Compost Site Management

Analytically Based Recipe

Development

Composters of all scales use a crafted blend of materials, The basic tools for developing composting recipes:
known as a compost recipe, to improve conditions for
aerobic decomposition. At a home composting scale, ∞ L ab Analysis of your raw materials or “feedstocks” for
using a rule of thumb recipe such as three parts “browns” key parameters
(carbonaceous materials) to one part “greens” (nitroge- ∞ Compost Recipe Calculator (one is free to download
nous materials) by volume, is sufficient to make compost accompanying this guide)
for the garden and avoid problems. Above the home
scale, developing a composting recipe is a more involved Note: Compost recipes can also be calculated manually.
process that takes careful consideration, observation, The On-Farm Composting Handbook. NRAES-54., which
and adaptation over time. While this process does require is free to download online, has a good guide to using
some trial and error, the methods described in this guide these calculations.
are designed to take most of the “in-the-field guess work”
out of developing composting recipes. When combined It is the combination of four primary recipe parameters
at the proper ratios, materials of known characteristics - moisture content (MC), carbon to nitrogen Ratio (C:N
can be blended to achieve ideal conditions for com- ratio), bulk density (BD), and porosity - in proper
posting. Compost recipe development will give balance, that fosters a thriving habitat for aero-
you an informed starting point prior to testing bic decomposers. In a lab, individual materials
the blend in the field. or combinations of materials (such as bedded

Analytically Based Recipe Development 1

manures) can be analyzed for these parameters, although scraps as a “primary feedstock” in developing compost
typically porosity is not tested for and is factored in sep- recipes, although your primary feedstock could be any
arately. These lab analyses provide the basic information number of materials.
that is used to calculate compost recipes. The MC, C:N
ratio, and BD can be estimated for any combination of or- Compost recipes are not static; instead they aim to
ganic materials using a compost recipe calculator, how- provide the outline for a blend that falls within the key
ever, you cannot achieve a feasible recipe for composting parameters. Your compost’s end use will factor strongly
without starting with the right combination of materials into the target recipe parameters you set for your opera-
and often it takes more than two materials. For this tion and the precision with which your recipe should hit
reason an understanding of the fundamental concepts of that target. Ultimately in practice, compost recipes guide
recipe and raw materials is integral to creating successful the decisions made from the seat of your tractor, where
compost blends, both calculated and in the field. stopping to use a recipe calculator would be infeasible
and not necessarily more accurate. Managing the com-
The step-by-step process for developing an analytically posting process in the field will inform adjustments to the
based compost recipe is explained in the Compost recipe over time.
Recipe Calculator accompanying this guide. To support
the use of the calculator, this resource covers the un- In addition to the four primary recipe parameters, the
derlying thinking and science involved in recipe devel- guide looks at several other factors including pH, Salinity,
opment and management. The guide focuses on food and Organic Matter.

Figure 1 - Sample Compost Recipe

Developed using
the companion
recipe calcula-
tor available for
download. The
calculator has
a step by step
guide to help
you develop
your own recipe.

Analytically Based Recipe Development 2

 Table of Contents
Figure 1 - Sample Compost Recipe..................................................................................................... 2
The Four Primary Compost Recipe Parameters........................................................................................ 3
Figure 2 - Sample Compost Analysis (Unfinished Compost, age 4-6 weeks).............................. 4
Moisture Content............................................................................................................................................... 4
Carbon : Nitrogen Ratio................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3 - Biological Forms of Carbon & Nitrogen........................................................................... 6
Bulk Density......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Porosity................................................................................................................................................................. 7
pH........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Salinity................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Organic Matter.................................................................................................................................................... 8
Analyzing Feedstocks....................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 4 - Sample Feedstock Analysis................................................................................................. 9
Creating Recipes For Field Use....................................................................................................................... 9
References........................................................................................................................................................... 10

