Poultry litter composting comparisons

• Published in: BioCycle Vol. 41; no. 1; pp. 36 - 40
• Main Authors: BRODIE, H. L, CARR, L. E, CONDON, P
• Format: Magazine Article Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emmaus, PA JG Press 2000; J.G. Press Inc
• Subjects: Agriculture; Agriculture, rearing and food industries wastes; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of sewage sludges and wastes; Biotechnology; Comparative analysis; Composting; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Methods; Odors; Other nutrients. Amendments. Solid and liquid wastes. Sludges and slurries; Pollution; Poultry; Process planning; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments; Temperature; Waste management industry; Wastes; Wood; Yard waste; USA, Maryland; United States > US; Litter; Waste treatment; Poultry by product; Manures; Composting; Upgrading; Technicoeconomic study; Agricultural waste; Biological treatment; Cost analysis; Performance; Animal waste; Rearing by-product; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0276-5055

Compost made from poultry litter is in great demand at commercial nurseries. Researchers at the University of Maryland examined the viability of producing such compost, comparing static piles and mechanically turned windrows. Feedstocks included the litter, wood, and sawdust, and were calibrated to reflect what would be used in an on-farm situation. Low oxygenation was a key problem with all piles, although there was little evidence of associated odor problems, water saturated mass, and blackness. Temperatures varied according to the method and degree of cover, which was intended to control odor and ammonia; to the frequency of turning; and to the presence of an aeration pipe. Results are reported for odor, color, moisture, compost yield, and quality. The results that a static pile, turned after 200 or more days, produces an adequate compost in an on-farm application.