Composting - Science topic

Compost processed from urban wood and leaves could act as a transmission vector of phytopathogens when recycled into gardens and city parks. There are many studies that analyze composition by sampling the compost and then using cultures to finally extract DNA to identify fungi. Maybe direct DNA extraction from compost (NGS or Real Time Sequencing) could be used to quick sample identification.

Thank you

Hi! Anyone know how to calculate Waste Degradation Index of compost?

This research explores the impact of soil amendments (compost, biochar, gypsum) on water retention and nutrient availability in arid regions, aiming to improve sustainable farming in water-scarce areas.

Recently I analyzed some of my vermicompost samples on Uv-vis spectrometer at different ratios i.e. 472 nm and 664 nm to calculate the humification index as Q4/6. However, the value of Q4/6 has increased with the number of days after composting. How does this affect the maturity of the vermicompost? As in most of the research papers, it is portrayed that the value of Q4/6 decreases with the increase in number of days after composting.

For determination of fertilizer required in a given pot

What is the electrical conductivity( EC) range for aerobically composted poultry manure ?

The global push towards sustainability has sparked significant interest in the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Traditional packaging materials, such as plastics, contribute to pollution and resource depletion, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives that are biodegradable, compostable, and resource-efficient.

I am conducting research that aims to investigate innovative approaches to biodegradable packaging manufacturing, with a focus on reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

If you are interesting in collaboration or co-authoring, contact me!

The added compost may not mineralized in the incorporation year. Hope it may mineralize fully in more than two years. So how to calculate the cost of compost for one (incorporation) or divide the cost by the year it takes to mineralize fully?

Dear ResearchGate Community,

I am conducting an analysis to compare the carbon sequestration potential of applying 1 ton of fresh organic residues directly to soil versus the application of 1 ton of the same residues after composting (meaning we would apply a lower amount: maybe 0.3-0.6 t of compost).

My objective is to quantitatively assess the differences in carbon sequestration efficiency, accounting for carbon loss through mineralization during decomposition or composting, and the long-term stability of carbon in the soil.

How do these two approaches—using an identical starting quantity of organic material—affect the net carbon balance in agricultural soils? What are the expected differences in carbon stabilization, mineralization rates, and overall carbon sequestration efficiency between fresh and composted inputs?

Additionally, how might factors such as the type of organic residues, soil properties, and environmental conditions influence the outcomes?

I welcome any insights, empirical data, or research findings that could illuminate the comparative effectiveness of these soil amendment practices.

Best regards,

we were all know for composting process, but due to fowl smell and other not happening problems, people avoid home composting which are required for save of environment? its a very simple and basic level problem. we want some expertise suggestion for improving this process, either change in aerobic digestion format or with some decompose used. suggestion should environment and home safely.

Hello everyone

Dear researchers, does anyone have access to the fulltext of this book? Please, if you can provide us this file or guide us how we can access this file.

"Test methods for the examination of composting and compost, 2001"

Thanks a lot

Hello,

I'm interested in exploring life cycle analysis for composting toilet, specifically focusing on various scenarios related to nutrient removal. Can you recommend any articles or provide suggestions that could assist me in my research?

Thank you very much

How can we theoretically and practically calculate the air flow rate in aerated static composting in the laboratory (for 4-5 kg of dry mass in small containers)?

Compost and Biofertilizers from wastes and Byproducts??

I am trying to follow some established protocols in improving the lignocellulosic compost degradation using designer cellulosomes. However I struggle to find any papers directly related to this. Any recommendations are highly appreciated.

What method is used to measure composting temperature?

What hours of the day and how often can the temperature be taken?

Difference between cattle manure and cow manure. Rice straw and wheat straw.

Which is better for composting?

I've read that half of the organic matter in compost consists of carbon. However, I'm not sure if it's appropriate to use this conversion factor for all phases of composting when producing button mushrooms. Can you provide any guidance?

