Studies_on_a_eco-biocomposter.docx

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ABSTRACT In the current scenario, the demand of food is not meets with the supply due to lack of available fertile land. There is depletion in fertility due to over cultivation which leads to poor yield. It is not uncommon that commercial compost derived from organic wastes is being used for organic farming due to the insufficient organic materials generated onsite for composting. There are different types of composting based on the conditions, organisms used and methods implemented. It can also be done according to the purpose on use. Method of composting varies according to the units and layouts. The methods also differ according to organism used eg. Bacteria, fungi etc. composting techniques involves various environmental factors like air, moisture, volume, mixing methods, nutrient status etc. The document shows statically data of this factor. Temperature is one of factor in it. The various phase of temperature may change or affect the process and working. The document states various uses of implementing composting process. These involves easy and natural way of environmental soil enhancements, management of study etc. these include loss of NH3 from soil; time consumed is more, cost required for machinery and cost of marketing and manpower. The case study is of Ecobiopack green. It works in simple steps like shredding, seggregation and composting. Bioculture w→c is the most important factor in this process as it converts the garbage into the biocompost. The end product is pollution free, completely natural and harmless which is useful. KEY WORD: Municipal Solid Waste, compost, Thermophilic.

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Chapter-I INTRODUCTION 1.1 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE Municipal solid waste management in any metropolitan city is an enormous task. This sheer magnitude of the problems is adequate to create very serious health hazard. Jeopardizing is the very existence of fumes. The tradition method of Municipal solid waste disposal has been by the “Conservancy system”. Which mean that the solid waste collected from individual houses are transported via trucks to landfill site and is left for self-decomposition. The transportation is highly infectious and obnoxious. Solid waste arteries of cities are not only in eye sore but also a huge health hazard on wheels. Induced impact of garbage transportation on fuel consumption, sound and air pollution are well known. ALSO, Landfill sites are potential health hazard of with a very high risk factor. Leacheates from landfills are known to contaminant the ground water over large distances which have different ill effects on a broader scale. Mumbai presently generates on an average 6000 plus tons of waste every day and the most of this waste ultimately lands at the four dumping yards existing in Mumbai. On one hand the city’s environment is deteriorating on the other it I incurring a heavy economic burden on the citizens without providing them panacea. The city’s solid waste is managed by the municipality through its solid waste management department which incurs an annual expenditure to the tune of Rs. 220 Cores for collecting, transporting and dumping the solid waste. Municipal domestic solid waste if segregated, treated and disposed off properly can be converted into useful material i.e. compost. This can also reduce load to dispose off the waste. If the domestic waste is segregated into dry and wet waste then wet (biodegradable waste) which is of high organic contents could be bio-degraded to give manure which is rich in nutrients which are required for the plant growth. This process is called ‘composting.’ The bio-degradation is done in either anaerobic or aerobic condition. There are many types of composting depending on the space availability and type of methods used all the processes are discussed further.

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1.2 Indian Population distribution India’s Population As per 2011 2466 Million Census(Cities / Towns) Urban Population 788 Million Urban Areas

7161

Table 1: Population distribution.

Magnitude of problem  Per capita waste generation increasing by 1.3% per annum  With urban population increasing between 3 – 3.5% per annum  5% increase in waste generation annually  India produces 42.0 million tons of MSW annually at present.  Per capita generation of waste varies from 200 gm. to 600 gm. /capita / day. Average generation rate at 0.4 kg per capita per day in 0.1 million plus towns.  Collection efficiency ranges between 50 to 90% of the SW generated.

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Chapter-II Literature review Sr. no. 1.

2.

3.

Name Of paper

Author

Landfilling is one of the most widely used municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal methods worldwide. Thermal, mechanical and biological pretreatment techniques are used, often in combination, prior to landfilling. Two ways a landfill can be managed in the future are: a final storage quality depository, in which environmental emissions are kept to a minimum; or a controlled bioreactor, in which enhanced methane production rates and methane utilization are the goals. FatihBüyüksönmez, This paper reviews the findings of Occurrence, Robert Rynk, research reported in the currently Degradation Thomas F. Hess & available literature regarding the and Fate of Edward Bechinski occurrence and transformations of Pesticides pesticides through the composting during process and the use of compost. Composting: Part I summarizes the composting Part II: process, pesticides and Occurrence and mechanisms of pesticide Fate of degradation. Part II reviews Pesticides in research studies concerning the Compost and occurrence and fate of pesticides Composting during composting. Investigations Systems of pesticide residues in composting feedstock and finished compost detected few of the target pesticides. X.F. Lou, J. Nair. The review suggests greenhouse The impact of gas emissions from waste landfilling and decomposition are considerably composting on The effect of municipal solid waste pretreatment on landfill behavior

Komilis, D. P., R. K. Ham.

Abstract

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greenhouse gas emissions

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Determination of Compost Biomaturity

S. P. Mathur, G. Owen, H. Dinel& M. Schnitzer

higher for landfills than composting. However, mixed results were found for greenhouse gas emissions for landfill and composting operational activities. Nonetheless, in general, net greenhouse gas emissions for landfills tend to be higher than that for composting facilities. This article reviews more than twenty five tests that have been proposed for testing the biomaturity of composts. Concluding that none is adequate by itself, the authors propose an experimental approach for evolving a single, facile and reliable test based on the science of composting. Subsequent parts of this series report on the results of the proposed experimentation.

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Chapter-III 3.1 WHY THIS STUDY? The development of small compact composter to convert garbage into usable compost is need of ours. Such miniature composters, in the long minimize the garbage over transportation over long disturbance. Though the technical development of product is achievable community, education on such use of gadget is the vital link. If not provide can create the proverbial gap between the cup and lip. Following are the advantages of composting:  It conserves raw materials – making new products out of recycled materials reduces the need to consume precious resources. So recycling helps protect raw materials and protect natural habitats for the future.  It saves energy – using recycled materials in the manufacturing process uses considerably less energy than that required for producing new products from raw materials.  It helps protect the environment – recycling reduces the need for extracting (mining, quarrying and logging), refining and processing raw materials all of which create substantial air and water pollution. As recycling saves energy, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to tackle climate change.  It reduces landfill – There are over 1,500 landfill sites in the INDIA and, in 2001, these sites produced a quarter of the INDIA’s emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is released as the biodegradable waste (such as food and paper) decomposes. Existing landfill sites are filling up fast and there is very limited space for new ones.  It saves you money – A massive reduction in the amount of waste we send to landfill is required if we are to avoid the heavy fines and the landfill taxes that are being imposed by Central Government on councils that exceed their landfill allowances. Increases in your Council Tax or service cuts in other areas would be the only way of paying these penalties.

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Today, the use of composting to turn organic wastes into a valuable resource is expanding rapidly in many countries, as landfill space becomes scarce and expensive, and as people become more aware of the impact they have on the environment. Thus is beneficial to focus on the regeneration of resources from waste.

3.2Aims and Objectives AIM: To study and analyse the compost formed via Ecobiocompack. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study is:  To conduct an economic evaluation of compost that considers both private and social welfare  To study costs benefits of existing options for managing the biodegradable fraction of municipal solid waste.  Collection and Recycling of the biodegradable fraction of municipal solid waste.

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Chapter-IV SOLID WASTE – CLASSIFICATION AND ITS COMPONANTS: Solid waste comprises waste coming from many different sources. The solid waste comprises basically of three components:1. Biodegradable organic waste (wet waste) 2. Recyclable waste (dry waste) 3. Building material waste or the debris component (inert waste) 4.1 Solid waste As defined by the world health organization (WHO), the term ‘solid waste’ is applied to unwanted and discarded material from houses, street, sweeping and commercial and agricultural operation arising out of mass activities of the society. Solid waste is a mixture of garbage and rubbish. Garbage consists of perishable waste meaning waste arising from home, hotels, hostels, etc. Rubbish consists of non-perishable solid waste. Combustible waste consists of things like paper, cardboard, and packaging material, wood, cloth, rags, rubber etc. Non-combustible waste includes items like metals, cans, glass bottles, etc. It also consists of fabric, dust, ash, inert dust, grit, sand, stones. Solid waste also includes trees cuttings and garden refuse. 4.2Categories of solid waste Human beings and animals generate solid wastes in various forms and from diverse activities. Details of various categories of solid wastes generally unwanted by society are discussed below: a. Municipal solid waste (MSW) MSW comprises of domestic wastes, institutional wastes, commercial wastes, garbage, rubbish, ashes, construction and demolition wastes, sanitation waste and street sweeping wastes.

b. Domestic wastes These wastes are generated by household activities such as cooking, cleaning, repairs, redecoration, empty containers, packaging, clothing, old books, newspapers, old furnishings, etc.

