HOR 277 Composting

Lecture Hours: 2
Credits: 2

Focuses on the composting process, methods of composting, and uses of compost. Covers home and industrial composting with an emphasis on horticultural scale composting (farm and nursery). Reviews regulations and safety considerations. Identifies benefits and challenges of composting.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the composting process in detail.
Compare methods of composting.
Discuss appropriate uses, benefits, and challenges of composting.
Explain state regulations concerning compost facilities.
Design and implement a functional home-scale composting system.

Content Outline

Definitions and Objectives
- Compost
- Organic material
- Maturity
- Humus
- Compost organisms
- Benefits
  - Fertility
  - Soil texture
  - Nutrient cycling
- Challenges
  - Odors
  - Phytotoxicity
  - Effluent
  - Contaminants
  - Nutrient tie-up
Methods of Composting
- Cold
  - Static pile
  - Vermicompost
- Hot
  - Turned windrow
  - Aerated static pile
  - In-vessel
- Anaerobic
- Other methods
  - Bokashi
  - Compost tea
  - Sheet composting/mulching
  - Pit or trench composting
  - Use of Effective Micro-organisms (EM)
The Composting Process
- Goals
- Required components
  - Organic matter
  - Microorganisms
  - Water
- Aerobic -v- Anaerobic
- Products
- Temperature
- Composting organisms
- Pathogens and Weed Seeds
  - PFRP
- Physical factors
- C:N Ratios
- Nutients and Toxicities
Feedstocks
- Home
- Industrial
- Agricultural
- Municipal
Compost: The Product
- Testing
- Potential chemical contaminants
Regulation and Safety
- Federal
- State
- Local
- Organic certification
Markets and Uses
- Soil amendment
- Fertilizer
- Erosion control
- Potting mix
- Disease control
  - Anaerobic soil disinfestation