Compost Science Complete scientific data on compost process control and end product quality

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

CSU Spring, 2004, Vol. 12, No. 2, p. 101

CROP RESPONSE
Evaluating The Effect Of Zinc In Compost On Greenhouse Tomatoes
Investigators: Z. Premuzic, E. Mirabelli, A. Rendina,
J. Brichta, A. Arguissain and A. de Iorio; Agronomy Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Objectives: To study the effects of zinc in compost on the growth of tomatoes under greenhouse conditions. Analysis included different treatment levels, germination tests and substrate extractions.

Effects Of MSW Compost On Tomato Crops Under Mediterranean Conditions
Investigators: G. Convertini, D. Ferri, M. Maiorana and F. Montemurro, Institute of Experimental Agronomy, Bari, Italy
Objectives: To evaluate the potential of MSW compost compared with conventional N fertilization on plants managed at different agronomic levels in Mediterranean conditions. To accomplish that objective, researchers determined crop yields, quality performance, nitrogen uptake., nitrogen efficiency and mineral nitrogen deficit in the soil.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Reducing Levels Of Heavy Metals Concentration In Compost
Investigator: Daryl McCartney, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Objectives: To better determine standards for metals in composts based on sampling and analytical protocols as well as assess how presorting techniques will reduce metal content of finished compost. Changes to the biological availability of the metals through the composting process will also be determined. The project - which will be conducted from spring 2004 through 2005 - will be done at the Clover Bar Research Facility of the Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence. Specific goals include evaluating how “high a quality of compost can be obtained,” specifically in terms of lowest levels of such metals as mercury, cadmium and copper. The Centre of Excellence is a partnership of the city of Edmonton, University of Alberta, Alberta Research Council, Olds College and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Emission Control Of Odorous Compounds During Composting
Investigator: K.C. Das, Faculty of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Objectives: To develop improved means of controlling release of odorous compounds during composting. Researchers are examining organic sulfur compounds and volatile hydrocarbons - evaluating the rates of emission as a function of process parameters such as temperature, particle size, oxygen concentration, feedstock types, etc. A, second objective is evaluating amendments that would reduce noxious emissions without affecting biological activity. Researchers have evaluated various ash by-products for this purpose and are reviewing chemical catalytic amendments. A continuous composter has been built to study steady state conditions so measurements can be more accurately made.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Analyzing The Horticulture Industry As A Potential Value-Added Market For Compost
Investigators: P. Walker, D. Williams and T.M. Waliczek; Illinois State University of Illinois and Texas State University
Objectives: To create baseline marketing data for utilization of compost by state agencies, producers and marketers using Illinois as a model. The horticultural market was targeted because of the traditional use of compost as a growing media, fertilizer substitute and plant disease suppressor. Specific goals included creating an estimate of current and future compost usage, identifying requirements for compost by various market segments, and identifying compost marketing barriers.

Biodynamic Composting Of Wine Grape Pomace
Investigators: J.R. Reeve, L. Carpenter-Boggs, J.P. Reganold, A. York and W.F. Brinton; Washington State University, Holistic Estate Management and Woods End Research Laboratory
Objectives: To test the effect of biodynamic compost preparations on the quality of compost produced in the context of a commercial California vineyard. The study compared grape pomace and manure compost treated with such preparations with untreated compost. Researchers evaluated nitrogen concentrations, respiration ratios, phosphatase activity and aerobic microbial activity.

Presence Of Man-Made Foreign Matter In Multiple Size Fractions From Mixed Waste Composting
Investigators: W.F. Brinton and E. Evans, Woods End Research Laboratory, Mt. Vernon, Maine
Objectives: To analyze data on composition and screening quality of compost products resulting from either MSW or semisource separated collection of community food residuals and yard trimmings.

SOIL IMPROVEMENT
Effects Of A Food Waste-Based Compost On Soil Properties And Plant Growth
Investigators: N.E. Means, C.J. Starbuck R.J. Kremer and L.W. Jett; Department of Horticulture; Department of Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Missouri; USDA Agricultural Research Service
Objectives: To evaluate effects of a food waste composted soil conditioner - fermented with and without a microbial inoculant - on soil nutrient levels, soil microbial activity and plant growth and yield of field-grown melons.