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Announcing the composting class on Saturday 10 am December 14 2024 (before Christmas) . speaker is Mr. Jeff Gage from Green Mountain technologies. AERATED COMPOSTING IN A NUTSHELL
DEFINITIONS
There is no universally accepted definition of Composting. The O2Compost Training Program uses the following practical definitions:
1. Short Definition: Composting is the transformation of raw organic materials into biologically-stable, humus-rich substances suitable for growing plants.
2. Long Definition: Composting is the biological decomposition and stabilization of organic substrates, under conditions that allow for the development of thermophilic temperatures as a result of biologically produced heat, to produce a final product that is stable, free of pathogens and plant seeds, and can be beneficially applied to land. Thus, composting is a form of waste stabilization, but one that requires special conditions of moisture and aeration to produce thermophilic temperatures. The latter are generally considered to be above 45oC (113oF). Maintenance of thermophilic temperatures is the primary mechanism for pathogen inactivation and seed destruction.
Compost is an organic soil conditioner that has been stabilized to a humus-like product that is free of viable human and plant pathogens and plant seeds, which do not attract insects or vectors, that can be handled and stored without nuisance, and that is beneficial to the growth of plants.
Reference: The Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering, Robert T. Haug, 1993
AERATED STATIC PILE COMPOSTING
The method of composting that we use with all O2Compost Systems is referred to as Aerated Static Pile (ASP) Composting. This simply means that we induce airflow through the mix of materials using an electric blower - we do not turn the pile during the active phase (first 30 days) of composting.
ASP composting was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the mid-1970’s and is used throughout the country to process a wide variety of municipal organic waste materials. We have simply taken this technology and adapted it to work with smaller volumes of organic waste materials in various on-site settings, including agricultural, industrial, municipal and institutional (e.g., universities, military bases, prisons, etc.).
OBJECTIVES OF ASP COMPOSTING
In designing our compost systems, our primary objectives are to: 1) protect surface and ground water resources; 2) reduce the time and expense now committed to manure management; and 3) produce a high-quality finished product for use around your farm, local community gardens, or to sell to gardeners in the area. Our goal is to provide a compost system that becomes fully integrated into your daily activities.
With aerated composting we maintain aerobic conditions throughout the compost pile and are able to control pile temperatures. This, in turn, expedites the composting process and yields a high-quality compost product that is effectively free of pathogens, parasites, and W**d seeds. By composting in this manner, we are able to control offensive odors and flies, improve the aesthetics of the waste handling area, quickly produce a superior product and reduce the cost of labor and equipment (i.e., fuel, maintenance, etc.).
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
14062 YELM HWY SE, Yelm, WA, United States