At what temperature, mixing speed, moisture content & with what kind of accelerator (EM} we can get best results in terms of time of composting

Currently, globally, three quarters of arable land is used for intensive, unsustainable arable crop production for livestock feed. Livestock farms, primarily cows and pigs, are one of several major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, including a major source of methane emissions into the atmosphere, one of the most dangerous greenhouse gases. Therefore, replacing unsustainable intensive agriculture with sustainable organic agriculture would solve the problems of hunger in many parts of the world, reduce the scale of environmental pollution from pesticides, fertilisers and other derivatives of intensive, unsustainable agricultural production and also allow for increased afforestation of uncultivated areas and consequently significantly reduce the scale of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the main goal of building a sustainable, emission-free, green circular economy and thus halting the increasingly rapid process of global warming. Stopping the rise in atmospheric temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius since the start of the first industrial revolution is the main strategic objective of global climate policy and saving the world from a global climate catastrophe, which, according to long-term climate change projections, may already occur at the end of this 21st century. In this context, the development of sustainable organic agriculture producing crops directly for human food rather than livestock is, along with the green transformation of the energy sector, the development of renewable and emission-free energy sources, the development of electromobility, increasing the scale of reforestation, the green transformation of emission-intensive industries, the development of sustainable construction, the improvement of waste separation and recycling techniques and processes, etc., one of several key factors in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The fourth technological revolution currently underway may prove helpful in achieving the above goals. Therefore, Agriculture 4.0, i.e. the application of 4.0 technologies, i.e. technologies typical of the current fourth technological revolution, including those included in Industry 4.0 in agriculture, may prove to be helpful in the smooth implementation of the green revolution in agriculture. The use of new ICT information technologies and Industry 4. 0 makes it possible to increase the scale of automation of crop management and control processes, including the use of satellite monitoring technologies, the precise determination of the composition and dosage of the mixture of organic fertilisers and natural plant protection products, the improvement of irrigation management systems in correlation with changes in the weather, the conduct of analytics of the biochemical and organic composition of soil, design and management of agricultural crop biodiversity and green space management in the surroundings of agricultural fields, automated monitoring and management of renewable and emission-free energy sources supplying the farm with electricity and heat, improvement of waste segregation techniques, recycling, management of composting facilities, etc. In terms of Industry 4.0 technologies, robotics, integrated farm management information systems, Internet of Things technologies, cloud computing, smart technologies, learning machines, deep learning, artificial intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, digital twins, multi-criteria simulation models, drone technology, 3D printer engineering, additive manufacturing, Blockchain, cyber-security instruments, etc., are among those particularly helpful in achieving the above goals of developing sustainable organic agriculture.

In view of the above, I address the following question to the esteemed community of scientists and researchers:

And what is your opinion on this?

What is your opinion on this subject?

Please respond,

I invite you all to discuss,

Thank you very much,

Warm regards,

Dariusz Prokopowicz

Dear colleagues:

I would like to know which plastic (or other material) fabric best meets a double objective: high O₂ permeability and low water permeability. My idea is to design a bag or box for vermicomposting or hot-composting systems that will outperform the existing ones. In the case of worms, bags are made of polyester and nylon. In hot composters, the boxes are usually made of polypropylene, but I was wondering if there would be better rigid or flexible materials to make better composters.

Thanks

D

I see many papers using different setups for small-scale in-vessel composting: from Dewar vessels (1.5-2L) to insulated (3-10cm surface layer) containers (e.g. 40x60cm) up to air-controlled 200L bins with CO2, NH3 probes and controlled air flow, etc.

I am looking for a simple methodology for evaluating composting in small scale (10-100kg of material to be composted), without controlling temperature (but rather monitoring the actual process) or gas emissions.

We are looking to separate humic and fulvic acids from compost. We were going to use DAX-8 resin, however it is discontinued. In some papers I have found that they use XAD-7, XAD-1180... but I don't know which one is the most suitable for these cases. I would appreciate your answers. Thank you!

Hi

I need the compostion for Pfennig's medium for culturing anerobic photosynthetic bacteria. Any help in this regards will be greatly appreciated.

In organic farming and for high-K demanding crops, K could be a problem. N source can come from compost, or animal manure; P can be supplied by bone meal or rock phosphate, but K is hard to find. Seaweeds may be a source, but could pose an invasive problem. Natural polyhalide mineral is only available in certain locations. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

I would like to know:

1. If Azolla grows spontaneously in a rice field or we may provide the situation for its growth.

2. At which step of rice cultivation, Azolla can be harvested for compost production. 3. I also like to know pros and cons of producing compost from Azolla at rice fields.

It would also be beneficial, if you could introduce me some related articles in this case.

Can any body suggest how to calculate organic matter decomposition rate of soil or compost? is there any formula? please suggest some relevant references.

