manure composting manual

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2005 Manual Composting Manure

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Page 1: Manure Composting Manual

2005Manual

CompostingManure

Page 2: Manure Composting Manual

Prepared and Published by:Livestock Engineering Unit & Environmental Practices UnitTechnical Services DivisionAlberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Distributed by:Information Packaging CentreAlberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, AlbertaCanada T6H 5T6

Copyright © 2004.Her majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta(Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development).All rights reserved.

Updated January 2005

Page 3: Manure Composting Manual

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 The Composting Process

Chapter 3 Composting Methods

Chapter 4 Site Selection for Composting

Chapter 5 Compost Regulations

Chapter 6 Compost Uses

Troubleshooting

Questions to be Addressed Prior to Composting

Additional Information

References

Appendix A Blending Sample Calculation

5

6

11

15

17

17

18

19

20

21

23

CompostingManual

Manure

Page 4: Manure Composting Manual

4

Page 5: Manure Composting Manual

5

Chapter 1. Introduction

Producers and researchers are exploring manyways to address environmental sustainability andnuisance problems while adding value andimproving transportability of manure to offset thecosts of management practices. Manuremanagement includes feed management,collection, transport, storage, handling, treatment,disposal and utilization of manure. Thishandbook will provide an introduction toagricultural composting and provide additionalsources of information for those interested.

Composting is the biological decomposition andstabilization of organic material. The processproduces heat that, in turn, produces a finalproduct that is stable, free of pathogens andviable plant seeds, and can be beneficially appliedto the land. As the product stabilizes, odours are

reduced and pathogens eliminated. Whencomposting high moisture materials, bulkingmaterials are necessary for reducing moisturecontent and maintaining the integrity of the pile.Ideally, composting will enhance the usefulnessof organic by-products as fertilizers, privately andcommercially.

Composting is receiving increased attention as analternative manure management practice due toincreased pressures from society to reduce theimpact on the environment. The producer maysee alternative benefits to the reduction in volumeof manure due to composting. Land baserequired to apply manure compost may stay thesame but the producer can economically haulcompost further than manure.

Table 1. Benefits and disadvantages of manure compost

Benefits

• Reduces mass and volume- lower hauling costs

• Reduces odour• Pathogens are destroyed• Kills weed seeds• Improves transportability• Soil conditioner• Improves nutrient qualities

- the nutrients from compost arereleased slowly and steadily

• Decreases pollutants- stabilizes the volatile nitrogen intolarge protein particles, reducing losses

• Land application when convenient• Saleable product• Increases water retention of soil

Disadvantages

• Loss of ammonia (N)• Time and labour involved• Cost of equipment (initial and operating)• Land required for composting• Marketing required for sale

Page 6: Manure Composting Manual

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Figure 1. Material flow for the conventional composting process.

Chapter 2. The Composting Process

Under controlled conditions, composting isaccomplished in two main stages: an active stageand a curing stage (Figure 1). In the activecomposting stage, microorganisms consumeoxygen (O2) while feeding on organic matter inmanure and produce heat, carbon dioxide (CO2)and water vapour. During this stage, most of thedegradable organic matter is decomposed. Amanagement plan is needed to maintain propertemperature, oxygen and moisture for theorganisms. Testing temperature, moisturecontent, and oxygen levels can help makedecisions on composting activities, such asturning, aerating, or adding moisture. These testscan be performed quite simply on site giving

quick feedback - from minutes for temperature oroxygen to overnight for moisture content. In thecuring phase, microbial activity slows down andas the process nears completion, the materialapproaches ambient air temperature. Finishedcompost takes on many of the characteristics ofhumus, the organic fraction of soil. The materialwill have been reduced in volume by 20 to 60%,the moisture content by 40% and the weight by upto 50%. One of the key challenges in compostingis to retain as much nitrogen as possible.Composting may contribute to the greenhouseeffect because carbon dioxide (CO2), methane(NH4) and nitrous oxide (NO2) will be emitted tothe atmosphere during composting.

Factors Affecting the CompostingProcessControlling the process factors can accelerate thenatural composting process. Each of thesefactors has the potential to significantly affect thecomposting process. Some of the importantfactors in the composting process are shown inTable 2 with their acceptable ranges.

