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Composting & Vermicomposting: Unit 02: Soil

This document discusses composting and vermicomposting. It defines composting as a biological process that transforms bulky materials like plants and manures into a stable humus-like end product called compost. The composting process is carried out by microbes and involves the decomposition of organic matter through aerobic respiration. The document outlines the composting process and describes the active composting and curing stages. It also discusses factors that influence the composting process like particle size, nutrients, moisture, aeration and temperature. The benefits and drawbacks of using compost are summarized.

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rajiv pathak
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38 views

Composting & Vermicomposting: Unit 02: Soil

This document discusses composting and vermicomposting. It defines composting as a biological process that transforms bulky materials like plants and manures into a stable humus-like end product called compost. The composting process is carried out by microbes and involves the decomposition of organic matter through aerobic respiration. The document outlines the composting process and describes the active composting and curing stages. It also discusses factors that influence the composting process like particle size, nutrients, moisture, aeration and temperature. The benefits and drawbacks of using compost are summarized.

Uploaded by

rajiv pathak
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Composting &

Vermicomposting
Unit 02: Soil

Lecture by: Rajiv Pathak


HWIC
Introduction
Definition: biological, chemical, physical and a highly aerobic process
that transforms large, bulky, coarse materials (esp. plants, and animal
manures) into a homogeneous, stable end product
• Biological process: mediated by microbes
• Actual decomposition is chemical: via acids and enzymes
• Environmental conditions are to be modulated to influence the rate
of composting process
• Compost is the end product of the composting process
• Can be used in two ways: a) soil builder/conditioner b) fertilizer Fig: compost heaps with food and kitchen
with immediate and long-term benefits waste

Organic matter + O2 + aerobic bacteria = CO2 + NH3 + H2O + other


end products + energy

Compost properties:
• peaty humus
• dark in color
• crumbly texture
• Earthy odor (resembles rich topsoil)
• High quality compost devoid of weed seeds and organisms that
may be pathogenic to humans, animals or plants
Fig: Composting in barrel (home setup)
• Cured compost relatively stable and resistant to further
decomposition by microbes
Composting – Process overview
Composting Process – Overview

• Process carried out mainly by aerobic microorganisms


• Process can be divided into two main periods:
1. Active composting: period of vigorous microbial activity; decomposition of readily degradable
material and decay-resistant material (cellulose)
2. Curing: period after active composting; lower level of microbial activity; Compost is stabilized
when curing reaches its final stage
• Compost pile passes through a wide range of temperature over the course of active composting
period (three temperature ranges – fig)
• Different temperature favor different microbes
• A short lag period exists before rapid temperature rise (Time required for microbial population
growth)
• Microbes in compost pile: Bacteria (fast decompose simple sugars and product of fungal
decomposition), Fungi (decay woody substances, decay-resistant material like waxes, proteins,
hemicellulose, lignin and pectin), Actinomycetes (decay organic acids, starches, hemicellulose,
lignin), higher organisms (protozoa, rotifers, nematodes – after compost pile cools- consume
fungal and bacterial biomass and aid in degradation of legnins and pectins)
• Aerobic respiration is preferred over anaerobic respiration and fermentation for composting because it is
more efficient, generates more energy, operates at higher temperatures, and does not produce the same
quantity of odorous compounds
Composting Process – Overview

Active composting
• Microbial population grow during a short lag period at the start
• Microbial degradation of easily degradable material and microbial
population growth generate temperature which is trapped by the
self-insulating compost material
• Temperature increase steadily through the psychrophilic and
mesophilic temperature ranges
• Depending on operation type, compost pile typically take 2-3 days
to increase beyond mesophilic temperatures and reach the
thermophilic stage (peak temperature range: 50 – 70 degree
Celsius)
• As temperature reach upper limits (microbial activity decrease:
enzyme denaturation and spore formation in response to stress)
Fig: Temperature range throughout
• As microbial activity decrease, more heat is lost from the pile than active composting
is generated (pile begins to cool)
• Compost pile remains in thermophilic stage for 10-60 days
• Once temperature decrease below 40 degree Celsius, curing period
begins
• At this point, the pile conditions are such that microbial activity
cannot increase enough to raise temperatures
Composting Process – Overview