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c. Commercial wastes Solid wastes generated in offices, wholesale stores, restaurants, hotels, markets, warehouses and commercial establishments. These are further classified into garbage and rubbish. d. Institutional wastes Wastes generated from institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals, research institutions. The waste includes garbage, rubbish, and hazardous wastes. e. Garbage It includes animal and vegetable wastes due to various activities like storage, preparation and sale, cooking and serving. These are biodegradable. f. Ashes Residues from the burning of wood, charcoal and coke for cooking and heating in houses, institutions and small industries. Ashes consist of a fine powdery residue, cinders, and clinker often mixed with small pieces of metal and glass. g. Rubbish Apart from garbage and ashes, other solid wastes produced in households, commercials establishments, and institutions are termed as rubbish. h. Bulky wastes Bulky wastes are large household appliances such as cookers, refrigerators and washing machines as well as furniture, crates, vehicle parts, tires, wood, trees and branches. The bulky metallic wastes are sold as scrap metal but some portion is disposed as sanitary landfills. i. Street wastes Street wastes include paper, cardboard, plastics, dirt, dust, leaves, and other vegetable matter collected from streets, walkways, alleys, parks and vacant plots. j. Dead animals It includes animals that die naturally or accidentally killed. It does not include carcass and animal parts from slaughter houses as these are considered as industrial wastes. k. Construction and demolition wastes Major components of the construction materials are cement, bricks, and cement plaster, steel, rubble, and stone, and timber, plastic and iron pipes.

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About 50% of the wastes are not currently recycled in India and the construction industry in India is not aware of recycling techniques.

4.3Components of solid waste Solid waste contains on and an average 30 to 50% organics, about 4-6% recyclables and certain constituents having high calorific value. Following are the major polluting matters in the Municipal Solid Waste:

a. Thin polythene bags Thin polythene colored bags in Municipal waste can cause hazard to environment, animals as well as municipal drainage system. These bags contain toxic metals and are non-biodegradable. If these polythene bags are mixed with MSW, they are difficult to separate from other waste. If they are dumped on land with MSW, they don’t get degraded by microorganisms and remain in the soil for years together avoiding rainwater seepage in ground. These bags also have reported to be a cause for death of animals fed on garbage dumps. Thickness of the polythene bags is to be controlled and they should not be disposed off in the Municipal Solid Waste. If segregated at source they can be recycled.

b. Organic biodegradable matter Waste food or easily biodegradable matter when disposed off in MSW, it starts decomposing immediately. Decomposition of food waste takes place due to microorganisms and gives rise to obnoxious odour too. These microorganisms are harmful to human health and are responsible for many diseases. Segregation and disposal of food waste at source is to be encouraged strongly to overcome this problem.

c. Paper, Glass, Plastic and metals Paper, glass and metals if are mixed with other MSW they create problems in disposal of MSW. These are to be separated from MSW at source and are to be recycled and reused.

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d. Construction and waste demolition Constructions and demolition projects generate waste ice silt, sand, cement, bricks, iron pipes, cement plaster, steel, rubble, stone, timber, plastic, etc. Such waste contributes to volume and also is very difficult to segregate from MSW. It is non-biodegradable so disposal along with biodegradable waste is difficult task. The construction and demolition waste should be disposed off separately and recycling / reuse of the waste should be encouraged.

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Chapter-V COMPOSTER 5.1 Composting Composting, often described as nature’s way of recycling. It is A biological process of breaking up of organic waste such as food waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, worms, and coffee grounds, etc., into an extremely useful humus-like substance by various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in the presence of oxygen.

Fig. 1 composting materials

5.1.1. Natural Cycle Decomposition naturally happens almost everywhere even without exerting too much effort because nature has been generating compost as an element to the Earth’s life and death cycle, but without the perfect mixture, and ingredients, the process slows down and may eventually result to unpleasant compost. All organic matter will decompose, given enough time to devolve and perish. Nevertheless, not all products come out perfect for planting.

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There are important factors to consider such as temperature, the biological process, and the mechanical process. Low temperature interrupts the composting progress, as it cannot reach the temperature hot enough to kill pathogens. It eventually disallows the booming of decomposers and microbes. However, bacteria performs exothermic actions as they help in the process of decomposition, so it helps the temperature to become higher than that of the environment where decomposition takes place, but a cold weather still slows down the progress. A hot temperature stimulates the microbes to flourish even faster.

5.1.2. The Human Factor The help of humans is necessary for the mechanical process to take place. Non-biodegradable should be separated from the biodegradable matters. Biodegradable matter that has a lot of pathogens living in it should be in a hotter environment when the decomposition takes place. These pathogens usually live in manure of a living organism that is not a vegetarian. Scraps of animal meat and dairy products have a lot of pathogens living in it too. The biological process is the very important part of the decomposition procedure. As nature conceives decomposition, it will shorten the process if the combination is right. Water, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen all together is a perfect mixture to combine with organic matter to materialize the process of decomposition. This procedure will result to productions of compost which will eventually help the soil become healthy for planting.

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5.2 Types of Composting (According To Its Nature) 

Aerobic composting

This means to compost with air. High nitrogen waste (like grass clippings or other green material) will grow bacteria that will create high temperatures (up to 160 degrees). Organic waste will break down quickly and is not prone to smell. This type of composting is high maintenance, since it will need to be turned every couple days to keep air in the system and your temperatures up. It is also likely to require accurate moisture monitoring. This type of compost is good for large volumes of compost. 

Anaerobic composting: -

This is composting without air. Anaerobic composting is low maintenance since you simply throw it in a pile and wait a couple years. If you just stack your debris in a pile it will generally compact to the point where there is no available air for beneficial organisms to live. Instead you will get a very slow working bacteria growing that does not require air. Your compost may take years to break down (this is what happens when you throw your food waste in the garbage that goes to the landfill). Anaerobic composts create the awful smell most people associate with composting. The bacteria break down the organic materials into harmful compounds like ammonia and methane. 

Vermicomposting: -

This is most beneficial for composting food waste. Along with red worms, this includes composting with bacteria, fungi, insects, and other bugs. Some of these guests break down the organic materials for the others to eat. Red worms eat the bacteria, fungi, and the food waste, and then deposit their castings. Oxygen and moisture are required to keep this compost healthy. This is medium maintenance compost since you need to feed your red worms and monitor the conditions.

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5.3 Types of Composting (According To Its Use) 

Industrial systems: -

Industrial composting systems are increasingly being installed as a waste management alternative to landfills, along with other advanced waste processing systems. Mechanical sorting of mixed waste streams combined with anaerobic digestion or in-vessel composting, is called mechanical biological treatment. Treating biodegradable waste before it enters a landfill reduces global warming from fugitive methane; untreated waste breaks down anaerobically in a landfill, producing landfill gas that contains methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 

Agriculture: -

In agriculture, windrow composting is used. It is the production of compost by piling organic matter or biodegradable waste, such as animal manure and crop residues, in long rows (windrows). This method is suited to producing large volumes of compost. These rows are generally turned to improve porosity and oxygen content, mix in or remove moisture, and redistribute cooler and hotter portions of the pile. Windrow composting is a commonly used farm scale composting method. 

Home: -

Home composting is the simplest way to compost. At home, composting is generally done by using composting bins or in the form of pile composting. Other methods include trench composting and sheet composting. It is a small scale process and requires less outlay of capital and labor. 5.4 Composting Materials (Tools) The basic ingredients in composting are any biodegradable materials, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Hydrogen & micro-organics. These are all free compounds which we can get from nature. Decomposition may proceed slowly at the first because of smaller microbial populations, but as the populations grows in the first few hours or days, they rapidly consume the organic materials present in the feedstock. If all conditions are ideal for a given microbial population to perform at its maximum

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potential, composting will occur rapidly. Therefore, the composting process needs to cater to physico-chemical and biological conditions for the microorganisms to survive, grow and multiply which rapidly stabilize the organic matter called compost. This is made up largely of microbial cells, microbial skeletons and byproducts of microbial decomposition. However, there are some microbes which are potential pathogens to animals, plants or humans. Most of this destruction takes place by continuing the composting operations under controlled physical process, i.e. temperature, as given below in critical parameters in composting. 5.5 Composting Materials (Nitrogen and Carbon and Hydrogen) Nitrogen helps the balancing of acid and helps boost the microbes’ activity in compost. Urine, coffee grounds, and green materials such as clippings from grass and leaves are high in Nitrogen. Carbon is the main ingredient that produces heat that the microbes’ activity also produces. Protein helps the multiplication of microorganisms that oxidizes the carbon. Sources of high carbon are brown in color. Examples of these are twigs, wood chips, and dried leaves. Hydrogen or water is also necessary in composting. The compost should maintain a certain dryness as well as moistness. The compost should not be overwatered but the ideal moistness should the consistency a wrungout sponge that has a moisture content of 50 percent. Oxygen is necessary because the microorganism in compost needs it to continue living. Another purpose of oxygen is to eliminate unpleasant odor. Bad odor exists because of poor air circulation. This is also the reason why overwatering the compost is a disadvantage. It blocks air passage and the beneficial organisms perish.