Seedweeds are often a nuisance to sandy beaches, where tourist activities, water sports and swimming are conducted. Tonnes of seaweeds that had failed on the beach are collected and discarded. These biomaterials have immense potential for use in agriculture. Seaweed-based composts are manufactured and used for crop production.

The question articulates around how to use the macroalgae composts, alone or amended by the use of other growing media like perlite, coir etc...

Composting is the most appropriate and practical solution to treat food and other organic wastes in a more sustainable way. Can we then say that it can be a net GHG sink? Any study on its carbon permanence using NMR and/or other means? Any ideas and suggestions are welcome.

Which organic material between the biochar and Compost do you think its richer? please attach your references if you can.

what do I need as lab equipment? and which microscopy? what are the specifications?

can someone provide me with the list of needed materials and equipment?

thank you

Dear Scientists,

During the composting period. Is there any fixation of nitrogen?

Is it possible that total nitrogen levels will be higher during classical composting than during vermicomposting?

Thank you for your scientific conversation.

Cheers!

Basically, the term fertilizer indicates one or more substance that is added to soil to increase its fertility via replenishing lost essential nutrients required for plant growth and development. Accordingly, the microorganisms included in biofertilizers do not add nutrients, nevertheless, they contribute to the availability of nutrients that are already present in the soil. On the other hand, the application of compost relatively provides various nutrients to the soil. So, compost and microorganisms are fertilizers or not? Also, the composting process is a biological process and the outcome compost contains microorganisms. So, compost is a biofertilizer, is not it?

I want to test the effect of enzyme application on decomposing organic waste like palm oil empty fruit bunch, trunks, and fronds. Is it necessary to shred this material to a smaller size?(just like composting)

Cation exchange capacity is a critical indicator of soil health. I would really like to know which nature-based solutions such as biochar, compost, and others can help to increase the soil cation exchange capacity and how this can be done.

I want to know difference between fermentation/biorafinery/ composting and is that fermentation and compostion are the sub-classes of biorefenery?

I would like to know: 1. researches and published papers about the probable pollution glass pieces make into the soil, and 2. the successful detection of glass pieces in municipal wastes before the process of compost production.

I would be glad to know the opinion of soil researchers in determining the optimum amount of chicken manure, which is ideal to be applied in date palm orchards, even direct or mixed with compost, to improve soil health for higher yield of fruits.

I have been reading “Handbook of reference methods for plant analysis” (Kalra (ed.), 1998) and other methodological books and papers to learn how to properly dry and analyse samples of vegetables and other sources of organic matter (manure, or compost).

On the drying procedure, it is cleat to me that:

i) Above 60ºC you stop the enzimatic activity and microbial decomposition and the sample is dry enough to be powdered and analysed (Carbon and nitrogen in a CNHS elemental analyzer, and P and K by digestions and mass spectophotometer), but it is not completely dried.

ii) From 80ºC the sample must reach a water content of 2-5%, and thermal decomposition starts, but it can be only problematic in powered samples.

iii) At 105ºC you have lost some elements by volatilization (N and S, and probably a little part of C), therefore it’s not recomended to dry at this temperature for elemental analysis. The sample is completely dried. There’s some thermal decomposition but nobody takes it into account.

In most works, if they want to know the nutrient contents and the dry matter content, they dry a subsample at 60º (and analyse its content in NPK) and other at 105º (and calculate the dry matter content).

My question is: how do you assign the nutrient content obtained with the sample at 60º to the dry matter, if you don’t know the water content of the sample dried at 60º? Should you take another subsample of the 60ºC subsample and dry it at 105º? Other researchers confirmed me that they dry all the samples at 105ºC, even for elemental analysis. How much nitrogen and carbon can we lose at 105ºC? I guess it depends on the element form (if N is in NH3, NO3-... ), but on average for plant tissue, manure, or compost, does anyone know how much it could be?

On the other hand, biomass is matter mainly composed of carbon and hidrogen, with small amounts of other elements. To measure the organic matter content of a sample, it is incinerated at 550º or more, and the difference in mass from the dried sample to the incinerated matter is assumed to be the organic matter.

The question is, why do atoms of P and other elements bonded to carbon structure are not considered as organic matter? Probably it is not easily measurable, but from the definition of organic matter, I understand that these elements are part of it. In addition, some elements like nitrogen or sulphur that don’t stay on the ashes are also considered organic matter (because they contribute to the mass loss when incinerated). I guess that these elements don’t represent too much, but I am surprised that nobody accounts them.