The Four Primary Compost which in composting terms is measured in moisture

content (MC), bulk density (BD), and porosity, as well as a
Recipe Parameters diversity of energy rich and protein building foods, which
is measured in carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio).
Our own basic needs for air, water, and food are a good
analogy to the needs of the microbial communities in Target parameters for compost recipes:
composting. Like us, the microbes we want require all
three, and too much or two little of any one
limits biological activity within the system. Food VT Solid Waste
scrap composters practice managed compost- Parameter Reasonable Range Ideal Range
Rule Compliance
ing, which is an aerobic process where microbes
have access to oxygen. The presence of oxygen Moisture Content 40-65% 55-60% N/A

selects for aerobic organisms, whereas a lack

of oxygen causes a spike in anaerobic activity, Carbon : Nitrogen Ratio 20:1 to 40:1 25:1 to 30:1 20:1 to 40:1

which is undesirable and can cause significant

issues if not remediated. Bulk Density <1200 Lbs/Yard3 <1100 Lbs/Yard3 <1200 Lbs/Yard3

Microbial activity in the compost pile is primarily

happening on the moist surface of the individual particles Note: While porosity can be estimated, both in the field
within the compost, where there is access to both oxygen and in the lab, field observation and knowledge of
and moisture. The particles themselves are the microbe’s recipe are typically adequate.
food source and like us, simple nutritional sources
like carbohydrate, fat, and protein are the main Each of these four parameters is discussed in
drivers of the initial process. A good compost more depth in the following section.
recipe has a porous mix of moist particles,

Analytically Based Recipe Development 3

 Alex Utevsky James McSweeney
PO Box 503 Highfields Center for Composting
Hardwick VT 05843 PO Box 503, 21 Mill Street
Figure 2 - Sample Compost Analysis (Unfinished Compost, age 4-6 weeks) Hardwick VT 05843

LAB ID SAMPLE ID REPORT DATE SAMPLE TYPE FEEDSTOCKS COMPOSTING METHOD COUNTY

C06405 ASP23 5/16/2013 Unfinished Compost

age 4-6 weeks

COMPOST ANALYSIS REPORT

Compost Test 1A

Analyte Results Results

(As is basis) (Dry weight basis)

pH 7.9
Soluble Salts (1:5 w:w) 5.03 mmhos/cm
Solids 41.7 %
Moisture 58.3 %
Organic Matter 25.6 % 61.4 %
Total Nitrogen 0.55 % 1.3 %
Carbon 12.5 % 29.9 %
Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio 22.5 22.50

ABOVE: Moisture content is ideal at 58.3% and a C:N ratio of 22.5:1 indicates that the initial blend was probably near the ideal range of 25:1 to 30:1.
Over time, the C:N ratio of compost drops, as carbon is metabolized, eventually dropping by approximately half, by the end of the composting process
(NOTE: Bulk density wasn’t tested).

Moisture Content is a good thing), it’s important not to let it dry out too
early in the process, because this will slow or stagnate
Moisture content (MC) is measured as a percentage of the decomposition.
weight of a given organic material or of a blend of mate-
rials. MC of raw materials is used in calculating the MC of
a recipe, as well as its C:N ratio. To hit the target moisture Calculating Moisture Content
content, wet materials require dry matter, and dry ma- A = First Material
terials require moisture (wet materials or water). When B = Second Material
developing a composting recipe with a wet material such MC = Moisture Content as a decimal (e.g. 75% is .75)
as food scraps, achieving the desired moisture range by
adding dry matter will also bring both the C:N ratio and Moisture Content of Mix =
BD closer to the desired range. For this reason, this is a
useful parameter to target first. Food scrap composters (Weight of A x MC of A) + (Weight of B x MC of B)
who effectively manage moisture in their recipes, usu- Weight of A + Weight of B
ally have no trouble hitting the other parameters. This is
because dry materials are often bulky and high in carbon
with very few exceptions (coffee chaff is one exception, Carbon : Nitrogen Ratio
being dry, but high in nitrogen).
Carbon and nitrogen can be analyzed in a lab and typ-
Moisture content is ideally kept at 50-60% for ically they are reported as a Percent Dry Weight,
the entire composting process, and although Percent Wet Weight, and sometimes as Lbs/
compost tends to dry out over time (which Yard3. To calculate the C:N ratio in a composting
recipe, each raw feedstock’s percent carbon