Curing
• Generally lasts for 1-6 months
• Lower level of microbial activity
• Stabilization of products
• Stabilization includes:
1. further decomposition of organic acids and decay resistant compounds
2. Formation of humic compounds
3. Formation of nitrate-nitrogen
• Certain fungi accumulate during this stage, thus adding to the disease suppressant quality of the
compost
• Little heat generated during this process: microbial activity is low
• Moisture management and aeration is still required during the process
• Length of curing period dependent on the type of operation and active composting
period(shorter period ones require longer curing and vice-versa)
• Curing considered complete when the pile returns to ambient temperature after repeated mixing
Factors influencing the composting process

a) Particle size: small particles size favors growth of microbes – hence increase microbial
activity and composting rate
b) Nutrients: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are common macronutrients
required in large amounts for microbial growth; Ideal C:N ratios(20:1 to 40:1)
c) pH: Ideal range: 6.5 – 8 – pH levels dependent on the type of raw material; IN most cases pH
doesn’t require adjustment; however raw materials rich in nitrogen tend to increase pH due to
the formation of ammonia; addition of superphoshate is a technique to resolve this issue
d) Moisture: Total net weight moisture should be at around 40-65%; moisture < 40% (less
microbial activity); moisture > 65% (anaerobic conditions due to clogging; slows microbial
activity); moisture < 15% (microbial activity stops)
e) Aeration and Agitation: agitation at timely intervals to maintain proper airflow (aeration);
forced or passive aeration maybe used; mechanical agitators maybe used for forced aeration
f) Nitrogen losses: dependent on the materials used, method and management practice; Nitrogen
losses is related with the odor problems and ground water contamination
Assignment no. 1

1) Write short notes on some of the traditional and modern


composting techniques. The techniques may vary according to
regions and agricultural systems around the world. Compare the
different techniques by highlighting their strengths and
weaknesses and suitability to various farming setups. (Note: Focus
on some new innovative composting techniques that you may find)
Composting – Advantages
Volume reduction of waste

Composting temperature kills pathogen, weed seeds and seeds

Improves manure  handling

Reduces the risk of pollution

Maybe an additional source of revenue

Suppress plant diseases and pests.

Reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.

Promote higher yields of agricultural crops

Cost-effectively remediate soils contaminated by hazardous waste

Provide cost savings of at least 50 percent over conventional soil, water, and air pollution remediation
technologies, where applicable.
Benefits of compost use for soil
A. Improves soil structure and soil aggregate stability,: hence, better drainage, aeration, air/gas exchange,
erosion resistance, tilth (workablity), and the soil’s ability to recover from compaction
• Soil microbes live within and between micropores in soil aggregates: bacteria through sticky exudates,
fungi through their hyphal interaction
• Exudates like sugar-like polysaccharides (non-sweet sugars) bind individual soil particles together
• Thread-like hyphae of fungi secrete a gooey protein called glomalin that also aids in aggregation
B) Increases moisture retention
C) Provides a slow-release source of nutrients and increases availability of minerals
D) Increases Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): thus increase availability of Ca, Mg, and K
E) Increases microbial population and diversity in soil
F) Helps buffer soil pH by neutralizing both acid and alkaline soils (Compost pH is optimally 6.0–7.0)
G) Compost organisms promote disease suppression by various tactics (competitive interactions): a)
Predation: eg. fungi predate on detrimental nematodes) ii. Competition: Outcompete pathogens for
niches and resources c) Suppression: Produce acids and antibiotics that suppress or kill pathogenic
organisms
H) Plays key role in soil fertility management in organic systems
Compost use - Drawbacks
Low nutrient value compared to chemical fertilizers

Slow rate of nutrient release: can’t meet immediate nutrient requirements of


crops

Nutrient composition varies greatly according to the material used for composting

Space needed for composting can take up available production land

Odor or other impacts on neighbors can create challenges in urban/suburban area

Cost and time: Many farmers and gardeners don’t make their own compost
because of equipment needs, materials costs, and labor expenses

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