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Chapter-VI Methods used for composting 6.1 Introduction of composting methods The secret to successful composting is to select an approach and technique that suits your needs and lifestyle. Your choice will depend on a number of factors such as how much space is available, what materials you have, how you plan to use the compost, how much time you want to spend, and how neat you want your compost pile to look. For example, 1) if you only need a little compost, want to expend minimal effort, and have a small area to do it, best choice will be a commercially available bin. 2) If you have plenty of space and want large quantities of compost quickly, deluxe three bin unites suitable. 3) If you want to compost vegetative food waste separately, directly incorporate them into the soil.

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6.1.1 Types of composting methods: A] Holding Units Holding units are bins used to hold yard and kitchen materials until composting is complete. They need relatively little maintenance, and some models can be used by apartment dwellers for composting on balconies. Non-woody materials can be added to a holding unit as they are generated. (Many of the commercial one bin systems sold in stores and mail-order catalogs are holding units.) Using a holding unit is one of the easiest ways to compost but is generally slower. This type of enclosure makes it difficult to turn the heap as a way of increasing oxygen. No turning is required, but the lack of aeration causes the composting process to take from six months to two years. The process can be hastened by using portable bins. Some lightweight units are designed to be taken apart and easily moved. These units can be removed from an existing heap and transferred to an adjacent location. The heap is then turned back over into the unit, mixing and aerating materials. Portable units can be purchased (usually plastic) or constructed from circles of wire fencing or hardware cloth, snow fencing, or wire framed in wood.

Other folks attempt to improve aeration in holding units by adding one or more ventilating stacks or by poking holes into the pile. Ventilating stacks need to be placed into the center of the bin prior to making a pile. Stacks can be made out of perforated pipe, a cylinder of wire mesh or even a bunch of twigs loosely tied together. PVC pipes should be at least one inch in diameter with holes drilled randomly along the length. They can be inserted vertically or horizontally. Another alternative to improve aeration is to place the holding unit on a wood pallet or plastic aeration mat (available from composting equipment dealers).

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In holding units, stages of decomposition will vary from the top to the bottom of the heap since yard trimmings and other organics are added continuously. Typically, the more finished compost will be found near the bottom of a pile. Finished compost at the bottom can be removed and used. How easily one gets to the finished compost depends on the type of bin used. Some holding units are designed with a removable front or small doors at the bottom of the bin. With portable bins, finished and unfinished compost can be separated using a similar method to the one described previously. The portable bin should be removed and set nearby. Less decomposed materials from the top of the pile can be put into the empty unit until finished compost is uncovered. More effort is required for heavy or permanent holding units without removable doors. Unfinished compost must be removed and placed in an adjoining unit or temporary storage container. If you have room, it is helpful to have two or three stationary units. One bin can be used for fresh organics, another for maturing materials, and possibly, a third for finished compost. In addition to the portable bins mentioned earlier, there are numerous other types of commercial and home-built units. Stores and mail order catalogs typically sell units made from plastic and occasionally wood. Homebuilt units can be constructed from pallets, lumber, hardware cloth, tires, and metal barrels, among other materials. Some people like the appearance of permanent structures which can be made from landscape timbers, concrete blocks, rocks, or bricks. If you plan to build a wood composting unit, avoid using this lumber treated with copper arsenate (CCA), creosote, and penta. (You should also avoid using the lumber around vegetable gardens.) Toxic compounds from the wood preservatives could leach into your compost. The compounds are harmful to humans and pets. They have been shown to

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cause cancer and skin and eye irritations. Use wood that is naturally resistant to decay such as cedar or untreated pine. Structures built from pine will probably have to be replaced within a few years. By then, you may be ready for a multiple bin unit or a new design. B] Turning Units Turning units are systems designed to be turned or aerated. These units work faster than holding units, because aerobic bacteria are provided with the oxygen they need to break down materials. There are two general forms of turning units: either a series of bins, or a rotating barrel or rolling ball. When organic materials are turned and mixed on a regular basis (every five to ten days), compost can be made in two months or less (assuming a good carbon/nitrogen mix and proper moisture content). Frequent turning offers important advantages in addition to faster composting. Higher temperatures produced as a result of turning (90° 140° F) will kill major disease organisms and fly larvae, help kill weed seeds, and provide a good environment for the most effective decomposer organisms. Turning systems typically cost more than holding units and/or require greater effort to build. Turning composting materials in multiple bins and rolling balls may be difficult for people with back problems or limited physical strength. In contrast, some barrel units are designed for ease of turning and maintenance. These systems may actually be easier to use than holding units for older or physically challenged composters. Barrel units tend to have smaller capacities than most other bins, which make them better suited for people with small amounts of yard trimmings and food scraps. Materials need to be carefully prepared and added to turning units in stockpiled batches. Materials should be saved until there is enough to fill one bin of a multiple unit, or to fill a barrel unit to the prescribed level. Food wastes can be accumulated in a pest-proof container such as a plastic, five gallon bucket. If necessary, sawdust can be added to the top of each day's scraps to reduce odor.

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FIG. 2 TURNING UNITS

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C] Heaps Heap composting is similar to composting with holding and turning units except that it does not require a structure. Recommended dimensions for a heap are 5 feet wide by 3 feet high. Length can vary depending on the amount of materials used. Heaps take more space due to gravity. The wider width will help the pile retain heat better. Materials can be added as they are generated or they can be stored until enough are available to make a good sized heap. During fall months, making a good sized heap will help the composting process work longer into the winter season. Ideally, two heaps are better than one. When the first heap is large enough, it should be allowed to compost undisturbed. A second heap can be started with new materials. Turning a heap is optional. The composting process will obviously take longer if the pile is not turned. Food scraps should not be thrown on an unturned pile because pests are likely to be attracted. Woody materials may also pose a problem. If woody materials are not cut up into small pieces, the pile may tend to become more of a brush pile than a composting pile. A woody pile decomposes extremely slowly, usually over a period of several years, and can become huge quickly. D] Sheet Composting Sheet composting is a way to obtain the benefits of decayed organic material without building a composting pile. Sheet composting involves spreading a thin layer of organic materials, such as leaves, over a garden area. The materials are then tilled in with a hoe, spade, garden fork, or rotary tiller. Leaves, garden debris, weeds, grass clippings, and vegetative food scraps are examples of materials that can be easily tilled into the soil. To aid decomposition, materials should be shredded or chopped prior to layering. The danger of sheet composting as a compost-making method is that carbon containing residues will call upon the nitrogen reserves of the soil

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for their decomposition. On the other hand, high-nitrogen materials may release their nitrogen too quickly in the wrong form. What may take a matter of weeks in a compost pile, given confined and thermophilic conditions, may take a full season in the soil. To ensure adequate decomposition of organic materials before planting, it is best to do sheet composting in the fall. Spread a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic materials on the soil surface and till in. A rotary tiller will do the most thorough job of working materials into a vegetable garden. In a flower bed containing perennials and bulbs, it may be necessary to carefully work the organic material in with a garden fork or hoe. E] Pit or Trench Composting This is the simplest way for composting kitchen scraps. Dig a one-footdeep hole. Chop and mix the food wastes into the soil then cover with at least 8 inches of additional soil. Depending on soil temperature, the supply of microorganisms in the soil and the content of the materials, decomposition will occur in one month to one year. Food waste burial can be done randomly in unused areas of the garden or in an organized system. One system is to bury scraps in holes dug around the drip line of trees or shrubs. An English system, known as pit or trench composting, maintains three season rotation or soil incorporation and growing. Sometimes this is also called vertical composting. Divide garden space into 3’ wide rows.

Year 1 – Dig a 1’ foot wide trench on the left hand 1/3 of the 3’ area (A). Add compostable materials in this trench and cover with soil when half an inch full. Leave the center 1’ section open for a path (B), and plant your crop in the remaining 1’ strip along the right side (C).

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Year 2 – Section A is a path for year 2 allowing time for the Materials to break down. Plant your crop in section B. Section C, where you planted last year, becomes the compost trench.