Table 2. Factors affecting the compostingprocess and acceptable ranges

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Page 7: Manure Composting Manual

7

stage, the temperature may start to fall because ofa lack of oxygen. Turning the materialintroduces new oxygen and the activecomposting stage continues. The temperaturescan exceed 70°C (158°F) but manymicroorganisms begin to die, which stops theactive composting stage. Cooling the material byturning helps to keep the temperature fromreaching these damaging levels. Heat loss occursprimarily because of water evaporation from thematerial. Heat loss can also occur if the pile istoo small or is exposed to cold weather. If themoisture content falls too low it increases thechance of obtaining damaging high temperatures.

The temperature should be maintained at 55°C(131°F) or higher for a minimum of 14 days todestroy the viability of many pathogens andweed seeds. Remember, the edges of thewindrow are cool, therefore they must be turnedinto the center to kill the weed seeds.

TemperatureTemperature is a very good indicator of theprocess occurring within the compostingmaterial. The temperature increases due to themicrobial activity and is noticeable within a fewhours of forming a pile as easily degradablecompounds are consumed. The temperatureusually increases rapidly to 50 - 60°C (122 -140°F) where it is maintained for several weeks.This is called the active composting stage.Biochemical reaction rates approximately doublewith each 10°C (50°F) increase in temperature,yet higher temperatures will increase ammonialoss during the composting process. Thetemperature gradually drops to 40°C (104°F) asthe active composting slows down and the curingstage begins. Eventually, the temperature willbecome that of the surrounding air.

The highest rates of decomposition occur whentemperatures are in the range of 43 - 66°C(110 - 150°F). During the active composting

Figure 2. Temperature measurement probe.

The temperature can

be measured with a

1 metre (3 foot) long

dial temperature probe.

Page 8: Manure Composting Manual

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Carbon to Nitrogen RatioThe carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) of manure is avery important factor that affects the wholecomposting process because microbes need 20 to25 times more carbon than nitrogen to remainactive. The ratio should be between 25:1 and30:1 at the beginning. The microorganisms digestcarbon as an energy source and ingest nitrogen forprotein and reproduction. Softwood shavings,sawdust and straw are good sources of carbon.Other inexpensive sources of carbon includemunicipal waste and shredded newsprint orcardboard. Most manures are a good source ofnitrogen but may be low in carbon depending onthe amount of bedding used. Table 3, in thischapter, lists the C:N ratio for materialscommonly included in farm compost. Thecontent of materials on your farm can beestimated using the table or a laboratory canperform the analysis.

If the ratio is too high (insufficient nitrogen), thedecomposition slows. If the ratio is too low (toomuch nitrogen), it will likely be lost to theatmosphere in the form of ammonia gas. Thiscan lead to odour problems (refer to thetroubleshooting table in the back of the manualfor solutions). Most materials available forcomposting do not fit the ideal ratio so differentmaterials must be blended. Proper blending ofcarbon and nitrogen helps ensure that compostingtemperatures will be high enough for the processto work efficiently and ensures other nutrients areavailable for microbes in adequate supply.

AerationThe minimum desirable oxygen concentration inthe composting material is 5%. Greater than 10%is ideal to avoid anaerobic conditions and highodour potential. Aeration adds fresh air in thecenter of the composting material. Rapid aerobicdecomposition can only occur in the presence ofsufficient oxygen. Aeration occurs naturallywhen air warmed by the compost rises throughthe material, drawing in fresh air from thesurroundings at the base of the windrow. Initial

mixing of materials usually introduces enoughair to start composting. Porosity and moisturecontent affect air movement through thecomposting material. Regular mixing of thematerial, referred to as turning, enhances aerationin the composting material. Good aerationduring composting will encourage completedecomposition of carbon (C) to carbon dioxide(CO2) rather than releasing carbon as methane(CH4). Too much aeration, however, can actuallyreduce the rate of decomposition by cooling thecomposting material and may cause the releaseof too much CO2. Excessive air flow can removea lot of moisture. Another consequence ofexcessive aeration is ammonia loss, especiallywith high nitrogen (low C:N ratio) mixes. As thematerial dries out, more ammonia volatilizes andconsequently, more nitrogen is lost.