Analytically Based Recipe Development 4

and percent nitrogen by dry weight is required (although composting process, will better inform how you develop
if you don’t have dry weight there are potential work and manage composting recipes.
arounds). The ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C:N ratio)
of an individual material is the weight carbon divided At the most basic level, carbon is the energy source for
by the weight nitrogen (use either dry or wet weight microbes in the composting process. Organic carbon is
consistently) chemically stored solar energy, which is released through
metabolism in living things or through combustion (e.g.
The formula for calculating C:N ratio in the sidebar only in wood stoves, automobile engines, power plants, etc.).
shows two materials, although additional materials It is a common misconception that nitrogen fuels the
can be added following the same methodology. The heat present in hot composting, when in fact it is the
Compost Recipe Calculator accompanying this guide carbon. Nitrogen on the other hand, is required to form
automatically calculates the C:N ratio, MC, and BD of up proteins, which is why protein rich meat and dairy are so
to 11 materials. high in nitrogen (and pose such a high threat of creating
odors). The microbial populations that drive the early
One of the important things to understand is that a C:N stages of hot composting are limited by the amount of
ratio refers to weight based proportion of one chemical proteins they can generate since their bodies themselves
element to another and with accurate feedstock analysis are made up
is very precise. This ultimately gets translated into vol- of proteins.
umes of actual materials (e.g. tractor buckets of various Simply put,
materials), but this often gets confused with a volumetric carbon pro-
ratio of high carbon materials to high nitrogen materials, vides the
or the “browns to greens” terminology used primarily in energy
home compost-
ing education.
These are two Calculating C : N Ratio
very different
things and should A = First Material
not be confused. B = Second Material
% C = Percent Carbon Dry Weight
To truly under- % N = Percent Nitrogen Dry Weight
stand recipe MC = Moisture Content as a decimal (e.g. 75% is .75)
development
Carbon : Nitrogen Ratio of Mix =
requires a firm
knowledge of
[%C Dry Weight in A x Weight of A x (1 – MC of A)] + [%C Dry Weight in B x weight of B x (1 – MC of B)]
your raw feed-
stocks and their [%N Dry Weight in A x Weight of A x (1 – MC of A)] + [%N Dry Weight in B x weight of B x (1 – MC of B)]
role and behavior
in the compost-
ing environment. Of the primary recipe parameters, C:N source and nitrogen supports the synthesis of proteins
ratio is one of the more complex concepts, because and hence the population growth of microbes. Both in-
people don’t commonly think in terms of carbon and ni- turn can limit the rate and final quality of the composting
trogen (although composters certainly learn to). In addi- process, but a C:N ratio of 25:1 to 30:1 has been found
tion to getting to know your raw materials through visual to have the correct balance, where neither carbon nor
and olfactory observation, touch, and lab analysis, a nitrogen limits the other. Different forms of carbon and
biological understanding of carbon and nitrogen nitrogen behave differently in compost and are
in your raw materials, as well as throughout the more or less biologically available (see figure 3).

Analytically Based Recipe Development 5

Figure 3 - Biological Forms of Carbon & Nitrogen
In order from most biologically available to least biologically available