Year 3 – Section A is now ready for planting. Section B is your trench for composting. Section C is in the second year of composting is it will be the path.

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6.2 Microorganism involved in composting In the process of composting, microorganisms break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide, water, heat, and humus, the relatively stable organic end product. Under optimal conditions, composting proceeds through three phases: 1) the mesophilic, or moderate-temperature phase, which lasts for a couple of days, 2) the thermophilic, or high-temperature phase, which can last from a few days to several months, and finally, 3) a several-month cooling and maturation phase.

Different communities of microorganism’sworkspredominate during the various composting phases. Initial decomposition is carried out by mesophilic microorganisms,as the temperature rises above about 40°C, the mesophilic microorganisms become less competitive and are replaced by others that are thermophilic, or heat-loving. Larger organisms are involved in physically transforming organic material into compost. They are active during the later stages of composting – digging, chewing, sucking, digesting and mixing compostable materials. In addition to mixing materials, they break it into smaller pieces, and transform it into more digestible forms for microorganisms. Their excrement is also digested by bacteria, causing more nutrients to be released.

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The lists of micro-organisms are as follows: Bacteria Bacteria are the smallest living organisms and the most numerous in compost; they make up 80 to 90% of the billions of microorganisms typically found in a gram of compost. Bacteria are responsible for most of the decomposition and heat generation in compost. They are the most nutritionally diverse group of compost organisms, using a broad range of enzymes to chemically break down a variety of organic materials. Bacteria are single-celled and structured as either rodshaped bacilli, sphere-shaped cocci or spiral-shaped spirilla. Many are motile, meaning that they have the ability to move under their own power. At the beginning of the composting process (0-40°C), mesophilic bacteria predominate. Most of these are forms that can also be found in topsoil. As the compost heats up above 40°C, thermophilic bacteria take over. The microbial populations during this phase are dominated by members of the genus Bacillus. The diversity of bacilli species is fairly high at temperatures from 50-55°C but decreases dramatically at 60°C or above. When conditions become unfavorable, bacilli survive by forming endospores, thick-walled spores that are highly resistant to heat, cold, dryness, or lack of food. They are ubiquitous in nature and become active whenever environmental conditions are favorable. At the highest compost temperatures, bacteria of the genus Thermus have been isolated. Composters sometimes wonder how microorganisms evolved in nature that can withstand the high temperatures found in active compost. Thermus bacteria were first found in hot springs in Yellowstone National Park and may have evolved there. Other places where thermophilic conditions exist in nature include deep sea thermal vents, manure droppings, and accumulations of decomposing vegetation that have the right conditions to heat up just as they would in a compost pile.

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Once the compost cools down, mesophilic bacteria again predominate. The numbers and types of mesophilic microbes that recolonize compost as it matures depend on what spores and organisms are present in the compost as well as in the immediate environment. In general, the longer the curing or maturation phase, the more diverse the microbial community it supports. Actinomycetes The characteristic earthy smell of soil is caused by actinomycetes, organisms that resemble fungi but actually are filamentous bacteria. Like other bacteria, they lack nuclei, but they grow multicellular filaments like fungi. In composting they play an important role in degrading complex organics such as cellulose, lignin, chitin, and proteins. Their enzymes enable them to chemically break down tough debris such as woody stems, bark, or newspaper. Some species appear during the thermophilic phase, and others become important during the cooler curing phase, when only the most resistant compounds remain in the last stages of the formation of humus. Actinomycetes form long, thread-like branched filaments that look like gray spider webs stretching through compost. These filaments are most commonly seen toward the end of the composting process, in the outer 10 to 15 centimeters of the pile. Sometimes they appear as circular colonies that gradually expand in diameter.

Fungi Fungi include molds and yeasts, and collectively they are responsible for the decomposition of many complex plant polymers in soil and compost. In compost, fungi are important because they break down tough debris, enabling bacteria to continue the decomposition process once most of the cellulose has been exhausted. They spread and grow vigorously by

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producing many cells and filaments, and they can attack organic residues that are too dry, acidic, or low in nitrogen for bacterial decomposition. Most fungi are classified as saprophytes because they live on dead or dying material and obtain energy by breaking down organic matter in dead plants and animals. Fungal species are numerous during both mesophilic and thermophilic phases of composting. Most fungi live in the outer layer of compost when temperatures are high. Compost molds are strict aerobes that grow both as unseen filaments and as gray or white fuzzy colonies on the compost surface.

Protozoa Protozoa are onecelled microscopic animals. They are found in water droplets in compost but play a relatively minor role in decomposition. Protozoa obtain their food from organic matter in the same way as bacteria do but also act as secondary consumers ingesting bacteria and fungi.

Rotifers Rotifers are microscopic multicellular organisms also found in films of water in the compost. They feed on organic matter and also ingest bacteria and fungi.

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6.3 Ecology of Compost: “Mites and springtails eat fungi. Tiny feather-winged beetles feed on fungal spores. Nematodes ingest bacteria. Protozoa and rotifers present in water films feed on bacteria and plant particles. Predaceous mites and pseudoscorpions prey upon nematodes, fly larvae, other mites and collembolans. Free-living flatworms ingest gastropods, earthworms, nematodes and rotifers. Third-level consumers such as centipedes, rove beetles, ground beetles, and ants prey on second-level consumers.” The following is an overview of some of the larger microorganisms you are likely to find in a compost pile. Ants - Ants feed on a variety of materials including fungi, seeds, sweets and other insects. They help the composting process by bringing fungi and other organisms into their nests. Ants can make compost richer in phosphorus and potassium by moving minerals around as they work

Millipedes – Millipedes have wormlike segmented bodies, with each segment having two pairs of walking legs (except the front few segments). Millipedes help break down plant material by eating soft decaying vegetation. They will roll up in a ball when in danger. Centipedes – Centipedes are flat, segmented worms with one pair of legs in each segment. They are thirdlevel consumers that feed on soil invertebrates, especially insects and spiders.

Sow bugs – Sow bugs have a flat and oval body with distinct segments and ten pairs of legs. They are firstlevel consumers that feed on rotting woody materials and other decaying vegetation. Pill bugs look similar to sow bugs, but roll up in a ball when disturbed.

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Springtails – Springtails are small insects distinguished by their ability to jump when disturbed. They rarely exceed one-quarter inch in length and vary in color from white to blue to black. Springtails are principally fungi feeders, although they also eat molds and chew on decomposing plants. Flies – Flies are two-wing insects that feed on almost any kind of organic material. They also act as airborne carriers of bacteria, depositing it wherever they land. Although flies are not often a problem associated with compost piles, you can control their numbers by keeping a layer of dry leaves or grass clippings on top of the pile. Also, bury food scraps at least eight to twelve inches deep into the pile. Thermophilic temperatures kill fly larvae. Mites help to keep fly larvae reduced in numbers. Beetles - Beetles are insects with two pairs of wings. Types commonly found in compost piles include the rove beetle, ground beetle, and feather-winged beetle. The feather-winged beetle feeds on fungal spores. Immature grubs feed on decaying vegetables. Adult rove and ground beetles prey on snails, slugs, and other small animals. Snails and slugs - Snails and slugs are mollusks that travel in a creeping movement. Snails have a spiral shell with a distinct head and retractable foot. Slugs do not have a shell and are somewhat bullet shaped with antennae on their front section. They feed primarily on living plant material, but they will also attack plant debris. Look for them in finished compost before using it, as they could do damage to your garden if they move in. Spiders - Spiders are eight-legged creatures and third-level consumers that feed on insects and small invertebrates. They can be very helpful for controlling garden pests.

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Earthworms - Earthworms are the most important of the large physical decomposers in a compost pile. Earthworms ingest organic matter and digest it with the help of tiny stones in their gizzards. Their intestinal juices are rich in hormones, enzymes, and other fermenting substances that continue the breakdown process. The worms leave dark, fertile castings behind. A worm can produce its weight in castings each day. These castings are rich in plant nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that might otherwise be unavailable to plants. Earthworms thrive on compost and contribute greatly to its quality. The presence of earthworms in either compost or soil is evidence of good microbial activity.

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Chapter-VII 7.1 Fundamentals of composting Aerobic microorganisms extract energy from the organic matter through a series of exothermic reactions that break the material down to simpler materials. The basic aerobic decay equation holds-

(Complex-organics) + O2 -------- CO2 + H2O + NO3- + (SO4)2- + (other less complex organics) + heat.

Similarly, anaerobic microorganisms extract energy from the organic matter – the equation holds-

(Complex-substrate) ------- CH4 + CO2 + NH3 + H2S + another endproduct. + Energy.