The oxygen concentration can be measured withan oxygen probe. However, temperatureprovides an adequate indication of the processconditions. If the supply of oxygen is limited,the composting process slows and thetemperature begins to fall. In this case thecomposting materials should be turned.

Moisture ContentMoisture plays an essential role in themetabolism of microorganisms and indirectly inthe supply of oxygen. Microorganisms canutilize only those organic molecules that aredissolved in water. Moisture content between 50and 60% (by weight) provides adequate moisturewithout limiting aeration. If the moisture contentfalls below 40%, bacterial activity will slowdown and will cease entirely below 15%. Whenthe moisture content exceeds 60%, nutrients areleached, porosity is reduced, odours are produced(due to anaerobic conditions) and decompositionslows. The squeeze test can be used to check themoisture content. The material is too wet ifwater can be squeezed out of a handful and toodry if the material doesn’t form a ball whensqueezed.

Page 9: Manure Composting Manual

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Caution: Material in the pile will be very hot, use a shovel to remove material.

If the pile becomes too wet, it should be turned.This allows air to circulate back into it and loosensthe materials for better draining and drying. Addingdry material, such as straw, sawdust or finishedcompost can also remedy excess moisture problems.

If the material is too dry, water can be added. Aneffective practice is to turn the material and rewetmaterials in the process. Shaping the pile can assistin shedding excess water from the pile. A windrowcover can be used to keep unwanted moisture fromthe elements out of the windrow and conservemoisture within the windrow. Optimum moisturecontent of raw materials should be between 50 and60% (wet basis), depending on particle size,available nutrients and physical characteristics.

PorosityPorosity refers to the spaces between particles in thecompost material. These spaces are partially filledwith air that can supply oxygen to the organisms andprovide a path for air circulation. As the materialbecomes water saturated, the space available for airdecreases, thus slowing the composting process.

Compacting the composting material reduces theporosity. Excessive shredding can also impede aircirculation by creating smaller particles and pores.Turning fluffs up the material and increases itsporosity. Adding coarse materials such as straw orwoodchips can increase the overall porosity,although some coarse materials will be slow todecompose.

pH of MaterialsThe optimum pH for microorganisms involved incomposting lies between 6.5 and 7.5. The pH ofmost animal manures is approximately 6.8 to 7.4.Composting alone leads to major changes inmaterials and their pH as decomposition occurs.For example, release of organic acids may,temporarily, lower the pH (increase acidity), and

production of ammonia from nitrogenouscompounds may raise the pH (increase alkalinity)during early stages of composting. On-sitelaboratory tests of pH can be used to maintainprocess control and product quality at a compostingsite.

NutrientsAdequate levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K),carbon (C), nitrogen (N), etc. are important in thecomposting process and are normally present infarm organic materials such as manure and livestockmortalities. Nutrient loss can occur throughvolatilization, losses to the atmosphere and leaching.Composting converts the nutrients in manure tostable forms that have a low ability to be lost byvolatilization and leaching when applied to the land.However, during the composting process substantialamounts of nitrogen will be lost through ammoniavolatilization. The ammonia emissions duringcomposting reduce the fertilizer value of the finishedcompost. Nitrogen losses can also occur fromemission of nitrous oxides or nitrogen gas.

Toxic Substances: CAUTIONSome organic materials may contain substances thatare toxic to composting bacteria or bacteria requiredfor composting. Heavy metals such as manganese,copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and lead fall into thiscategory and may be immobilized chemically priorto composting. A laboratory can analyze samples ofraw materials for toxic substances. Weathered flyash, after equilibrating with atmospheric CO2, iscalled lagoon ash, which has an alkaline pH andprovides a good fixing agent to suppress theavailability of heavy metals in manure compost.Clopyralid is a long-lasting herbicide used to controlbroadleaf weeds. It does not pose a threat to humansor animals. It passes through animals and thecomposting process with little breakdown. Compostcontaminated with clopyraid may harm certain typesof broadleaf or ornamentals and vegetables such asbeans, peas, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. If yoususpect that manure or compost is contaminatedwith clopyralid, it is better to send a manure orcompost sample to the lab for testing.

