Nitrogen loss in chicken litter compost as affected by carbon to nitrogen ratio and turning frequency

The study was undertaken to investigate the effects of carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio and turning frequency (TF) on the loss of total nitrogen (TN) during composting of chicken litter (a mixture of chicken manure, waste feed, feathers and sawdust) with a view to producing good quality compost. Carbon to nitrogen ratios of 20:1, 25:1 and 30:1 and TF of 2, 4 and 6 days were experimented. The initial physico-chemical properties of the litter were determined. During the composting process, moisture level in the piles was periodically replenished to 55% and the temperature, pH and TN of the chicken litter were periodically monitored. Also, the dry matter (DM), total carbon (TC), total phosphorus (P) and total potassium (K) were examined at the end of composting. The results showed that both C:N ratio and TF had significant (p < or = 0.05) effect on pile temperature, pH changes, TN, TC, P and K losses while DM was only affected (p < or = 0.05) by C:N ratio. All treatments reached maturation at about 87 days as indicated by the decline of pile temperatures to near ambient temperature. Losses of TN, which were largely attributed to volatilization of ammonia (NH3), were highest within the first 28 days when the pile temperatures and pH values were above 33 degrees C and 7.7, respectively. Moisture loss increased as C:N ratio and TF increased. In conclusion, the treatment with a combination of 4 days TF and C:N ratio 25:1 (T4R25) had the minimum TN loss (70.73% of the initial TN) and this indicated the most efficient combination.     

Effects of age of cattle,turning technology and compost environment on disappearance of bone from mortality compost

As residual bones in mortality compost negatively impact subsequent tillage, two studies were performed. For the first study, windrows of mature cattle or calves were placed on a base of barley straw and covered with beef manure. Windrows were divided into two sections and turned at 3-month intervals. Approximately 5000 kg of finished compost per windrow was passed through a 6 mm trommel screen, with bones collected and weighed. Bone weight was 0.66% of mature cattle compost and 0.38% of calf compost on a dry matter basis, but did not differ after adjustment for weights of compost ingredients. In a subsequent study, four windrows were constructed containing mortalities, straw and beef manure (STATC) or straw, manure and slaughter waste (STATW). Also, straw, beef manure and slaughter waste was added to an 850 L rolling drum composter (DRUMW). Fresh bovine long-bones from calves were collected, weighed and embedded in the compost. Bones were retrieved and weighed when windrows were turned, or with DRUMW, after 8 weeks. Temperatures achieved followed the order STATW > STATC > DRUMW (p < 0.05). Rate of bone disappearance followed a pattern identical to temperature, with the weight of bones in STATW declining by 53.7% during 7 weeks of composting. For STATC, temperatures were uniform over three composting periods, but bone disappearance was improved (p < 0.05) when compost dry matter was lower (46%), as compared to 58%. Using a ratio of five parts manure to one part mortalities, results of this study demonstrated that residual bone was <1% of cured cattle compost and may be reduced by maintaining a high compost temperature and moisture content.     

Co-Composting of Soil Heavily Contaminated with Creosote with Cattle Manure and Vegetable Waste for the Bioremediation of Creosote–Contaminated Soil

Mispah form (FAO: Lithosol) soil contaminated with >380 000 mg kg^?1 creosote was co-composted with cattle manure and mixed vegetable waste for 19 months. The soil was mixed with wood chips to improve aeration and then mixed with cattle manure or mixed vegetable waste in a ratio of 4:1. Moisture, temperature, pH, ash content, C:N ratios, and the concentrations of creosote in the compost systems were monitored monthly. The concentrations of selected hydrocarbons in the compost systems were determined at the end of composting. Temperature rose to about 45°C in the cattle manure compost within two months of incubation while temperature in the control and vegetable waste remained below 30°C until the fourth month. Creosote concentration was reduced by 17% in the control and by more than 99% in the cattle manure and vegetable waste compost after composting. The rate of reduction in concentration in the mixed vegetable waste compost was initially lower than in the cattle manure compost. The reduction rate became similar in later months with only small differences towards the end of the composting. The concentrations of selected creosote components were reduced by between 96% and 100% after composting. There was no significant difference in reduction in concentration in both compost systems at p 0.05. Microbial activity correlated with reduction in creosote concentration.     