7.2Critical design parameters in composting Critical design parameters which affect the composting processes are moisture and oxygen, particle size, mixing/turning, carbon to nitrogen ratio, nutrient status, temperature, pH, heat evolution, control of pathogens, degree of decomposition, time, etc.

1) Air Factor Proper aeration is a key environmental factor. Many microorganisms, including aerobic bacteria, need oxygen. They need oxygen to produce energy, grow quickly, and consume more materials. Aeration involves the replacement of oxygen deficient air in a compost pile with fresh air containing oxygen. Natural aeration occurs when air warmed by the composting process rises through the pile, bringing in fresh air from the surroundings. Aeration can also be affected by wind, moisture content, and porosity (spaces between particles in the compost pile). Composting reduces the pile’s porosity and decreases air circulation. Porosity can be

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negatively affected if large quantities of finely sized materials such as pine needles, grass clippings, or sawdust are used. In addition, air circulation can be impeded if materials become water saturated. Air movement in the pile can be improved with a few simple techniques. The easiest way to aerate a pile is to regularly turn it with a pitchfork or shovel. Turning will fluff up the pile and increase its porosity. Another option is to add coarse materials such as leaves, straw, or corn stalks. Other options include using a compost aeration tool (available from garden supply companies) or a ventilator stack. Stacks can be made out of perforated plastic pipes, chicken wire wrapped in a circle, or bundles of twigs. Ventilator stacks may be useful for large piles and should stick out the top or sides. 2) Moisture Factor Decomposer organisms need water to live. Microbial activity occurs most rapidly in thin water films on the surface of organic materials. Microorganisms can only utilize organic molecules that are dissolved in water. The optimum moisture content for a compost pile should range from 40 to 60 percent. If there is less than 40 percent moisture, bacteria slow down and may become dormant. If there is more than 60 percent, water will force air out of pile pore spaces, suffocating the aerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria will take over, resulting in unpleasant odors. The ideal percentage of moisture will depend on the organic material’s structure. Straw and corn stalks will need more moisture than leaves, while food waste or grass clippings are not likely to need additional moisture. Since it is difficult to measure moisture, a general rule of thumb is to wet and mix materials so they are about as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Material should feel damp to the touch, with just a drop or two of liquid expelled when squeezed in your hand. If a compost pile is too dry, it should be watered as the pile is being turned or with a trickling hose. Certain materials such as dead leaves, hay, straw, and sawdust should be gradually moistened until they glisten.

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These types of materials have a tendency to shed water or adsorb it only on the surface. If a pile is saturated with water, turn it so that materials are restacked. It may also help to add dry, carbon rich material. 3) Particle Size Factor Particle size affects the rate of organic matter breakdown. The more “surface area” available, the easier it is for microorganisms to work, because activity occurs at the interface of particle surfaces and air. Microorganisms are able to digest more, generate more heat, and multiply faster with smaller pieces of material. Although it is not required, reducing materials into smaller pieces will definitely speed decomposition. Organic materials can be chopped, shredded, split, bruised, or punctured to increase their surface area. Don’t “powder” materials, because they will compact and impede air movement in the pile. For many yard trimmings, cutting materials with a knife, pruning shear, or machete is adequate. An easy way to shred leaves is to mow them before raking. You can collect them at the same time if your mower has a bag attachment. Another option is to use a lawn trimmer to shred leaves in a garbage can. Several different models of shredders and chippers are available for sale or rental to use in shredding woody materials and leaves. It is a good idea to wear safety goggles when doing any type of shredding or chopping activity. Hands should be kept out of the machine while it is in operation. Kitchen scraps can be chopped up with a knife. Some ambitious people use meat grinders and blenders to make “garbage soup” from their food scraps and water. They pour the mixture into their heaps. 4) Volume Factor Volume is a factor in retaining compost pile heat. In order to become selfinsulating and retain heat, piles made in the Midwest should ideally be about one cubic yard. The one cubic yard size retains heat and moisture, but is not too large that the material will become unwieldy for turning.

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Homes located on lakes or in windy areas may want to consider slightly larger piles measuring 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet. Smaller compost piles will still decompose material, but they may not heat up as well, and decomposition is likely to take longer. 5) Mixing/Turning. To prevent drying, taking and air channeling, organic waste materials in the process of being composted should be mixed or turned regularly or as required. The frequency of mixing or turning will depend on the type of composting operation. Mixing once a day is usually enough for efficient composting. Also, mixing of the composting is necessary to ensure that all particles of the mass are exposed to oxygen and active microorganisms. The mixing redistributes air pockets and prevents the mass from mass settling. Mixing can be done in specially designed machines or by heavy equipment such as a front end loader capable of handling large volumes. 6) Carbon/Nitrogen ratio Carbon/nitrogen ratio is the most important chemical consideration in the compost. Carbon/nitrogen is considered in the decomposition process at a rate which is proportional to one another. The guidelines available indicate that the optimum ratio is between 25 and 40 to 1. The mature compost should have a ratio greater than 20:1 to be safe for addition to soil. 1. too much little carbon to nitrogen during decomposition will result in ammonia volatilization, consuming the nitrogen; and 2. too much carbon/nitrogen reduces the efficiency of the process because of greater required microbial activity to reduce the ratio

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7) Nutrient status The documents show that the nutrient levels of organic wastes as food source for microorganisms in composting are:

Nutrient status (i) organic carbon

9.15 to 17.98%

(ii) total nitrogen

0.5 to 1.5%

(iii)Available phosphorus

0.1 to 0.3%

(iv)Available potassium (vi)Calcium and Magnesium

0.15 to 0.56% 22.67 to 70% meq/100 gram

(vii)Copper

2.0 to 9.5 ppm

(viii)Iron

2.0 to 9.3 ppm

(ix)Zinc

5.7 to 11.5 ppm

(x)Available sulphur

128 to 548 ppm

Table 2: Nutrient status of organic wastes for microorganism

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The Carbon to Nitrogen ratio can be maintained by using selected materials (by weight). C/N ratio Material

C:N

A. Materials with high nitrogen values (i) vegetable waste:

12 to 10:1

(ii) coffee grounds:

20:1

(iii) grass clippings:

12 to 25:1

(iv) cow manure:

12:1

(v) horse manure:

25:1

(vi) poultry litter:

13 to 18:1

B. Materials with thin carbon values (vii) leaves:

3 to 80:1

(viii) corn stalks:

60:1

(ix) straw:

40 to 100:1

(x) bark:

100 to 130:1

(xi) paper:

150 to 130:1 Table 3: carbon and nitrogen ratio.

8) Temperature The oxidation of carbon raises the temperature level. The documents show that the higher temperature, more the oxidation and oxygen consumption. Too high a temperature above 70oc renders microorganisms inactive. The optimum temperature is in the range of 55oc to 70oc. If this temperature is not attained then there is something missing in the process. If temperature rises above 70oC then there is risk of losing ammonia. The weed seeds and pathogens are killed after prolonged exposure to above 60oc. Sanitization can be obtained in reaching temperatures above 60 ocfor

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5 to 24 hours. Temperatures above 80oc are not desirable because they would dry up the waste too rapidly and destroy the biological activity of the microorganisms. Temperature can be controlled by regulating the air flow. Air is needed to provide oxygen to the microorganisms, but excess aeration would reduce the temperature. TEMPERATURE TREND IN COMPOSTING 1) Ambient temperature: In the beginning of the composting process, the solid waste materials remain at ambient temperature. The microorganisms (e.g. Bacillus, Micrococcus, Penicillium, Pseudomonas, Staphyllococci, and Sarcina) utilize the simple, easily degradable, organic substances in the organic solid waste for carbon and energy needs. Some of the energy is used in metabolism, and the rest is given off as heat. 2) Mesophilic: It is an initial phase lasting one to two days, during which the mesophilic strains of microorganisms (e.g. Pseudomonas spp., Streptomyces spp., Bacillus spp., Flavobacterium spp., Clostridium spp.) start decomposing the rapidly degradable compounds; heat is given off and the temperature rises. As the indigenous mesophilic organisms increase in numbers, the temperature rises above 40oC. The pH slightly falls as organic acids are produced. 3) Thermophilic: The mesophilic organisms are then succeeded by thermophilic bacteria and fungi (Bacillus spp., Streptomyces spp., Thermoactinomyces spp., Thermomonospora spp., Micropolyspora spp.,) above 40oC, lasting two to four weeks. If the temperature rises above 60oC, the fungi become deactivated; the reaction is continued by thermophilic bacteria. During this phase, the more rapidly degradable substances such as sugars, fats, starch and proteins are rapidly consumed and the most the human and plant pathogens are destroyed. The pH at this stage is alkaline due to the liberated ammonia from proteins. Also, the reaction rate decreases as the more resistant materials are attacked. This is followed by the next stage. 4) Cooling- down At this stage, as the temperature falls, the thermotolerant fungi reinvade the composted material from the cooler environment. The stages II, III

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and IV of composting last from a few weeks to two months, depending on the composed material and technology of composting. 9) Stabilization and maturation The process of stabilization and maturation require several months, during which little heat is liberated and the final pH is normally slightly alkaline. During this phase, mesophilic microorganisms as well as macrofauna colonize the compost. Intense population for food takes place between the microorganisms, involving antagonism and the formation of the antibiotics. Humification occurs in the residual organic matter to produce the stable end product (compost). This process probably includes the polymerization of aromatic compounds as well as lignin modifications. Thus, it could be important if pollutants, detoxification takes place via immobilization in the humic substances.