Page 10: Manure Composting Manual

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Material CharacteristicsIt is important to be familiar with the materialused in composting. Make sure to have properC:N ratios. Materials can be blended together toattain the proper ratio. Table 3 contains

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rettilreliorB-rettilyekruT-

06.307.402.4

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645233

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05-227256

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erunaMpeehS 90.3-03.1 02-31 57-06 -

wartSwartslareneg-

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tsudwaS 08.0-60.0 057-002 56-91 762-702

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characteristics of common on-farm compostingmaterials. In order to blend materials in suitableproportions several factors must be considered.The necessary formulas and a sample calculationare in Appendix A.

Table 3. Characteristics of common composting materials

Page 11: Manure Composting Manual

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Chapter 3. Composting Methods

As outlined in Table 4, some basic compostingmethods use bins, passive windrows, turnedwindrows, aerated static piles and in-vesselchannels. The proper approach depends on the

time to complete composting, the material andvolume to be decomposed, space available, theavailability of resources (labour, finances, etc.)and the quality of finished product required.

Table 4. Basic composting methods

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Page 12: Manure Composting Manual

12

Do

Bin CompostingBin composting is produced by natural aerationand through turning, using a tractor front-endloader. This option is primarily used forcomposting mortalities, yard waste and smalleramounts of manure. Operation and managementof poultry and swine mortality compost systemsare available from Alberta Agriculture, Food andRural Development.

Passive Windrow CompostingPassive windrow composting is the production ofcompost in piles or windrows by natural aerationover long periods of time. Attention to detailssuch as the porosity of the initial mix, uniformproduct mixing and particle size greatly improvethe speed of the process and product quality.Generally, material to be composted is collectedand promptly piled into windrows, which remainuntouched. The materials may be wetted beforethey are initially formed into windrows but this isnot essential. Passive aeration has beensuccessfully used in composting manure frompoultry, dairy cattle and sheep.

Covering the windrow with a layer of finishedcompost will help to prevent moisture loss,reduce odour problems and produce moreuniform compost. The center of a windrow willquickly become anaerobic and only by turningcan it receive a new supply of oxygen. Anunpleasant odour will develop in the anaerobicregion and may begin to emanate from thecomposting material; hence, a large land area isnecessary to buffer residents and businesses fromthe odour. Passive composting is not very

conducive to oxygen presence. Since rapidcomposting can take place only in the presence ofoxygen, the compost normally will require threeyears to stabilize.

Active Windrow Composting(Turned)Active windrow composting is the production ofcompost in windrows using mechanical aerationby a front-end loader or a specially designedwindrow turner. Loaders, although inexpensivecompared to turners, have a tendency to compactthe composting material, are comparativelyinefficient, and can result in longer compostingperiods and less consistent quality. Turnedwindrow composting represents a lowtechnology and medium labour approach andproduces a uniform product.

The most commonly used windrow turners havea series of heavy tines that are placed along arotating horizontal drum, which turns, mixes,aerates and reforms the windrow as the machinemoves forward. These windrow turners areeither self-contained units that straddle the rowor are towed by a tractor and powered by atractor PTO (Figure 3). The optimum height andwidth of the windrows depends on the type ofequipment used to turn them.

use two windrows - build onewhile the other is decomposingundisturbed.

Don't

make the windrow too big(above six feet high) becausethis inhibits natural aerationand the material will take longerto compost.

Dostockpile ingredients, such assawdust so it is available whenneeded.

Page 13: Manure Composting Manual

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Do

Figure 3. Windrow turning with a pull-type turner.

Aerated Static Pile CompostingAerated static pile composting is the productionof compost in piles or windrows with mechanicalaeration and an air source such as perforatedplastic pipes, aeration cones or a perforated floor.Aeration is accomplished either by forcing ordrawing air through the compost pile. Aerationsystems can be relatively simple using electricalmotors, fans and ducting, or they can be moresophisticated incorporating various sensors andalarms.

This system of aeration requires electricity at thesite and appropriate ventilation fans, ducts andmonitoring equipment. The monitoringequipment determines the timing, duration anddirection of airflow. The pile should be placedafter the floors are first covered with a layer of abulking agent, such as wood chips or finishedcompost. The material to be composted is thenadded and a topping layer of finished compostapplied to provide insulation.

measure the temperature withinthe windrow to determine whento turn the windrow.

forget to check for lack ofreheating after turning to signalthe end of the active compostingstage.

