Compost Science and Technology


Book Description

Composting is a widely used biological process for the management of some wastes produced in communities and agricultural activities, which have experienced substantial growth during the last few years. Because this and the knowledge of composting has increased, the number of composting facilities has increased tremendously, especially in some European countries. Interest has also increased in several countries in other regions of the world. Compost Science and Technology attempts to summarize some of the most important work conducted during the last few years under one cover. The contributions to the publication are made by some of the most qualified professionals in the world and present the information in a clear and objective manner. The readers will find the information very useful and will be helpful in the design of new facilities and organic recycling programs. The manager or interested member of the community does not have to have a rigorous training in science or technology. Up-to-date contributions by some of the most knowledgeable and respected leaders in the field Clear and objective presentations, which are arranged in such a way that it is not necessary to read the entire book Information is supported by data, tables and references Covers most important aspects of the process including a brief historical review May be used by teachers as well as practicioners in the field







The Science of Composting


Book Description

FROM THE PREFACE The main objective of composting is to transform organic materials into a stable usable product. Often organic materials which may have limited beneficial use in their raw state or have regulatory disposal constraints can be transformed by composting into marketable products. The limits on beneficial reuse may be regulations or they may be due to the potential for materials to be putrescible or pathogenic. Composting can be a solution for each of these. The implementation of composting on a large scale (in contrast to home or backyard composting) involves materials handling. Technological implementation of composting must be consistent with the biological demand of the system. If the biological system is violated, conditions will not be optimized for composting, and problems such as odor generation, insufficient aeration or moisture, or a combination of these conditions may result. Past problems and closure of facilities have been largely due to violations of the biological systems. Product quality with respect to particle size, inclusions, moisture content and other physical aspects are a function of engineering design. A well designed system must have the biological and engineering principles in harmony at all times.







Compost Science


Book Description




Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering


Book Description

Composting and vermicomposting are widely used biological processes for the management of the wastes produced by the communities and agricultural activities, which have experienced substantial growth during the last few years. Advances in Composting and Vermicomposting Technology summarizes the most important work conducted during the last few years under one cover. The book includes conventional and recent advancements in composting and vermicompostimg technologies, information regarding mitigation of greenhouse gases emission and resistant genes, and finally recovery of "Value-Added Materials" in the composting sectors. Furthermore it includes models and available upgradation, global case studies, opportunities and challenges (technical constraints, Institutional constraints and social constraints) associated with the composting technology advancement and finally, application of LCA and considerations in economic evaluation of composting technologies and other organic waste treatment strategies. First book on the use of composting technology for process development within organic waste recycling and management Critically discusses development of industrial composting processes and market demand of compost as cleaner products Includes industrial application of cleaner composting technology towards valorization of high value of compost Provides recent knowledge on research and applications by integration of sustainable cleaner composting technologies




Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking


Book Description

Organic waste composting is another excellent example to demonstrate the power and the benefits of nexus thinking. Even though organic waste composting itself is not a new topic, those who want to start a new project or align an ongoing project with nexus thinking, find it difficult to gather the necessary information. With nine case studies from four continents, this book aims to fill above gap in literature. While current literature on composting is often found to be limited to either soil/agriculture sector or waste management sector, this book presents a combined point of view. This open access book starts with an introductory chapter that describes the need to bring the waste management aspects and soil nutrient management aspects of compost production into one integrated theme. The relevance of nexus thinking and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also presented in this introduction. The first three chapters after the introduction covers composting from the solid waste management and its policy aspects, taking examples from three developing countries. The next three examples are mostly about the benefits composting can provide to the soil and agriculture. These examples are also from three developing countries, but with a mixture of urban as well as rural settings. Last three chapters present more insight into the latest developments taking examples from Europe, as well as new methods adapted from the traditional styles from Africa.







Biology of Composts


Book Description

This book highlights the latest findings on fundamental aspects of composting, the interaction of various microorganisms, and the underlying mechanisms. In addition to addressing modern tools and techniques used for composting research, it provides an overview of potential composting applications in both agriculture and environmental reclamation. Composting is the process of organic waste decomposition, mediated by microorganisms. The end-product is called ‘compost’ and can be used as a supplement to improve soil fertility. As the municipal waste generated in most developing countries contains a substantial amount of organic matter suitable for composting, this technology offers a win-win opportunity for stakeholders in terms of disposing of organic waste and providing organic fertilizers for agriculture. In addition, using compost reduces the dependency on harmful chemical fertilizers, and represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.