Validation of thermal composting process using olive mill solid waste for industrial scale cultivation of Agaricus bisporus

The production of a substrate containing destoned olive mill solid waste for the cultivation of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach on an industrial scale was studied. A standard mushroom compost (C) mainly made from straw and poultry manure was compared with the experimental compost (EC) containing the same ingredients as (C) but with added olive mill solid waste (10.6% w/w). Microbial indicators such as counts of heterotrophic microbes and actinomycetes were higher in EC than in C. In addition, compost selectivity as indicated by higher mushroom yield and biological efficiency of EC was higher than that of C. Market quality of the mushrooms produced in both C and EC were comparable. These findings support our work that olive mill solid waste can be used safely in thermal composting process to produce a selective substrate for industrial-scale cultivation of A. bisporus. This study also demonstrates an environmentally sustainable system to manage solid waste from olive oil extraction processes thus overcoming environmental pollution brought about by irrational disposal of the waste on farm lands.     

鸡粪堆肥发酵过程微生物数量与温度及酶变化的相关性研究

为研究鸡粪堆肥发酵不同阶段微生物菌数和堆体温度及多种酶活之间的关系,从而进一步了解堆肥发酵中微生物的作用,通过测定鸡粪堆肥发酵过程中微生物菌数和堆体温度及部分酶活性的变化趋势,并利用SPSS软件进行Pearson相关性和显著性分析,结果表明,细菌、真菌数量与堆体温度呈正相关关系（P<0.05）,放线菌菌数与堆体温度无显著相关性;纤维素酶和总菌数呈正相关关系（P<0.05）;过氧化氢酶与细菌菌数呈强正相关关系（P<0.01）;脲酶和蛋白酶与菌数无显著相关性。     

Patterns and quantities of NH(3), N(2)O and CH(4) emissions during swine manure composting without forced aeration--effect of compost pile scale

To evaluate the NH(3), N(2)O, and CH(4) emissions from composting of livestock waste without forced aeration in turned piles, and to investigate the possible relationship between the scale of the compost pile and gas emission rates, we conducted swine manure composting experiments in parallel on small- and large-scale compost piles. Continuous measurements of gas emissions during composting were carried out using a chamber system, and detailed gas emission patterns were obtained. The total amount of each gas emission was computed from the amount of ventilation and gas concentration. NH(3) emission was observed in the early period of composting when the material was at a high temperature. Sharp peaks in CH(4) emission occurred immediately after swine manure was piled up, although a high emissions level continued after the first turning only in the large-scale pile. N(2)O emissions started around the middle stage of the composting period when NH(3) emissions and the temperature of the compost material began to decline. The emission rates of each gas in the small and large piles were 112.8 and 127.4 g NH(3)-N/kg T-N, 37.2 and 46.5 g N(2)O-N/kg T-N, and 1.0 and 1.9 g CH(4)/kg OM, respectively. It was found that changing the piling scale of the compost material was a major factor in gas emission rates.     

鸡粪堆肥的酶活特性研究

目的研究以鸡粪和菌糠为主体物料在高温堆肥发酵过程中纤维素酶、木聚糖酶、淀粉酶以及蛋白酶酶活性的变化。方法通过测定各酶活动态变化,了解各酶在鸡粪堆肥中的变化规律。其中纤维素酶和淀粉酶采用DNS比色法,木聚糖酶活采用还原糖法,蛋白酶活采用福林法进行测定。结果随温度不断变化和酶本身的性质以及物料的作用机制机制不同,酶活动态变化表现出一定的差异性。物料发酵温度在0～3 d时迅速上升,在3～18 d持续高温期,15 d之后下降趋于恒定。各酶活变化基本上符合先上升至峰值再下降,最后保持恒定的规律。其中各酶发生高效反应的时间具有不一致性,纤维素酶活在第18天时达到峰值,淀粉酶活在第9天时达到峰值,木聚糖酶在第12天时达到峰值,而蛋白酶活在第3天时即达到峰值。结论酶对物料腐熟具有重要用,本研究结果为堆肥腐熟提供参考指标,对优化堆肥工艺具有重要意义。     

Growth potential of faecal bacteria in simulated psychrophilic/mesophilic zones during composting of organic waste

Aim: This study investigated the growth potential of Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and faecal indicator organisms in compost materials and the correlation between bacterial growth potential and the physico‐chemical composition of the compost substrate and temperature. Methods and Results: Survival of Salm. Typhimurium, Enterococcus spp. and total coliforms at 14, 24 and 37°C was determined in material of different degrees of maturity collected from composting plants for household waste and manure. All three micro‐organisms showed the potential for growth in the material from active composts (Solvita index 4) but inactivation generally occurred over time in mature compost material (Solvita index 7–8). Conclusions: Salm. Typhimurium had the potential for growth in psychrophilic/mesophilic (P/M) zones of immature compost material and its growth potential correlated negatively with the maturity of the compost and the temperature within the simulated P/M zone. Significance and Impact of the Study: The risk of pathogen regrowth in P/M zones during organic waste composting further emphasizes the importance of good management practices and of avoiding P/M zones in combination with low compost maturity.     