Windrow composting can produce excellentcompost using a variety of diverse materials.Wastes such as manure solids and paunch manure(offal), if in a secure compost area to eliminatescavengers, can be composted with bulkingagents such as sawdust, straw and recycled paperproducts. Windrow composting efficiency andproduct quality are dependent primarily upon twomajor factors:

1. The initial compost mix.

2. Management practices.

Don't

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14

A major difficulty with the static pile system isthe efficient diffusion of air throughout the entirepile, especially with wastes characterized by alarge particle size distribution, high moisturecontent or a tendency to clump, such as dairymanure. Other problems include the formation ofchannels in the pile, which allow forced air toshort-circuit. This causes excessive drying due toevaporation of moisture near the channels.

The main advantages of the in-vessel system overothers are more efficient composting process anda decreased number of pathogens resulting in asafer and more valuable end product. In-vesselcomposting can maintain a rapid decompositionprocess year-round regardless of external ambientconditions. Disadvantages of the enclosed vesselmethod include high capital and operational costsdue to the use of computerized equipment andskilled labour. In-vessel composters are generallymore automated than active or static pile systemsand can produce a top quality finished product ona consistent basis.

Figure 4. In-vessel composting.

assume that the airflow systemprovides adequate airflowuniformly.

ensure materials chosen tocompost have the proper porosityto prevent short-circuiting of air,such as dry wood chips.

In-Vessel CompostingIn-vessel composting is the production of compostin drums, silos or channels using a high-ratecontrolled aeration system designed to provideoptimal conditions. Aeration of the material isaccomplished by:

1. Continuous agitation using aeratingmachines which operate in concrete bays.

2. Fans providing air flow from ducts builtinto concrete floors.

investigate the costs associatedwith building this type of facility.

forget that the materials need tobe aerated by turning them.

For more information on any of the compostingmethods contact Alberta Agriculture, Food andRural Development.

Do

Do

Don't

Don't

Page 15: Manure Composting Manual

15

Chapter 4. Site Selection for Composting

If the production facility where the compost is tobe made falls under the Agricultural OperationPractices Act (AOPA), contact the NaturalResources Conservation Board (NRCB)regarding site selection.

There are several factors to consider whenchoosing a composting site:

Space Requirements• The site must have sufficient area for the

volume of manure to be composted andshould have sufficient area for futureexpansion.

• Consideration should be given to the spacerequired for operation of the equipment atthe site.

• Take into account the impact on the farmresidence and any neighbouring residences.

Buffer to Sensitive Land UsesAppropriate separation or buffer distancesbetween the composting operation and nearbywater resources (surface and groundwater) andneighbouring homes can help to minimize theimpact of any odour associated with rawmaterials, protect the water resources frompossible contamination, and also meet theregulations.

Figure 5. General site layout recommendations for composting facilities.

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Site Characteristics• Choose the location that has compacted

soil or an impervious surface to reduce theseepage of the nutrient into thegroundwater.

• The site must be sloped between 2 to 4%.• The site must have a moderate to well

drained soil surface.• The site must be visible and have an easy

access to hauling and storage.

Protection of Water Resources• The site must have a permanent water

diversion that works to keep surface runoffaway from compost storage areas.

• Placement of manure storage, stacking orcomposting area should be a safe distancefrom floodways, wells or springs.

Page 17: Manure Composting Manual

17

Chapter 5. Compost Regulations

Chapter 6. Compost Uses

There are both federal and provincial regulationsgoverning compost. Both Alberta Environmentand the Natural Resources Conservation Board(NRCB) are responsible for provincialregulations. The NRCB administers a one-window approach for confined feeding operationsand for the compliance monitoring andenforcement of province-wide standards underthe Agricultural Operation Practices Act(AOPA). On-farm manure composting isregulated by AOPA. Guidelines for locatingcompost facilities are found in Section 3 of the

Standards and Administration Regulation ofAOPA. Prior to setting up a composting facility,contact the NRCB to be advised on how theregulations affect you.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)Fertilizer Act regulates the sale of all compost inCanada. The label for both bagged and bulk salesof compost from any individual must complywith CFIA standards. Contact CFIA with theproposed labels prior to selling compost.