Carbon Forms Description Examples

Low hanging fruit for bacteria and some fungi, meaning they are metabolized very rapidly, and drive a fast o Food Scraps
Carbohydrate, Simple Sugars
initiation of composting when present. Food scraps, while high nitrogen, are also going to be high in these o Manure
and Fats
very “available forms” of carbon. o Green plants such as grass and hay
o Manure
Makes up the cell walls of green plants and 40-50% of woody plants. Cellulose is made up of long glucose
o Hay
chains and is the most common organic compound on earth. Certain bacteria, fungi, and flagellate protozoa
o Straw
Cellulose are able to break down cellulose. Cellulose in human food is known as “dietary fiber” and in ruminants, it is
o Leaves
broken down by symbiotic bacteria in the rumen. Cellulose is relatively easily broken down and drives a fast
o Paper
and hot composting process.
o Food Scraps
o Bark
All play a role in plant defense systems, among other things. While they are not a significant or very available
Waxes, Terpenes, and Secondary o Woody plant material
carbon form, plant based feedstocks containing these diverse group of compounds diversify the blend and
Plant Compounds o Food scraps
add a long lasting energy source to the composting process.
o Weeds
The structural form of carbon in plants, forming a secondary cell wall. Woody plants are high in lignin, but
all plants have lignin (other than Bryophytes, e.g. mosses). It is the slowest form of organic carbon to break
down and is sometimes not broken down completely in one compost cycle. For their structural capacity,
woody particles such as wood chips are used in compost blends to create porosity and a breathable pile
architecture. Using 5-10% large woody particles (like wood chips or bark) by volume is usually ideal to “bulk”
up a compost blend, help it breath, and maintain its form. Primarily fungi, but also some bacteria decompose o Bark
Lignins
lignin, although this is a slow process in both nature and composting. High lignin in compost recipes (≥40:1 o Woody plant material
C:N ratio) creates high carbon compost (≥20:1 C:N ratio) and is desirable to many applications, including for
storm water treatment and green infrastructure. High carbon compost is not usually used as a high nutrient
soil amendment without additional fertility, because of the potential that it will “tie up” nitrogen. For this
reason, high carbon compost should be used as a top dressing or mulch, when used in horticultural applica-
tions, or following BMPs in storm water treatment and green infrastructure applications.

Nitrogen Forms Description Examples

The most concentrated form of nitrogen in living things. A material’s nitrogen content has a direct relation-
ship with its protein content. Nitrogen in a compost mix is what microorganisms use to build living proteins o Food Scraps
in their bodies. Nitrogen limits the volume and speed of the microbiological population in a composting o Meat, blood, animal/butcher
process. Protein degradation carries significant risk of anaerobic and odorous conditions, so any time there renderings, and offal
Proteins
is a significant protein source, such as food scraps or butcher renderings, extra care must be taken to capture o Dairy
excess nitrogen and moisture with adequate carbon materials and to keep the materials contained in a o Legumes
blanket of absorbent feedstocks. Proteins break down rapidly given a balanced compost recipe, so the risk of
odors reduces significantly as the composting process develops.
The most volatile chemical form of nitrogen and the byproduct of the breakdown of protein. A percentage
of ammonia turns to gas and is lost from all composting processes, however, the rate of loss is effected by
a number of related pile conditions, including: a) Pile moisture – Ammonia can be retained by keeping it in
Ammonia “solution” until it can move through the nitrogen cycle, which means having adequate pile moisture content, o Animal Manure, bedding, and urine
ideally ~60%; b) Adequate available carbon allows a higher rate of microbial reproduction, which will utilize
available nitrogen in microbial protein synthesis; c) Neutral pH – Ammonia gas is lost at a higher rate when
pH is >9.
More chemically stable forms of nitrogen produced from Ammonia by “nitrifying bacteria”. These bacteria
are specialized and play a critical role in the earth’s nitrogen cycle and ecosystem nitrogen retention. The
Nitrite and Nitrate o Animal Manure, bedding, and urine
process is inactive in soils above ~100 F and is therefore not a part of the thermophylic phase of composting,
however, in the curing phase, nitrogen becomes increasingly chemically and biologically stable.
The final result of the nitrogen cycle. In mature compost, nitrogen has been accumulated in the bodies of
living microorganisms as protein. Bacteria and fungi are less active, having utilized the most available food
Biologically Sequestered
sources, however, higher-level organisms, which feed on them become more active at this stage, cycling o Finished Compost
Nitrogen
nutrients up and down the food web. These organisms spring to life when the compost is applied to the land
and begins interacting with the living environment, fresh nutrient sources, and organic matter.

