was examined. Eggs of Ascaridia galli were used as a model for the eggs of the human pathogen Ascaris lumbricoides. Fully-developed A. galli eggs were added to sewage sludge compost suspensions, to microorganism-free compost filtrate suspensions and to distilled water controls. The results fro...
TL;DR: In this paper, a preliminary study has pointed out that humates from green compost, within the range of 1000 to 8000 mg kg−1 of soil, induce small-size clod formation in a dose-independent manner and preserve stability of microaggregates.
Abstract: Humic acids extracted from composted vegetable residues (green compost) or mined lignite (leonardite) have been tested for their influence on either soil cracking or microaggregation characteristics. This preliminary study has pointed out that humates from green compost, within the range of 1000 to 8000 mg kg−1 of soil, induce small-size clod formation in a dose-independent manner and preserve stability of microaggregates. On the other hand, humic acids from leonardite did not improve soil shrinkage and water-stable microaggregates, but rather they determined deterioration of such physical characteristics of the soil tested.
TL;DR: In this article, the quality of different products obtained through the composting of the solid residue that results from the flocculation of the oil mill wastewater was evaluated through the evaluation of the product quality.
Abstract: The manufacturing process of olive oil yields a highly contaminating residue whose elimination supposes a serious environmental problem still unresolved in the principal olive oil-producing countries Nonetheless, this residue is rich in organic matter and minerals, which makes its use as a fertilizer or organic amendment significant to the poor soils that abound so much in the countries where it originates In accordance with its peculiar characteristics, its direct applications could lead to more adverse than beneficial effects, for which reason it would be necessary to carry out a previous composting process in order to utilize it The principal objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of different products obtained through the composting of the solid residue that results from the flocculation of the oil mill wastewater To facilitate composting, the residue of flocculation (FOMW) was mixed with different lignocellulosic residues (straw, vine shoots, olive branches and olive husk) The
TL;DR: The authors examined mushroom growers' indications that on-farm composting is a major source of complaints from nonfarming neighbors and found that the size of the farm and the number of homes nearby were significantly more important factors than composting in explaining which mushroom farms receive complaints.
Abstract: Major complaints, nuisance suits, and vandalism threaten the ability of farms in suburbanizing areas to survive as development occurs around them. This is a particular concern in one county in southeastern Pennsylvania, an area of rapid population growth but also the nation's most productive mushroom producing area. This study examines mushroom growers' indications that on-farm composting is a major source of complaints from nonfarming neighbors. The study found that the size of the farm and the number of homes nearby were significantly more important factors than composting in explaining which mushroom farms receive complaints.
TL;DR: A survey was carried out among 40 ornamental plant cultivators in three major cities in Nigeria, Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta on their cultivation practices using compost as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A survey was carried out among 40 ornamental plant cultivators in three major cities in Nigeria, Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta on their cultivation practices using compost. The newly emerging industry is in need of a large supply of compost. No chemical fertilizers are currently being used. Over 30 varieties of ornamental plants are cultivated throughout the year.Some of the identified constraints seemed to be water shortage, sufficient capital, availability of farm inputs, low demand in smaller towns and villages, pilfering and insect damage, and nonavailability of land, high cost of labor and transportation. The respondents expressed their need for proper training and guidance on the preparation and use of their own composts and control of pests and weeds.
TL;DR: In this article, the progress of studies using coal ash mixed with organic byproducts in a compost process as a means of converting ash to a desirable commercial product is described, and the recipes and compost procedures for production of the manufactured soils are described.
Abstract: This paper describes the progress of studies using coal ash mixed with organic byproducts in a compost process as a means of converting ash to a desirable commercial product. Mixtures of fly and bottom ash, broiler chicken litter manure, sawdust and pine bark were successfully composted during the winter of 1994. The recipes and compost procedures for production of the manufactured soils are described. The physical, biological and chemical properties of the manufactured soils are being studied and the initial results presented.
TL;DR: In the spring of 1993, the Bundesgutegemeinschaft Kompost e.V. (FCQAO) assigned the waste management faculty of the University of Essen the task of organizing and executing a parallel interlaboratory test to review the quality of work of the laboratories approved for compost analysis.
Abstract: In the spring of 1993, the Bundesgutegemeinschaft Kompost e.V. (FCQAO) assigned the waste management faculty of the University of Essen the task of organizing and executing a parallel interlaboratory test to review the quality of work of the laboratories approved for compost analysis. Essential preconditions for a workable quality assurance system have been created with the compilation of a binding “methods book” for the analysis of composts and the execution of the parallel interlaboratory test in 1993. A total of 95 laboratories took part in the 1993 parallel interlaboratory test which analyzed a total of 31 parameters from four randomly allocated subsamples from a homogenous population. The majority of parameters were determined by multiple repetition analysis. The essential calculated statistical positional and dispersion values for the outlier-adjusted data sets (laboratory mean values) were the total mean, median, standard deviation, variation coefficient, range and percentiles.