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7.3FACTORS TO BE MAINTAINED DURING COMPOSTING Composting of solid wastes is a dynamic and extremely complex ecological process in which temperature, pH, and nutrient availability constantly need to be monitored and kept under controlled variable environmental conditions. 1) pH The pH of compost changes during the process. As it begins organic acids drop the pH straightly acidic, then the temperature rises the pH also rises and becomes straightly alkaline. The addition of limestone accelerates the rate of decomposition by giving an elevated pH from the beginning. However, this small increase in efficiency is not justified, because of cost. Also, an increase in pH along with higher temperature promotes extra loss of nitrogen as ammonia. Animal manure generally has an excess of nitrogen and pH slightly alkaline. The pH for composting is fine but the carbon to nitrogen ratio could be increased. This is done with the addition of soft wood shavings, straw, corncobs or some other natural source of organic carbon. 2) Heat evolution Heat released during the composting process is equal to the difference in the energy content of the material at the beginning and at end of the composting process. 3) Control of Pathogens Properly conducted composting can kill all the pathogens, weeds and seeds during the composting process. For this purpose, the temperature must be maintained between 60 and 70oC for 24hr. 4) Time The time required for animal manure and an associated waste to process is from 8 to 12 weeks. The time required is mostly dependent on the air supplied. The efficiency can be increased with added aeration by forced air. This also produces a cooling effect which must be monitored. In some cases mixing is not necessary for the entire process.

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Chapter-VIII Composting Benefits and Disadvantages Benefits

Disadvantages

Saleable Product

Loss of ammonia

Destruction of pathogens

Time involved

Kills weed seeds

Cost of equipment

Reduces mass and volume Improved handling

Land required Marketing required for sale

Improved transportability Soil conditioner Reduces odour Land application when convenient Improves nutrient qualities Decreases pollutants Table 4: Composting Benefits and Disadvantages

.

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8.1 Composting Benefits Saleable product Compost is a marketable product. Gardeners, landscapers, farmers, sod producers, golf course operators, and others are willing to purchase quality compost. Price depends on the local market, quality of compost, and the raw materials used. Destruction of pathogens Pathogens are destroyed in a properly managed windrow if the temperature remains above 40°C for a minimum of two weeks. Kills weed seeds Windrows maintaining temperatures of 40°C for a minimum of two weeks destroy the viability of weed seeds. Reduces mass and volume The mass and volume of the manure is reduced when composted primarily due to moisture content reduction. Improved handling Composting reduces the moisture content making it easier to handle than manure. Compost does not have the odours or fly problems associated with raw manure. Improved transportability The reduction in mass and volume due to composting increases the distance land applied nutrients can be hauled economically. Soil conditioner Compost, when added to soil, provides organic matter, reduces potential for soil erosion, and reduces fertilizer requirements. Reduce odour Composting releases ammonia which reduces the odour emitted. Compost is a stable product which is free from offensive odours. Land application when convenient Compost gives no odour or fly problem when stored in dry places. It is a product which can be applied to the land when it is convenient for the farmer.

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Improved nutrient qualities Composting converts nitrogen to a stable form that is less susceptible to leaching. Composting high carbon to nitrogen ratio manures reduces the ratio which allows the nitrogen to be immediately available to the plants.

Decrease pollutant Disposal of compost is not a problem because there is a demand for compost. Compost can be transported farther distances, possibly out of an over-burdened watershed. Composting converts nitrogen into forms which are less likely to leach into the ground or be carried away by surface runoff.

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8.2 Disadvantages OF composter Loss of ammonia Compost contains less than half the nitrogen of manure but if manure is not incorporated into the soil it loses nitrogen to the atmosphere and may retain less nitrogen than compost. Time involved Composting requires a time commitment to properly manage the windrow to produce quality compost. Cost of equipment Specialized windrow turners may be required, but they can come at with a high price tag. Land required The composting site and storage for finished product can use a considerable area of the land. Marketing required for sale Money and time may be spent advertising, packaging, and managing the business.

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Chapter-IX Case Study- ECOBIOCOMPACK-GREEN  STUDY AREA: The Palwa city, Lodha is spacious complex located at Niljegaon, Dombivali (E.).  CAPACITY : (500kg/day garbage composter) Ecobiocompack-green is a unique integrated composting machine with a capacity of about 500kg/day of garbage. It is a unique invention which carries out the process of composting. The Ecobiocompack-green is a patented TECHNOLOGY. It is designed, manufactured, installed, & commissioned by Dr. ShirishNaik. The working of this plant came into account on 9/11/2013.

Fig.3 Eco-biocompack

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9.1MATERIALS 1-COMPOSTABLE MATERIAL;All the biological wastes can be composted in this machine. These include the organic kitchen wastes like veggies, fish meat, eggshells, leftovers, bones etc. as well as other household wastes like used tissue papers, vacuum cleaner sweepings, nails, hair, waste pet food, dry flowers etc. in short all the materials which are biodegradable can be used for making compost. 2- NON-COMPOSTABLE MATERIAL:Materials like plastic, cloth fibers, thermocol and packing materials, plastic and metal bottles or containers, battery cells, sanitary napkins, metal utensils, pvc, steel items, hardware etc. cannot be used for making compost. In short any such material which is not of natural or biological origin cannot be used for maling compost

Fig 4 Garbage without segregation

9.2 COMPONENTS: Following are the components of the machine:1. Composter vessel with drive 2. Shredder with feed hopper 3. Control panel 4. Consumables-Bioculture W→C 5. Garbage bin

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Naik Environmental Engg. Pvt. Ltd. Lodha, Composter (500 kg/day) Sr. No. Equipment Equipment’s Details Make HavellsLafert Phase 3 Phase HP 2 1 Shredder RPM 930 Amp 4.16 Sr. no. 2130701979

2

3

4

Gear

Gear Motor

Screw Conveyer Gear

Make HP Type

Bonfigili 2 A412URP100

Make Phase HP RPM Amp Sr. no.

HavellsLafert 3 Phase 2 930 4.16 2130603800

Make

HavellsLafert

Phase HP RPM Amp

3 Phase 2 930 4.16

Table 5: Working description of motors in composter ant

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9 .3 PRCOESS & WORKING

NAI K ENVI RONMENTAL ENGI NEERS PVT LTD.

ECOBIOCOMPACK SEGREGATION

SOLID INLET

BIOCULTURE: W

C COMPOSTER DRUM

Separate all non-compostable material from biodegradable waste

Freeze dried microbes, BIOCULTURE, carry

NOZZEL c

out the conversion of garbage into compost

To clean the shredder

Garbage is turned over by rotating the drum twice a day

Charge shredded mass into composter drum

BLADES

REMOVE PLASTIC, METAL, SOLIDS (ABOVE 4 INCHES)

FEED FOR THE COMPOSTER SHREDDED MATERIAL OUTLET SHREDDING The segregated nonbiodegradable material is soaked in bleaching powder solution, dried & disposed off or Recycled/ Reused

Shredding improves penetration of bio-culture & oxygen in the composting mass. Also large solids may resist composting thus shredding is prefereable for successful results.