Thank you in advance.

Over the past five years, I have volunteered with a local youth group in Malawi (https://www.facebook.com/YED22). Among others, we committed thousands of volunteer hours, engaged local leaders, visited schools, organized waste cleanups, and initiated conversations on sustainable waste management in our community. Looking back, this is how the general waste disposal practice in our community has changed after 5 years of our efforts (Note: Nkhuti = composting pit, impact = private waste collection, and Mtsinje = open dumping).

While we are celebrating our success, we also have food for thought or a question for you all.

Here is the question: 'When we started, our assumption was that open waste dumping is practiced by households that do not have any subscription to private waste collection services nor have a waste disposal pit. With this assumption, we expected that the general reduction in the proportion of households that dispose of waste in the river or public places will translate into abandonment and/or reduction in quantities of waste that is disposed of in our communities' waste dumpsites. What do you think our assumption missed? Looking into the next five years, how do you suggest that we can change the logic behind our voluntary work to actually make a more tangible impact in our community?

The CO2 Evolution rate of a fresh compost sample is measured by using a NaOH trap. Is it either a physicochemical or a biological process parameter?

Thanks in advance.

Recently, organic amendments such as biochar, compost, and residues are used to treat soil acidity in combination with lime. Lime releases Ca and bicarbonate ions which replace acid cations (H & Al), neutralizing them from the soil solution, and ultimately raising pH.

I need elaboration on the mechanisms of how 'organic amendments' treat soil acidity and raise pH.

Thank you for your information.

There is a current upsurge in research into microbial fertilisers and carriers of microbial inoculants to boost soil fertility, e.g. the use of biochar and compost. After treating the soil, how can we effectively measure the successful establishment of the beneficial microorganisms?

Soil organic carbon is undoubtedly claimed to be the key driver of soil fertility , the consequential effect of which is visible on a whole range of soil properties , thereby, possibly ensuring the better crop performance . Regulating soil carbon is most stupendous task, though , it looks easy ( many would advocate simple application of composts and manures) . In this background, , i propose following questions to our learned colleagues to please enlighten us with your shear wisdom of knowledge :

* How should we enrich the organic matter content of the soil and to retain it as legacy carbon ?

* How shall we regulate different carbon pools of soil vis-a-vis choice of crop?

* How does fallow period jeopardises the net gain in carbon through preceding crops ?

* What are the options of more recalcitrant forms of carbon and their potential role in long term sustainability in crop production ?

In the field of environmental protection and conversion of waste into compost, I am looking for a method that can reduce or eliminate leachate and eliminate its odor so that it can be easily used in parks and green spaces.

The price of imported chemical fertilisers reach an all-time high recently due to increased freight costs. It is high time for small-scale farmers to substitute chemical fertilisers with working and effective non-chemical solutions. This question seeks to look for working solutions in substituting chemical fertilisers, without significant reduction in crop yields. For example, via the use of potent bio-fertilisers, composted farmyard manure, and plant growth-promoting bio inoculants, amongst others.

Given that coconut fibers absorb 8 times their weight in water, and seeing the results of composting it first hand it definitely seems that a lot of material is produced. A dry chunk of coco looks tiny compared to what I ended up with. It was also a lot faster than composting other sources, possibly from being so absorbent. It really stuck with me especially because most types of life use a lot of water to survive and it composes a lot of their biology, from what I understand soil microbes are technically aquatic lifeforms. Is there reliable evidence and does anyone have experience? If so would the biomass be 8x the dry weight or more like 6x and the rest in temporary water weight? Or could the material simply be lighter and less compact than regular compost and I didn't notice?

why does the carbon to nitrogen ratio be important in preparing compost for plant growth? if it is an important parameter to be analysed, what is the standard ratio that should be maintained?

I want to know the simple media based plate count method for determination of autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial count in any mature compost sample

Explain how to calculate (with formula) carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, its importance and how it influences the rate of OM decomposition ?

I am planning a field project to evaluate the effect of biochar and compost application on crop productivity by studying soil fauna. I would like to understand that how much such plans can help us to understand the sustainability in agriculture and soil science.

It is obvious that pesticides constitute one of the most difficult issues that we should deal with in farming activities, I would like to get an idea of the impact of the composting process on pesticides levels in end-composts products.

I want to run a field experiment to monitor the success of soil measures by studying soil fauna in defined plots. In this regard, I would like to ask if any soil researchers could help me how I can determine the application rate of biochar and compost I should apply to each plot; also I like to compare different doses.