Analytically Based Recipe Development 6

Bulk Density blend based on your recipe. Your recipe is in cubic yards,
not tons, so how do you know how many cubic yards of
The average weight of a specific volume of a material is feedstocks came in? If you know that the BD of your food
known as the material’s bulk density (BD). In compost- scraps is approximately 1,000 Pounds/Yard3, then convert
ing BD is usually expressed in Pounds/Yard3 or Kilos/ 5 Tons of food scraps to Pounds: 5 Tons X 2,000 Pounds/
Meter3. For example, a common bulk density used for Ton = 10,000 Pounds, then divide by the bulk density to
food scraps is 1,000 Pounds/Yard3, which was arrived at get 10 cubic yards of food scraps. A short cut is simply
by tracking the weights and volumes of food scraps over knowing that 1 Ton of food scraps is ~2 Yards3. Now
a long period of time and then converting this data to you can apply your recipe to create the blend (for more
Pounds/Yard3. Bulk density is useful to composters during on this, see Creating
recipe development for two main reasons. Recipes for Field
Use, p.9).
First, as you
can imagine,
a material that
Calculating Bulk Density
weighs 1,500
A = First Material
Pounds/Yard3
B = Second Material
(a dairy cow C = Third Material
manure), is
much more Bulk Density of Mix =
dense than a
material that (Volume of A x Bulk Density of A) + (Volume of B x Bulk Density of B) + (Volume of C x Bulk Density of C)
weighs 800 Total Volume
Pounds/Yard3
(a well bedded Note: Keep unit of volume consistent across the recipe. The formula works for any number of combined materials.
horse manure).
If you are devel-
oping a compost recipe with a dense primary feedstock,
a lighter “bulking material” will be needed to reduce the Porosity
density of the overall mix and bring it to <1,000 Pounds/
The forth primary compost recipe parameter is porosity,
Yard3 if possible. BD is an indicator of a pile’s overall
which refers to the amount of “free air space”, also called
density, but does not necessarily represent the structural
“pore space” or “interstitial space”, between particles in
integrity or porosity of a mix. Using 5-10% large woody
a compost mix. Unlike MC, C:N ratio, and BD, porosity is
particles (like wood chips or bark) by volume is usually
not calculated as part of your compost recipe, although it
ideal to “bulk” up a compost blend, help it breathe, and
is considered just as important, because a porous recipe
maintain its form. This will also decrease the bulk density.
allows air to move more freely through the pile, main-
The BD of a mix of materials can be calculated using
taining aerobicity. Typically a compost recipe should be
the formula above and the Compost Recipe Calculator
between 30-33% pore space, which can be measured,
accompanying this guide calculates the BD of up to 11
but observation of the mix alone is sufficient if you know
materials automatically.
what to look for. A pile of wood chips is about 50% pore
space and using 5-10% large woody particles (like wood
In addition to using bulk density as an indicator of the
chips or bark) by volume is usually ideal to “bulk” up a
structure of the compost mix, bulk density is critical to
compost blend, help it breathe, and maintain its form.
converting volume to weight and vice versa in both
Less structural materials like hay, may be very
recipe calculations and in the field applications.
porous initially, but then get dense as they begin
For example, 5 Tons of food scraps comes to the
to break down, which is why more stable woody
compost site and you need to build a compost
particles are ideal. Many composters later screen