SIEVE COMPOST STORAGE BIN

To grade and eject end product

A-686, NAIK ENVIRO HOUSE, MIDC KHAIRNE, NAVI MUMBAI TEL: 65143360/ 27782154 www.naikenviro.com [email protected]

The process is simple and feasible. It also avoids the formation and discharge of biogas providing us with pure compost. The Ecobiocompack integrates all operations and processes in single assembly of systems. The stages include shredding, bio composting, maturation and gradation. The process is carried out in 3 steps i.e. Seggregation, Shredding and Composting. SEGGREGATION:Seggregation is the 1st process in compost making. It consists of collecting all the biowastes in one place. The non-degradable materials are removed from the biological wastes at this step. The wet and dry garbage is collected together. Therefore, to control the moisture level sawdust, paper, cardboard or remaining compost is added. However, the

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ratio for addition of these materials is fixed to 1:3. Later, Micro bins are added to this which enables an efficient growth of the microorganism. All this then mixed well and transferred to shredder. Segregation is important in order to improve the penetration of bioculture and oxygen intimately into the composting mass. SHREDDING:Shredding is the next step after segregation in compost making. It is the disintegration of solids into smaller pieces. Shredding is important in order to facilitate proper and intimate penetration of the bioculture and oxygen into the composting mass. The bigger particles/solids which exceed a size of 4 inches (100mm) are cut into small pieces. If shredding is not done these biomasses can accumulate and hinder the process of compost making. The process can take much longer time and some solids may resist getting com COMPOSTER:After the process of shredding, all the garbage gets collected in a rectangular drum. The garbage is rotated in this drum for about 15 mins for 3 times a day. The growth of microorganisms is facilitated by arrangement made in the drum for passage of air. An efficient growth of those microorganism results in the formation of compost from the garbage.

Organic matter

Seggregation

Shredding

Final Product (compost)

Composting

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9.4 BIOCULTURE W→C (Waste to Compost) Bioculture W→C contains freeze dried microbes which actually carry out the process of conversion of garbage into compost. During start up add 2g per kg of garbage. For example; if garbage weighs 100kg add 200g of W→C. Spread W→C on the shredded garbage and charge the material into composter drum. Rotate the drum for 15 mins in order to mix the entire garbage with the bioculture. Bioculture W→C is not harmful in any sense i.e. it is neither carcinogenic, nor infectious, nor toxic. However rubber gloves should be used while handling the material. It should be stored in a cool dry place and used as and when needed. The shelf life of the material is about 1 year.

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9.5 Fundamentals of composting Aerobic microorganisms extract energy from the organic matter through a series of exothermic reactions that break the material down to simpler materials. The basic aerobic decay equation holds-

(Complex-organics) + O2 -------- CO2 + H2O + NO3-+ (SO4)2- + (other less complex organics) + heat.

9.6 Precaution        

Do not fill composter drum more than 80% of volume. Weigh shredded garbage and compost daily. Keep trey below to collect the compost. Shredding machine should operate at 70 rpm. Drum should operate at 50 rpm. Machine should be greased monthly. Paper- not to exceed 5% of the garbage volume Carpentry waste (wood only)- not to exceed 5% of the garbage volume  Cardboard packaging wastes (no plastic) - not to exceed 5% of the garbage volume.  Total of all these items should not exceed 10% of the total garbage. These materials can be used until a limited time only. It should be stored and distributed within a few days only.

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9.7 Troubleshooter  

Moisture: - Moisture level is high in the garbage due to wet garbage. Shortage Of waste:-Sometimes the adequate amount of garbage is not collected.

9.8 End Product The final product is compost. That is used in the complex.

WASTE IS A MISPLACED RESOURCE GENERATE WEALTH FROM WASTE CHAPTER CONCLUSION

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CHAPTER X METHODOLOGY- PROCESS & PRINCIPLES Physical parameter Moisture Bulk Density Soluble Salt Particle Size (By Using 300 micron sieve)

Chemical parameter pH(5% solution) Conductivity (5% Solution) Total organic carbon

Plant nutrient Total Kejdhal Nitrogen Total Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K)

10.1 Principle and Procedure The procedure followed for testing the physical and chemical availability in the compost sample is as follows: A] Physical parameter i) Moisture content: The water content also called moisture of the compost is the ratio of weight of water to the weight of solids given in the mass of soil. This ratio is usually expressed as percentage. Principle: the method is based on removing compost moisture by ovendrying a soil sample until the remains constant.

Clean and dry the crucible and record the weight as W1

Take 50 gm of compost and weigh in the crucible. Weigh as W2

Place crucible in the oven and dry to constant weigh between 105oc

Weigh the crucible and content as W3,calculate the MOISTURE CONTENT

Remove the crucible in the oven, place it in the deccicators to cool.

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MC%=

W2-W3×10 W3- W1

Where: W1=Weight of crucible (g) W2=Weight of moist soil + Crucible (g) W3=Weight of dried soil + Crucible (g)

ii) Bulk Density: Bulk density is an indicator of compost compaction. Bulk density reflects the soil’s ability to function for structural support, water and solute movement, and soil aeration. Principle: It is calculated as the dry weight of soil divided by its volume. These volumes include the volume of compost particles and the volume of pores among compost particles. Bulk density is typically expressed in g/cm3 Procedure:

Take a measuring cylinder of 25 ml and add 20g of compost.

Bulk density=

Record the weight of the cylinder and note as a dry compost.

Mass of oven dried soil Total volume occupied

Observe and note down the volume occupied in cylinder

55 | E C O B I O C O M P O S T E R

B] Chemical parameter i) pH: The term pH refers to the activity of hydrogen ions. It is very important factor in many chemical reactions. Most plants grow best in a neutral pH range. The pH scale is measurement of acidity or alkalinity. Principle: A ph meter measure essentially the electro-chemical potential between a known liquid inside the glass electrode (membrane) and an unknown liquid outside. Because the thin glass bulb allows mainly the agile and small hydrogen ions to interact with the glass, the glass electrode measure the electro-chemical potential of hydrogen ions or the potential of hydrogen.

Take a 20 gm of compost and add 100 ml of water. Mix well.

Dip the pH electrode in the compost suspention

Record the pH.

ii) Conductivity: Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measurement of dissolved material in an aqueous solution, which release to ability of material to conduct electrical current through it. EC is measured in units called Siemens per unit area, and the higher the dissolved material in water or a soil sample, the higher the EC will be in that material. Principle: The principle of conductivity measurement is defined as the ability of a solution to conduct an electrical current between two electrodes or coils. In a solution, the current flows by ion transport. Therefore the higher ion concentration, the more current can flow up to the immersion point when the ions mutual interferes and the conductivity decreases by increasing ion concentration.

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Take 20g of compost and 100 ml distilled water

Dip the electrode of conductometer. Adjust the range.

Record and analyse.

C] Plant nutrients i) Total nitrogen: Nitrogen is a micronutrient which is rapidly cycled in soil as organic matter broken down by decomposer microorganism. Nitrogen is also artificially added to the soil via the application of synthetic fertilizers or through atmospheric pollution. PRINCIPLE: Measurement of UV absorption at 220 nm enables rapid determination of nitrate because dissolved organic matter also may absorbed at 220 nm and nitrates does not absorbed at 275 nm, a second measurements made at 275 nm may be used to correct the nitrate value. The extents of this empirical correction are related to the nature and concentration of organic matter and vary from one sample to another.

Prepare a seriess of std from 100 ppm stock solution of nitrate.

Take 50 ml soil suspension(1:5). add 1 ml HCl

Make up the final volume till 50ml with D/W and read at 220 nm

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Phosphorus: Phosphorus is the 11th most abundant element in the earth’s crust, it in agricultural soils occurs in many form both organic and in organic. Total phosphorus analyses are mainly used to follow the movement of phosphorus from applied fertilizer to the soil profile. PRINCIPLE: In soil, calcium and aluminum minerals control the three phosphate concentration in solution. The bicarbonate ions are precipitated as CaCO3 during extraction. Phosphate minerals dissolved in buffer solution and liberate phosphate ions in solution which are analysed by Olsen’s method. The orthophosphate ions react with Ammonium molybdate and potassium antimony tartarate under acidic condition to form molybdophosphoric which is blue coloured complex.

Prepare a series of standard from 4ppm P2O5 solution in the range 0.4-2 ppm

Take 5 gm of soil. add 100ml of NaHCO3 and keep on shaker for half an hour

Fill th content. Take out 10 ml and dilute till 100 ml with NaHCO3

Pipette out 5 ml from sample, blank and series and add in diffrent test tubes.

Add 5 ml of mix reagent in each test tubes and aalow to stand for half and hour

The blue colour obtanined is read at 709 nm and calculted phosphrus content in the compost.