Composting rapidly reduces levels of extractable oxytetracycline in manure from therapeutically treated beef calves

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in livestock production. The widespread use and relative persistence of OTC may encourage development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine whether composting would substantially reduce the concentration of OTC found in manure from medicated animals. The effect of OTC on composting was also investigated. Five beef calves were medicated for 5 days with 22 mg/kg/day of OTC. Approximately 23% of the OTC fed to the calves was recovered in the manure. Manure samples collected from calves prior to and after medication were mixed with straw and woodchips, and aliquots of the subsequent mixtures were treated in laboratory composters for 35 days. In addition, aliquots of the OTC-containing mixture were incubated at 25 degrees C or sterilized followed by incubation at 25 degrees C. The presence of OTC did not appear to affect composting processes. Within the first six days of composting, levels of extractable OTC in the compost mixture decreased from 115+/-8 microg/g dry weight to less than 6+/-1 microg/g dry weight (a 95% reduction). In contrast, levels of extractable OTC in room temperature incubated and sterilized mixtures decreased only 12-25% after 37 and 35 days, respectively. Levels of total heterotrophic bacteria and OTC-resistant bacteria in the finished compost mixture were roughly 30-fold higher and 10-fold lower, respectively, than levels in the mixture prior to composting. Although the basis of the OTC disappearance during composting is not known, the preponderence of OTC-sensitive bacteria and the decrease of OTC-resistant bacteria in the finished compost suggests that OTC residues have been rendered biologically inactive or unavailable.     

Dynamics of pruning waste and spent horse litter co-composting as determined by chemical parameters

Co-composting of pruning waste and horse manure was monitored by different parameters. A windrow composting pile, having the dimensions 2.5m (height) x 30m (length) was established. The maturation of pruning waste and horse manure compost was accompanied by a decline in NH(4)(+)-N concentration, water soluble C and an increase in NO(3)(-)-N content. Organic matter (OM) content during composting followed a first-order kinetic equation. This result was in agreement with the microbiological activity measured by the CO(2) respiration during the process. The correlation at a high level of probability found between the OM loss and CO(2) evolution showed that both parameters could be used to indicate the degree of OM degradation that is the maturity and stability phases of the compost studied. Humification parameters data from the organic matter fractionation did not show a clear tendency during the composting time, suggesting that these parameters are not suitable for evaluating the dynamics of the process.     

Characteristics of dairy manure composting with rice straw

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of aeration rate, aeration method, moisture content, and manure age on the characteristics of dairy manure composting with rice straw in terms of composting temperature, oxygen consumption rate, emission of odorous gases, and final compost property. It was found that the aeration rate of 0.25 L/min-kg VS was capable of achieving the highest composting temperature, longest retention time of high temperature, and less emission of odor gases. Except for the composting temperature reached, there was no significant difference between bottom-forced and top-diffusion aerations in terms of final compost property. The higher initial moisture content (65%) was more favorable for its higher temperature, longer retention time of high temperature, and more stable end compost obtained. Fresh manure showed better composting performance than the aged manure for its higher temperature reached in less time and less ammonia emission. Oxygen consumption rates were basically similar to those of temperatures. Most emissions of the odorous gases occurred during the first week of composting, therefore, special attention should be paid to this period of time for effective odor control.     

Investigation of the microbial community structure and activity as indicators of compost stability and composting process evolution

In a bid to identify suitable microbial indicators of compost stability, the process evolution during windrow composting of poultry manure (PM), green waste (GW) and biowaste was studied. Treatments were monitored with regard to abiotic factors, respiration activity (determined using the SOUR test) and functional microflora. The composting process went through typical changes in temperature, moisture content and microbial properties, despite the inherent feedstock differences. Nitrobacter and pathogen indicators varied as a monotonous function of processing time. Some microbial groups have shown a potential to serve as fingerprints of the different process stages, but still they should be examined in context with respirometric tests and abiotic parameters. Respiration activity reflected well the process stage, verifying the value of respirometric tests to access compost stability. SOUR values below 1 mg O₂/g VS/h were achieved for the PM and the GW compost.     