Compost has numerous agronomic andhorticultural uses. It can be used as a soilamendment, fertilizer supplement, top dressingfor pastures and hay crops, mulch for homes andgardens, and a potting mix component. In these

examples, the compost increases the water andnutrient retention of the soil, provides a porousmedium for roots to grow in, increases theorganic matter and decreases the bulk density orpenetration resistance.

Page 18: Manure Composting Manual

18

Troubleshooting

Table 5. Manure composting troubleshooting

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gibootsiwordniwehT.2

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wordniwehtfoezisehtesaercedotyrT.2

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HpwoL.3

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HphgiH.2

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hsadoowdnaemilsahcusslairetam

ruodoedihplusnegordyH tewootsilairetamwordniWootsierutarepmetstidna

wol

lairetamklubyrdddA

Page 19: Manure Composting Manual

19

Questions To Be Addressed Prior To Composting

Do you have enough manure on your farm to compost?Do you have a site appropriate for composting?What composting method is best suited for your operation?Do you have access to carbon amendments such as straw, woodchips, etc.?Will compost product be for on-farm use or for export off the farm?If your compost is for off-farm sales, do you have a marketing strategy?Is there a market for compost in your area?

Page 20: Manure Composting Manual

20

Additional Information

CCME Guidelines for Compost Quality (CCME-106E)Phone: (204) 945-4664or www.compost.org/compostqualitydoc.pdfwww.compost.org/standard.html

Olds College

Alberta Agriculture, Food, and Rural DevelopmentAgTech Centre Environmental Practices Unit3000 College Drive J. G. O’Donoghue BuildingLethbridge, Alberta Rm. 306, 7000 - 113 StreetT1K 1L6 Edmonton, Alberta(403) 329-1212 T6H 5T6

(780) 422-4844

4500 - 50 St., Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6or http://www.oldscollege.ab.ca

Alberta EnvironmentPeace River (780) 624-6502Edmonton (780) 427-9563Stony Plain (780) 963-6131Red Deer (403) 340-7721Calgary (403) 297-7883Lethbridge (403) 381-5995or http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/codes/COMPOST.CFM

Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB)Morinville (780) 939-1212Calgary (403) 662-3990Edmonton (780) 422-1977Fairview (780) 835-7111Lethbridge (403) 381-5166Red Deer (403) 340-5241or http://www.nrcb.gov.ab.ca/web/about/contacts.cfm

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)Head Office Alberta North Alberta South59 Camelot Dr. Rm. 205, 7000 - 113 St. 110 Country Hills Landing NWOttaw, Ontario Edmonton, Alberta Calgary, AlbertaK1A 0Y9 T6H 5T6 T3K 5P31-800-442-2342 (780) 495-3333 (403) 299-7660

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural DevelopmentAgtech Centre, Technical Services DivisionPhone: (403) 329-1212Windrow Turner Evaluations ReportPoultry and Swine Mortality Composting Handbooks

AAFRD Publication Office

Phone: 1-800-292-5797 or www.agric.gov.ab.ca/publications

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References

B.C. Agricultural Composting HandbookSecond Edition, 2nd printing, September, 1998.Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Further Reading

Haug, Roger T. The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering. London: Lewis Publishers, 1993.

Rynk, R.(editor). 1992. Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service. On-farm Composting Handbook.NRAS-54. Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service. 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Cooperative Extension,Ithica, Ny. 14853-5701

Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food, and Rural Revitalization. Composting Solid Manure.http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/crops/integrated_pest_management/Soil_fertility_fertilizers/CompostManure02.asp?firstPick=Livestock&secondpick=Pork&thirdpick=Manure%20Management

Poultry Mortality Composting Handbook. 2002. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 450/29-1.

Bin Comoposting of Daily Layer, Breeder, or Turkey Mortality. 2004. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 450/29-2.

Composting Spent Layers (or Disaster Losses). 2004. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 451/29-1.

Bin Composting of Daily Broiler Mortality. 2004. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 452/29-1.