Analytically Based Recipe Development 7

out large particles and reuse them as their bulking agent, finished compost. High salt composts (≥5 mmhos/cm)
which is a great strategy to maintain porosity, without should be matched with an appropriate end use.
needing to bring in as much new material. Reused wood-
chips will provide little carbon or dry matter however, so
should be left out of C:N ratio and MC calculations.
Organic Matter
Organic Matter and Volatile Solids Content both describe
pH the percentage of an organic material that is combustible
and therefore, at least partially biodegradable. Non-
Acidity and alkalinity is measured on a scale called pH, Volatile Solids are the inverse and describe the percent-
with pure water being absolute neutral, or a 7 on the pH age of a material that is inorganic, or mineral in nature,
scale. Feedstocks with a pH of between 6 and 8 are within and will not combust. The remaining percentage after the
the normal range. Lab analysis will typically give a pH Non-Volatile Solids have been subtracted would be the
reading and field tests are available, however, calculating Organic Matter (e.g. 35% Non-Volatile Solids would be an
the pH of a blend of materials is not typically done due Organic Matter of ~65%). Most compost tests provide one
to methodological challenges. High pH compost recipes of these three parameters. Non-volatile material will not
(pH>9) can lead to a significant loss of nitrogen through- hurt the composting process as long as it does not make
out the composting process, limited microbial activity, up more than 20% of the weight of the compost mix, but
and high pH finished composts that must be used with ideally Non-Volatile Solids inputs are as low as possible,
discretion. Dairy manure is typically high pH, so com- because most compost users desire a high organic matter
posters working with a lot of dairy manure should keep compost. Organic Matter of >60% is desirable for raw
an eye on pH and test regularly. Low pH (highly acidic) feedstocks and compost mixes, and 50-60% in finished
recipes can become very odorous and limit microbial compost is considered ideal, 30-70% is typical.
activity as well. During the composting process, pH drops
significantly as organic acids break down, exacerbating
acidic conditions conducive to odors. Food scraps are
Analyzing Feedstocks
an example of a low pH feedstock, although proper
An important step in knowing your feedstocks and
amending with carbon feedstocks typically neutralizes
developing a composting recipe is testing samples of
pH sufficiently. Feedstocks that are far outside of the
the raw materials you will use. Although there are book
normal range must be managed with discretion, diluted
values for many common feedstocks available, these may
sufficiently with other materials, or amended with neu-
or may not accurately represent the materials you are
tralizing agents. Operators with a problem recipe may use
working with. Performing analysis of your own materials
trial and error on a small batch to neutralize the pH, then
is the only way to get to high level of accuracy when
apply the mix on a larger scale as needed. If a pH issue
assessing feedstocks or developing compost recipes. To
persists, seek technical assistance.
sample and test your feedstocks, see Feedstock Sampling
Protocol, which is a companion resource to this guide.
Salinity
If you work with a lab that specializes in compost anal-
Soluble Salts in compost are typically measured on ysis, the analysis you get back will look something
a scale of electrical conductivity associated with salt like Figure 4 below. The Sample Analysis provided in
content. Conductivity above 5 mmhos/cm (Millimhos/ the Compost Recipe Calculator accompanying this
centimeter) in finished compost can be harmful to plants guide shows how to use feedstock analysis in recipe
if not sufficiently diluted. At low levels, these salts are development.
potentially beneficial minerals that plants can use. Dairy
manure and food scraps are both common sources Note: When working with labs that do not provide
of salts. If a feedstock has high salts, make sure analysis specifically for composters, make sure
that it is diluted adequately with other low that they will give you the key information
salt materials and test the conductivity of the required for recipe development.

Analytically Based Recipe Development 8

 Highfields Institute Highfields Center for Composting
P.O. Box 503 PO Box 503, 21 Mill Street
Hardwick VT 05843 Hardwick VT 05843

Figure 4 - Sample Feedstock Analysis COUNTY

LAB ID: SAMPLE ID: REPORT DATE: SAMPLE TYPE: FEEDSTOCKS COMPOSTING METHOD

C05942
FarmFarm
Fairmont 8/24/2012 Feedstock
Bedded Pack

COMPOST ANALYSIS REPORT

Compost Test 1A

Analyte Results (As is basis) Results (Dry weight basis)

(Weight basis) (Volume Basis*)

pH 6.6
Soluble Salts (1:5 w:w) 7.23 mmhos/cm
3
Bulk Density* 582 lb/yd
Solids 40.7 % 237 lb/yd3
Moisture 59.3 % 345 lb/yd3
Organic Matter 29.0 % 169 lb/yd3 71.3 %
3
Total Nitrogen 0.40 % 2 lb/yd 1.0 %
88 3
Carbon 15.1 % lb/yd 37.1 %
Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio 38.00 38.00

5 Tons of Food Scraps comes to the compost site

Creating Recipes For Field Use and you need to build a compost blend. Your
recipe units are Yards3, not Tons, so how do you
The final steps when developing a recipe you can blend know how many Yards3 of feedstocks came in?
*Volume results are calculated on the basis of laboratory-determined compost bulk density