Evolution of Volatile Sulfur Compounds during Laboratory-Scale Incubations and Indoor Preparation of Compost Used as a Substrate in Mushroom Cultivation

Volatile sulfur compounds are known to be produced during the preparation of compost used as a substrate in mushroom cultivation. Because they cause odor problems, attempts have been made to reduce the production of these compounds. The influences of temperature and various additions on the production of volatile sulfur compounds from composting material were tested on laboratory-scale preparations. The production of H₂S, COS, CH₃SH, and (CH₃)₂S was proven to be a biological process with an optimal temperature that coincides with the optimal temperature for biological activity. The formation of CS₂ and (CH₃)₂S₂ was shown to be a nonbiological process. The emission of volatile sulfur compounds during the indoor preparation of mushroom compost appeared to be remarkably reduced (about 90%) as compared with the emission during the conventional outdoor process. Introduction of this indoor composting process would result in a significant reduction in environmental pollution.     

Persistence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and other zoonotic pathogens during simulated composting, manure packing, and liquid storage of dairy manure

Livestock manures contain numerous microorganisms which can infect humans and/or animals, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mycobacterium paratuberculosis). The effects of commonly used manure treatments on the persistence of these pathogens have rarely been compared. The objective of this study was to compare the persistence of artificially inoculated M. paratuberculosis, as well as other naturally occurring pathogens, during the treatment of dairy manure under conditions that simulate three commonly used manure management methods: thermophilic composting at 55 degrees C, manure packing at 25 degrees C (or low-temperature composting), and liquid lagoon storage. Straw and sawdust amendments used for composting and packing were also compared. Manure was obtained from a large Ohio free-stall dairy herd and was inoculated with M. paratuberculosis at 10(6) CFU/g in the final mixes. For compost and pack treatments, this manure was amended with sawdust or straw to provide an optimal moisture content (60%) for composting for 56 days. To simulate liquid storage, water was added to the manure (to simulate liquid flushing and storage) and the slurry was placed in triplicate covered 4-liter Erlenmeyer flasks, incubated under ambient conditions for 175 days. The treatments were sampled on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 for the detection of pathogens. The persistence of M. paratuberculosis was also assessed by a PCR hybridization assay. After 56 days of composting, from 45 to 60% of the carbon in the compost treatments was converted to CO2, while no significant change in carbon content was observed in the liquid slurry. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria were all detected in the manure and all of the treatments on day 0. After 3 days of composting at 55 degrees C, none of these organisms were detectable. In liquid manure and pack treatments, some of these microorganisms were detectable up to 28 days. M. paratuberculosis was detected by standard culture only on day 0 in all the treatments, but was undetectable in any treatment at 3 and 7 days. On days 14, 28, and 56, M. paratuberculosis was detected in the liquid storage treatment but remained undetectable in the compost and pack treatments. However, M. paratuberculosis DNA was detectable through day 56 in all treatments and up to day 175 in liquid storage treatments. Taken together, the results indicate that high-temperature composting is more effective than pack storage or liquid storage of manure in reducing these pathogens in dairy manure. Therefore, thermophilic composting is recommended for treatment of manures destined for pathogen-sensitive environments such as those for vegetable production, residential gardening, or application to rapidly draining fields.     

Novel static composting method for bioremediation of olive mill waste

This paper presents results obtained on the evaluation of static composting process aimed at bioremediation of the hazardous solid olive mill waste (OMW). The static composting process carried out in gas-permeable polyethylene bags followed the fluctuating temperature and oxygen profiles similar to those seen in aerated composting systems. Static composting resulted in apparent increases and decreases in values for total nitrogen and C:N ratios respectively during the process. The amount of nitrogen (>3%) in the composting end product was in agreement with the Italian legislation (Decreto Legislativo 29 aprile 2010, n. 75) specification for nitrogen fertilizer. A gradual decrease in polyphenols during the storage of compost resulted in a non-phytotoxic composted organic matter high in humic substances. Different respirometric tests also stated high biological stability of the end compost product.     