Swine Mortality Composting Handbook. 2002. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 440/29-1.

Windrow Composting of Swine (or Disaster Losses). 2004. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 440/29-2.

Bin Composting of Daily Swine Mortality. 2004. AAFRD publication No. Agdex 440/29-3.

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( )Appendix A. Blending Sample Calculation

Appendix A1

Symbols

a = total weight of ingredient ab = total weight of ingredient bc = total weight of ingredient c

M = desired mix moisture contentMa, Mb, Mc… = moisture content of ingredients a, b, c

%Ca, %Cb, %Cc… = % carbon of ingredients a, b, c… (on dry weight basis)%Na, %Nb, %Nc… = % nitrogen of ingredients a, b, c,… (on dry weight basis)

R = desired C:N ratio of mixRa, Rb = C:N ratio of ingredients a, b, c

Appendix A2

Formulas for Only Two Ingredients

Required amount of ingredient a per kg b To obtain desired C:N raio: a = % Nb x (R-Rb) x (1-Mb) % Na (Ra-R) (1-Ma) To obtain desired moisture content: a = Mb-M M-Ma

Appendix A 3

Formulas for a Mix of Materials

C:N ratio = weight of C in ingredient a + weight of C in b + weight of C in c +… weight of N in a + weight of N in b + weight of N in c +… = [%Ca x a x (1-Ma)] + [%Cb x b x (1-Mb)] + [%Cc x c x (1-Mc)] [%Na x a x (1-Ma)] + [%Nb x b x (1-Mb)] + [%Nc x c x (1-Mc)] Moisture content = weight of water in ingredient a + weight of water in b + weight of water in c + ... total weight of all ingredients = (a x Ma) + (b x Mb) + (c x Mc) … a + b + c + ...0

Adapted from B.C. Agricultural CompostingHandbook. Second Edition, 2nd printing, September,1998. Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

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Assume a broiler breeder farm has manure to compost and that sawdustwill be used as a bulking agent. How much sawdust and water needs tobe added to the manure to have a good compost mix?

Step 1. Determine the approximate nitrogen, carbon, moisture, and bulk density fromTable 3 in Chapter 2.

Material Nitrogen C:N Moisture Bulk Density @(dry weight) (dry weight) Content Moisture Content

(%) (%) (kg/m3) Broiler Breeder Manure 3.60 10 46 470 Sawdust 0.06 - 0.80 200 - 750 19 - 65 207 - 267

Note: For a range of numbers, take the average if there has been no analysis performed.Sawdust 0.43 475 42 237 Step 2. Using the formula for two ingredients from Table 3, determine the amount ofsawdust (a) needed for each kg of manure, (b) to give a desired C:N ratio (R) of 30. Given: b = 1 kg of broiler breeder manure

Ma = 0.20 (for this example 20% was selected) Mb = 0.46 (46% moisture content of manure ) Ra = 500 (for this example C:N of 500 was selected) Rb = 10 (C:N ratio of manure)

%Na = 0.1 (for this example 0.1% was selected) %Nb = 3.6 (% nitrogen in manure)

Determine: a (weight of sawdust needed) for the desired C:N ratio of R = 30 (Appendix A2)

a = %Nb x (R-Rb) x (1-Mb) %Na (Ra-R) (1-Ma)

Calculation: a = 3.6 x (30-10) x (1-0.46) = 1.0

0.1 (500-30) (1-0.20) Answer: For each kg of manure, add 1.0 kg of sawdust to obtain a C:N ratio of 30.

Step 3. Check the mix moisture content (M.C.) using the moisture content formula inAppendix A2.

Given: a = 1.0 kg weight of sawdust from Step 2 b = 1.0 kg weight of manure

Ma = 0.20 (for this example 20% was selected) Mb = 0.46 (46% moisture content of manure)

Determine: M.C. (mix moisture content) (Appendix A3) M.C. = (a x Ma) + (b x Mb) a + b

Example

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Calculation: M.C. = (1 x 0.20) + (1 x 0.46) = 0.33 or 33 %

1 + 1 Answer: This starting moisture content of 33% is too low, since ideal moisture content runs

from 50 to 60%.

