what is compost? - calrecycle · 2018-09-11 · what is compost? composting biology and core...
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What is Compost?Composting Biology and Core
Principals
David M. CrohnDavid M. CrohnDepartment of Soil and Environmental SciencesDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences
University of California, RiversideUniversity of California, Riverside
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Compost: definition
“An accumulation of decaying or decayed organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used to improve soil structure and to provide nutrients.”– Decay is a biological process (not a chemical
process)– Properties determine what is a compost (not the
production method)
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Not all composts are created equal.
••Backyard CompostingBackyard Composting
••VermicompostingVermicomposting
••Thermophilic CompostingThermophilic Composting
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Thermophilic composting
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Compost microorganisms
Illustrations: www.Digitalseed.com
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Aerobic processes
Microbes, Microbes, Carbon, & Carbon, &
OxygenOxygen Carbon Carbon Dioxide, Dioxide, Water, Water,
Compost, Compost, &&HeatHeat
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Thermophilic compostingMicrobes tend to specialize in the temperatures they prefer.In California soils and in our bodies mesophiles are most abundant. Pathogens are mesophiles.Between 110°F and 155°F, thermophiles dominate.Above about 160°F dieoff begins.Reliable pathogen kill occurs above 131°F.Heat greatly accelerates microbial efficiency.
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Thermophilic composting
Microbial efficiency approximately doubles for every 18°F increase in temperatureSo how much faster will organic matter decompose if it heats from a shady 72°F to a toasty 150°F ?
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Why compost?To eliminate disease organismsTo eliminate disease organisms
Animal Animal ●● Plant Plant ●● HumanHumanTo produce a stable and safe soil To produce a stable and safe soil amendment amendment
Nutrients Nutrients ●● Odors Odors ●● PhytotoxinsPhytotoxins
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CarbonSource of energy for microbesSource of energy for microbesNot all forms are equally availableNot all forms are equally available–– lignin (less available)lignin (less available)–– cellulosecellulose–– fats, waxes, proteinsfats, waxes, proteins–– sugars (more available)sugars (more available)
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NitrogenVital nutrient for microbesVital nutrient for microbesNeeded for protein synthesisNeeded for protein synthesisExcess may volatilize as ammonia (NHExcess may volatilize as ammonia (NH33))Other nitrogenous compounds can be odiferousOther nitrogenous compounds can be odiferousAlso important for plantsAlso important for plantsC:N ratioC:N ratio–– initially about 35:1initially about 35:1–– about 10:1 to 20:1 in cured productabout 10:1 to 20:1 in cured product
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OxygenActs as an electron acceptorActs as an electron acceptorPermits efficient liberation of Permits efficient liberation of energyenergy from carbonfrom carbonEnergy is used by microbes to Energy is used by microbes to grow and reproducegrow and reproduce
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Oxygen: turned windrow
HeatHeat OOO222OOO222
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Composting alternatives
Static pile
Turned Windrow
In-vessel
Illustration: Rynk et al. 1992
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WaterClings to compost particlesClings to compost particlesThe bath within which microbes The bath within which microbes growgrowToo much fills poresToo much fills poresOxygen moves slowly into waterOxygen moves slowly into water
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Compost particle environment
Water
Aerobic Zone
Anaerobic Zone
Unavailable Zone
Air
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Management parameters
Particle Particle SizeSizePorosityPorosityC:N ratioC:N ratio
HH22OOOO22
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Soil fauna
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Bacteria and fungi
Bacteria are much smaller than fungiBoth decompose composts in thesoil
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Encourages the formation of soil aggregatesAggregates are soil clusters held together as a result of compost decomposition– Fungal hyphae
bind particles together
– Bacterial polysaccharidesserve as glue
Compost in soil
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Aggregates
Aggregates soils are said to have “good structure”Aggregated soils– Hold water while allowing air to penetrate– Facilitate drainage and salt removal– Allow roots to penetrate– Are more stable, resisting erosion
• Sheet• Rill
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ConclusionsThe composter’s success in managing the process will determine–Product quality–Product consistency
Consistent quality increases demand for compostsComposts improve soils
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Compost types and uses
David M. CrohnDavid M. CrohnDepartment of Soil and Environmental SciencesDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences
University of California, RiversideUniversity of California, Riverside
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Mulches: cover the soil
Higher C:N ratiosLarger particles sizesLow trash levelsMaturity less important
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Soil amendments: modify soil properties
Changes take timeSoil properties are changes by–Compost particles–Formation of soil aggregatesSalinity more likely to be a concernMaturity may be more important
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Organic fertilizers: slow release
Compost nutrient content is usually not available immediatelyImportant in long-term nutrient budgetingLow C:N ratios are better fertilizers
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ConclusionsMulches, soil amendments and organic fertilizers are uses, not products.Composts may serve any of these.Different composts have different properties, and will therefore be more suitable for some uses than for others.