One new isolated unidentified bacterium growing well on specific agar media but not on broth media of same compostion (except agar). What could be the reason?

When the CO2 evolution rate in compost will be considered on the basis of total total solid and organic matter?

It becomes obvious that use of manure composts as organic amendments and adoption of conservation agriculture could improve soil properties (physicochemical and biological properties) and prevent natural resources.

I would like to start this discussion with a large public of researcher from different fields whom are specialized in Soil sciences, composting andAgrienvironmentalist.

Soil organic carbon is undoubtedly claimed to be the key driver of soil fertility , the consequential effect of which is visible on a whole range of soil properties , thereby, possibly  ensuring the better crop performance . Regulating soil carbon is most stupendous task, though , it looks easy ( many would advocate simple application of composts and manures)  . In this background, , i propose following questions to our learned colleagues to please enlighten us with your shear wisdom of knowledge :

* How should we enrich the organic matter content of the soil and to retain it as legacy carbon ?

* How shall we regulate different  carbon pools of soil vis-a-vis choice of crop?

*  How does fallow period jeopardises the net gain in carbon through preceding crops ?

* What are the options of more recalcitrant forms of carbon and their potential  role in long term sustainability in  crop production ? 

Thanks and kind regards

There are many things that must be known before carrying out the composting process in the field, what are they?

📷

Can someone suggest reference books for the design of various composting units and incinerator.

Dear All

I would like to assess ammonium content in soil and compost, I wonder whether it exists a simple spectrophotometric method to perform such analysis.

Warm Regards.

What are the factors that restricts the the survival of earthworm?

What is the efficiency rate of the conversion from waste to the compost in such restricted condition?

What are the supplementary condition that can be given to avoid the death rate of the earthworms?

Hello,

I'm doing a project about consuming domestic food waste into community planting using Bokashi Compost.

This project background is having an organic planting store in the flat community in the future due to the urbanlization while the farmland is is reducing. So having places to planting inside the city and having a store to planting or farming while consuming food waste through Bokashi compost, rooftops planting, eg.

But the Bokashi Compost takes long time to have the organic fertilizer and semi-compost products, so I am looking for a way to speed up the process or another way to do the compost.

If there any suggestion please comment this post, thank you.

Soil organic matter is made up of four major pools or fractions – plant residues, particulate organic carbon, humus carbon, and recalcitrant organic carbon. Plant residues and particulate fractions are also called labile soil OC. These pools vary in their chemical composition, stage of decomposition, and role in soil functioning and health. Each of the different carbon pools decomposes, or turns over, at a different rate.

Assume we have added organic amendments such as compost and manure to the soil. So, do the organic amendments decompose within a year to form the different pools or fractions of soil OC such as labile pool, humus, and recalcitrant pools?

Sulphate composts are useful for alkaline soils. There are huge amount of sulfur production during refinery processes. Sometimes these amounts of sulfur can not be directly used and should be converted into some other by-products. What is the easiest way to convert organic S into SO4 compost?

Hi, can anyone kindly provide material that clearly explains how to determine the enzyme activities in compost or organic fertilizer?

Thank you

Pulp and paper mill sludge waste Or agro-waste, which one substrate best for vermicomposting and after vermicomposting which compost has more nutritive value?

Hi everyone! I have a question for my farm compost.

So i just do my research and try to look for a compost with :

around 3.5% of Total N Content,

around 5% for my P2O5 content, and

around 1.5% for my K2O content.

And i just wonder, if i just combine :

Cocoa shell meal with 2.5% N, 1% P2O5, and 2.5% of K2O,

with

Worm casting that has 1.5% N, 2.5% P2O5, and 1.3% K2O,

Would it turns my compost into 4% N, 3.5% P2O5, and 5% K2O just like that?

i'm so confused as i'm not really good in both chemistry :D (as a geophysics engineer, chemistry is such a hard subject for me).

Thanks!

I am researching about how to accelerate composting of lignocellulosic residues. Through this research, I would like to get PhD degree. Please give me any hints and constructions to let me be able to step up!

Thank you so much,

Linh Nguyen Hoang

Compost is composed of decomposing different organic substances like cow dung, poultry litters, plant debris etc. In contrast, slurry is the remaining substances in the fermentation tank after producing bio-gas. However, which one is more nutrient enriched substance?