Step 4. Adjust moisture content to 55% using the two ingredient formula fromAppendix A2. Given: b = 1 kg of manure/sawdust mix

M = 0.55 (55% desired moisture content) Ma = 1.0 (100% moisture content of water) Mb = 0.33 (33% moisture content of manure/sawdust mix)

Determine: ‘a’ quantity of water required

a = Mb - M M - Ma

Calculation: a = 0.33 - 0.55 = 0.49

0.55 - 1.00 Answer: Add 0.49 kg of water for every 1.0 kg of manure/sawdust mix.

Step 5. Determine how much manure, sawdust and water to mix. Given: Tractor bucket volume = 2.0 m3

Manure bulk density = 470 kg/m3 Sawdust bulk density = 207 kg/m3

Determine: Volume of manure, sawdust, and water Calculation: One bucket of manure weighs 2.0 m3 x 470 kg/m3 = 940 kg

Since an equal weight of manure and sawdust is wanted, add 940 kg of sawdust or

940 kg / 207 kg/m3 = 4.54 m3 of sawdust

This is equal to 4.54 m3 / 2.0 m3 per bucket = 2.27 buckets of sawdust

For each bucket of manure used, there will be a total manure/sawdust mix weighing940 kg + 940 kg = 1840 kg

Similarly, for each bucket of manure used, add: 0.49 kg of water / kg of mix x 1840 kg = 902 kg of water (902 L of water)

Answer: For each bucket of manure, add 2.27 buckets of sawdust and 902 litres of water.

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Step 1. Determine the approximate nitrogen, carbon, moisture, and bulk density fromTable 3 in Chapter 2.

Material Nitrogen C:N Moisture Bulk Density @(dry weight) (dry weight) Content Moisture Content

(%) (%) (kg/m3)

Note: For a range of numbers, take the average if there has been no analysis performed.

Step 2. Using the formula for two ingredients from Table 3, determine the amount ofsawdust (a) needed for each kg of manure, (b) to give a desired C:N ratio (R) of 30. Given: b = _____ kg of broiler breeder manure

Ma = _____ % (moisture content of carbon source) Mb = _____ % (moisture content of manure) Ra = _____ (C:N ratio of sawdust) Rb = _____ (C:N ratio of manure)

%Na = _____ (% nitrogen in sawdust) %Nb = _____ (% nitrogen in manure)

Determine: a (weight of sawdust needed) for the desired C:N ratio of R = 30

a = %Nb x (R-Rb) x (1-Mb) %Na (Ra-R) (1-Ma)

Calculation: a = ______ x ______ x ______ = ______%

Step 3. Check the mix moisture content (M.C.) using the moisture content formula inAppendix A2.

Given: a = _________ kg weight of sawdust from Step 2 b = _________ kg weight of manure Ma = _________ % (moisture content of sawdust) Mb = _________ % (moisture content of manure) Determine: M.C. (mix moisture content)

M.C. = (a x Ma) + (b x Mb) a + b

Calculation: M.C. = ______ + ______ / ______ = ______%

Worksheet

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Step 4. Adjust moisture content to 55% using the two ingredient formula fromAppendix A2.

Given: b = ______ kg of manure/sawdust mix M = _____ % (desired moisture content) Ma =______ % (moisture content of water) Mb = _____ % (moisture content of manure/sawdust mix)

Determine: ‘a’ quantity of water required

a = Mb - M M - Ma Calculation: a = ______ L

Step 5. Determine how much manure, sawdust and water to mix.

Given: Tractor bucket volume = ________ m3 Manure bulk density = ________ kg/m3 Sawdust bulk density = ________ kg/m3

Determine: Volume of manure, sawdust, and water Calculation: One bucket of manure weighs _________ kg

Since an equal weight of manure and sawdust is wanted, add kg ofsawdust or kg / kg/m3 = m3 of sawdust

This is equal to m3 / m3 per bucket = bucketsof sawdust

For each bucket full of manure used, there will be a total manure/sawdust mixweighing kg + kg = kg

Similarly, for each bucket of manure used, add: kg of water / kg of mix x kg = kg water( L of water)

These calculations can be done automatically by using the AAFRDmanure composting calculator. The link for this calculator is:

http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app19/calc/manure/manure.jsp