If you know that the BD of your food scraps is

from your tractor are to convert the units in your recipe approximately 1000 Pounds/Yard3, then convert
calculations into a logical form for your operation. The 5 Tons of food scraps to Pounds: 5 Tons X 2000
typical way to do this is to find the ratio of each addi- Pounds/Ton = 10,000 Pounds, then divide by the
bulk density to get 10 Yards3 of food scraps.
tional feedstock per unit of your primary feedstock. For Now you can apply your recipe, by multiplying
example, for every one Yard3 of Food Scraps (primary the ratio of all of your additional feedstocks
by 10. For 10 Yards3 of Food Scraps (primary
feedstock), the example recipe on pg. 2 calls for 2 Yards3 feedstock), the recipe calls for 20 Yards3 of Hay,
of Hay, 1 Yard3 of Bark, 3 Yards3 of Horse Manure, ½ Yard3 10 Yards3 of Bark, 30 Yards3 of Horse Manure, 5
Shredded Paper, and 1 Yard3 of Heifer Manure. If you are Yards3 Shredded Paper, and 10 Yards3 of Heifer
Manure. Finally, if your loader’s bucket is not 1
using the Compost Recipe Calculator, you will actually be Yard3, (some are 3/4 Yard3, 2 Yards3, 5 Yards3)
inputting the materials in Yards3, rather than by weight, it may be worthwhile to convert your recipe to
which saves the step of needing to convert from weight buckets, rather than yards.

to Yards3. If you base your recipe off of 1 Yard3 of your

You can keep this recipe with you in the tractor and
primary feedstock, this step will already be done for
some operators find it useful to track the mix as they add
you. Those using weight for your calculations, you will
materials. Strategize how you add materials to the mix.
need to convert the weights of each material to Yards3
For example, adding your woody and most absorbent
based on the BD of each material. Refer to the On-Farm
materials as a base where wet materials can be dumped.
Composting Handbook for the methodology as needed.
With larger batches, rotating the addition of feedstocks
Having calculated the ratio of each additional feedstock between different materials begins to blend them to-
to the primary feedstock by volume, the next step gether. Vermont Solid Waste regulations require that
will be taking the total volume of primary feed- you keep a detailed written record on file of the
stock and calculating the total volume of each actual recipes used for each batch of compost
additional material. For example: produced at the facility.

Analytically Based Recipe Development 9

References The content has been made publicly available for use in
supporting organics management in Vermont and else-
where through the generosity of the High Meadows
Recipe Development Worksheet. Highfields Center for
Composting. Hardwick, VT. Web Resource: No longer Fund, the Harris and Frances Block Foundation, and the
available. Vermont Community Foundation. For more information
about the use of Highfields related materials please con-
Rynk, R. On-Farm Composting Handbook. NRAES 54. Ithaca, tact [email protected].
NY. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service.
1992.
The Vermont community wishes to thank the Highfields
Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules: Subchapter 11 - Center for Composting for its years of outstanding
ORGANICS MANAGEMENT. Effective Date 3/15/2012. leadership in the service of community composting and
universal recycling in Vermont.
Epstein, Eliot. The Science of Composting. Lancaster, PA. CRC
Press. 1996.
Content Creator
Companion Resources: James McSweeney

Weed Seed Testing

Temp Probe Recalibration
Pile Monitoring and Logs
Recipe Calculator www.CompostTechnicalServices.com
Feedstock Sampling
Food Scraps and Feedstock Acceptance Design

Photos
www.srise.com
∞ Highfields Center For Composting
∞ Srise
For more information contact
Acknowledgements
This guide was created under contract with the Vermont
Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental
Conservation, Solid Waste Program, in 2015. Any opinions,
findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed
in these materials are solely the responsibility of the authors Solid Waste Management Program
and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Waste Management & Prevention Division
Agency of Natural Resources. 1 National Life Dr – Davis 1
Montpelier VT 05620-3704
The following resource uses or is adapted from con- (802)828-1138
tent originally developed by the Highfields Center for www.recycle.vermont.gov
Composting in Hardwick VT. The Highfields Center
for Composting dissolved as an organization in
December 2014 and ended its active involvement
in the Close the Loop Program.

Analytically Based Recipe Development 10