58 | E C O B I O C O M P O S T E R

CHAPTER XI RESULTS

Sample: Compost Quantity (KG): 1.0 Kg Parameter Chemicals: pH(5% solution)

July

August 7.35

7.34

September October 7.36

pH 7.365

pH(5% solution)

7.36

7.355 7.36

7.35 7.35

7.345

7.35

7.34 7.34

7.335 7.33

July

August

September Month

October

7.35

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Parameter July Chemicals: Conductivity (5% Solution) (µS/cm)

August

1938

September October

1940

1937

1918

conductivity conductivity (5% Solution)

1945 1940 1935 1930 1938

1925

1940

1937

1920 1915

1918

1910 1905 July

August

September

October

Month

Parameter July August September October Chemicals: Total Kejdhal Nitrogen(%/wt) 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7

Total Keljdhal itrogen

Total Kejdhal Nitrogen 0.72 0.7 0.68 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.6 0.58 0.56 0.54

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

July

August

September Month

October

60 | E C O B I O C O M P O S T E R

Parameter Chemicals: Total Phosphorus (P) (%/wt)

July

August 1.1

September October

1.2

1.2

1.1

Phosphorus

Phosphorus 1.22 1.2 1.18 1.16 1.14 1.12 1.1 1.08 1.06 1.04

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1 July

August

September

October

Month

Parameter Chemicals: Potassium (K) (%/wt)

July

August 1.76

September October

1.77

1.76

Potassium 1.78 1.76 Potassium

1.74 1.76

1.72

1.77 1.76

1.7 1.68 1.66

1.67

1.64 1.62 July

August

September Month

October

1.67

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Parameter

July

August

September October

Chemicals: Moisture (%/wt)

20.27

20.3

20.19

20.18

Moisture

Moisture 20.32 20.3 20.28 20.26 20.24 20.22 20.2 20.18 20.16 20.14 20.12

20.3 20.27 20.19

July

August

September

20.18

October

Month

Parameter

July

Chemicals: Total organic carbon (%/wt)

August

20.7

20.6

September October

20.6

Total organic carbon

Total organic carbon 20.8 20.7 20.6 20.5 20.4 20.3 20.2 20.1

20.7 20.6

20.6 20.3

July

August

September Month

October

20.3

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Parameter Chemicals: Bulk Density (%/wt)

July

August 0.67

September October

0.59

0.63

0.63

0.63

0.63

Bulk Density 0.68

Bulk Density

0.66 0.64

0.67

0.62 0.6 0.58

0.59

0.56 0.54 July

August

September

October

Month

Parameter Chemicals: Soluble Salt (gm/cc)

July

August 3.2

September October 3

3.3

Soluble Salt

Soluble Salt 3.35 3.3 3.25 3.2 3.15 3.1 3.05 3 2.95 2.9 2.85

3.3 3.2

3.2

3 July

August

September Month

October

3.2

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Parameter Chemicals: Particle Size (By Using 300 micron sieve) (%/wt)

July

August

56.21

September October 56

55.86

Particle Size

Particle Size 56.4 56.2 56 55.8 55.6 55.4 55.2 55 54.8 54.6

56.21

56 55.86 55.21

July

August

September Month

October

55.21

64 | E C O B I O C O M P O S T E R

Parameter under study pH(5% solution) Conductivity (5% Solution) Total Kejdhal Nitrogen Total Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Moisture Total organic carbon Bulk Density Soluble Salt Particle Size (By Using 300 micron sieve)

Composition of compost available commercially 8 2.25

Results obtained from ECOGOLD

0.8 4 4 43 25 1 2.27 59.27

0.7 1.1 1.76 20.27 20.7 0.67 3.2

7.35 1.938

56.21

50 Standard compost 43

45

ECOGOLD

VALUES OBTAINED

40 35 30 25 25 20.27

20.7

20 15 10

8

5

7.35 2.25

1.938 0.8

0.7

4

4 1.1

1.76

1

0.67

0 pH

Conductivity

Nitrogen

Phosphorous Potassium

Moisture

Organic carbon

Bulk density

PARAMETERS COMPARISION OF STANDARD VALUES OF COMPOST AND OBTAINED VALUES

Conclusion

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Conclusion Composting or organic recycling used to be a backburner issue, because refuse disposal was inexpensive and landfill capacity, before the eighties, was not as scarce as it is now. Composting has been successfully demonstrated throughout our country, as well as the world. It is economically competitive with other waste management methods. In addition, compost is an environmentally beneficial product. While large scale composting operations will be increasingly important, the most cost effective way of handling yard, kitchen and garden waste is in our own backyards, avoiding trucking and fuel costs. With the continued depletion of available landfill space and anticipated high collection and disposal fees needed to cover the cost of the refuse disposal facilities being built today, the separation of leaves, grass clippings, brush, and other yard debris from refuse will become increasingly attractive. Thirty to forty percent of materials in the solid waste stream are compostable organic matter! Costs for landfill and incineration are 4500 per ton and 8000 per ton respectively while the cost of composting is 3000 to 6000 per ton only. Thus is more economical plus the added advantage of utilizing the waste. In agriculture or gardening, Plants need these nutrients in large (or “micro”) quantities. The three most well- known are the “primary” macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).Similarly, Compost contains large amounts of major nutrients including N, P and K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium). A] Compost nitrogen helps plant foliage to grow strong. It’s affects a plant's leaf development. Pale green or yellow leaves indicate a nitrogen deficiency. B] Phosphorous helps roots and flowers grow and develop. Plants in phosphorus-poor soil may have a purple cast to their leaves and will exhibit slow growth and poor production of blossoms and fruit. Potassium is important for overall plant health. C] Potassium deficiency signs are more subtle than signs of deficiency in either nitrogen or phosphorus. Weak, spindly plants that seem prone to insect damage and bear small, thin-skinned fruit are likely to be potassium deficient.

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Both organic and inorganic fertilizers provide plants with these nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong. However, each contains different ingredients and supplies these nutrients in different ways. Organic fertilizers (compost) work over time to create a healthy growing environment, while inorganic fertilizers provide rapid nutrition. In the simplest terms, fertilizers feed plants, Compost feeds the soil. While this may not sound like it makes a very big difference, it really can make a big impact on the future of your garden and its soil, and there is actually a difference. Fertilizers do add nutrients to the soil. However, the ingredients are focused on meeting the needs of the plants. Fertilizers have been shown to actually prevent the growth of microbes needed to keep the soil healthy. This throws the soil’s chemistry out of balance and can actually lead to breakdown of the soil food web, especially if used year after year. The impact can be even worse if chemical fertilizers are used instead of organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers (compost) often cost significantly more than inorganic fertilizers, but over time, this extra cost may be outweighed by the benefits it provides. Organic fertilizers continue to improve the soil long after the plants have taken the nutrients they need. Therefore, the longer your soil is fed with organic fertilizers, the better its composition and texture. So, while inorganic fertilizer is cheaper in the short term, it adds less to the soil in the long term. Compost, unlike fertilizers, actually promotes healthy microbe growth within the soil. It feeds the soil food web and increases the health of the natural soil. Over time, this creates a more nutrient rich soil that is beneficial for the plants and vegetables that you place in it. This is because compost is actually made up of microscopic fungi and bacteria. Other organisms like crickets and earthworms are also present in compost, which further benefits the soil. The end result is soil that allows the plants and vegetables to feed themselves. Composting also helps the soil retain much needed moisture, and research has also shown that composting can also assist in enhancing the disease resistance of some plants, like tomatoes and vegetables. This can reduce the amount of crops you lose to disease, which often leads to wasted expenses.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Bibliography Fatih Büyüksönmez, R. R. (2000). Occurrence, Degradation and Fate of Pesticides During Composting: Part II: Occurrence and Fate of Pesticides in Compost and Composting Systems. Compost Science & Utilization Volume 8, Issue 1. , 61-81. GOTAAS, H. B. ( 1996 ). Composting. Sanitary Disposal and Reclamation of Organic Wastes. World Health Organisation Monograph Series, No. 31 . Komilis, D. P. (February 1999). The effect of municipal solid waste pretreatment on landfill behavior. Waste Management and ResearchVolume 17, Issue 1. M.P. Bernala, J. A. (November 2009). Composting of animal manures and chemical criteria for compost maturity assessment. . Bioresource Technology,Volume100. , 5444–5453. S. Mahimairaja, N. B. (volume 47). Losses and transformation of nitrogen during composting of poultry manure with different amendments: An incubation experiment. Bioresource Technology , 265– 273. S. P. Mathur, G. O. (1993). Biological Agriculture & Horticulture: An International Journal for Sustainable Production Systems. Determination of Compost Biomaturity.Volume 10 , 65-85. S.M. Schaub, J. L. (August 1996). Composting: An alternative waste management option for food processing industries. Trends in Food Science & Technology,Volume 7, Issue 8. , 263–268. X.F. Lou, J. N. (August 2009). The impact of landfilling and composting on greenhouse gas emissions . Bioresource Technology,Volume 100. , 3792–3798.