Changes in Bacterial and Fungal Communities across Compost Recipes,Preparation Methods,and Composting Times

Compost production is a critical component of organic waste handling, and compost applications to soil are increasingly important to crop production. However, we know surprisingly little about the microbial communities involved in the composting process and the factors shaping compost microbial dynamics. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing approaches to assess the diversity and composition of both bacterial and fungal communities in compost produced at a commercial-scale. Bacterial and fungal communities responded to both compost recipe and composting method. Specifically, bacterial communities in manure and hay recipes contained greater relative abundances of Firmicutes than hardwood recipes with hay recipes containing relatively more Actinobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes. In contrast, hardwood recipes contained a large relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi. Fungal communities of compost from a mixture of dairy manure and silage-based bedding were distinguished by a greater relative abundance of Pezizomycetes and Microascales. Hay recipes uniquely contained abundant Epicoccum, Thermomyces, Eurotium, Arthrobotrys, and Myriococcum. Hardwood recipes contained relatively abundant Sordariomycetes. Holding recipe constant, there were significantly different bacterial and fungal communities when the composting process was managed by windrow, aerated static pile, or vermicompost. Temporal dynamics of the composting process followed known patterns of degradative succession in herbivore manure. The initial community was dominated by Phycomycetes, followed by Ascomycota and finally Basidiomycota. Zygomycota were associated more with manure-silage and hay than hardwood composts. Most commercial composters focus on the thermophilic phase as an economic means to insure sanitation of compost from pathogens. However, the community succeeding the thermophilic phase begs further investigation to determine how the microbial dynamics observed here can be best managed to generate compost with the desired properties.     

Two-stage steam gasification of waste biomass in fluidized bed at low temperature: parametric investigations and performance optimization

Steam gasification of waste biomass has been studied in a two-stage fluidized bed reactor, which has the primary pyrolysis fluidized bed using silica sand as bed material and the secondary reforming fixed bed with catalyst. The main objectives are parametric investigation and performance improvement especially at low temperature of around 600 °C using the wood chip and the pig manure compost as feedstock. Main operating variables studied are pyrolysis temperature, catalytic temperature, steam/biomass-C ratio, space velocity and different catalyst. Reaction temperatures and steam/C ratio have important role on the gasification process. About 60 vol.% H2 (dry and N2 free) and about 2.0 Nm3/kg biomass (dry and ash free basis) can be obtained under good conditions. Compared to Ni/Al2O3, Ni/BCC (Ni-loaded brown coal char) has a better ability and a hopeful prospect for the stability with coking resistance.     

Comparison of characterization and microbial communities in rice straw- and wheat straw-based compost for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agaricus bisporus</Emphasis> production

Rice straw (RS) is an important raw material for the preparation of Agaricus bisporus compost in China. In this study, the characterization of composting process from RS and wheat straw (WS) was compared for mushroom production. The results showed that the temperature in RS compost increased rapidly compared with WS compost, and the carbon (C)/nitrogen (N) ratio decreased quickly. The microbial changes during the Phase I and Phase II composting process were monitored using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Bacteria were the dominant species during the process of composting and the bacterial community structure dramatically changed during heap composting according to the DGGE results. The bacterial community diversity of RS compost was abundant compared with WS compost at stages 4–5, but no distinct difference was observed after the controlled tunnel Phase II process. The total amount of PLFAs of RS compost, as an indicator of microbial biomass, was higher than that of WS. Clustering by DGGE and principal component analysis of the PLFA compositions revealed that there were differences in both the microbial population and community structure between RS- and WS-based composts. Our data indicated that composting of RS resulted in improved degradation and assimilation of breakdown products by A. bisporus, and suggested that the RS compost was effective for sustaining A. bisporus mushroom growth as well as conventional WS compost.     

Composting winery waste: sludges and grape stalks

The composting of winery waste is an alternative to the traditional disposal of residues, and also involves a commitment to reducing the production of waste products. We studied two residues (sludge and grape stalks), mixed in two proportions (1:1 and 1:2 sludge and grape stalks (v/v)), and we also examined the effects of grinding the grape stalks. Our results showed that composting the assayed materials was possible. Best results were obtained in the compost heap in which the residues were mixed in the proportion 1:2, and where the grape stalks had been previously ground. Optimum results required a moisture around 55% and a maximum temperature around 65 degrees C and an oxygen concentration not lower than 5-10%. The resulting compost had a high agronomic value and is particularly suitable for the soils of the vineyards which have a very low organic matter content. The compost can be reintroduced into the production system, thereby closing the residual material cycle.     

彩绒革盖菌在猪粪堆肥中应用的初步研究

在以猪粪为原料的静态条垛堆肥的堆体试验中添加了彩绒革盖菌,研究其对堆肥发酵的影响。研究表明彩绒革盖菌在堆肥二次发酵时期有利于堆体温度的提升和保温,说明了在进入堆肥后期彩绒革盖菌对其中剩余的木质素等成分有很好的分解能力,有利于堆肥的腐熟和养分的释放,初步表明彩绒革盖菌是一株理想的堆肥发酵菌株。