ISHS Acta Horticulturae 549: International Symposium on Composting of Organic Matter
INTERDEPENDENCIES FOR PROCESS CONTROL AND COMPOST QUALITY |
| Authors: | R.A.K. Szmidt, C. Fox |
| Keywords: | compost, composting, control, compost use, odour. |
| Abstract:
In order to generate sustainable business from compost manufacture two income streams may be available. These are, firstly, from gate-fees, together with an opportunity of offsetting tax and secondly, in sale of composted material. If compost is of poor quality even after processing, material may still go to landfill. Poor quality material which is used as landfill-cover may still incur tax. Quality is often defined in analytical terms but an alternative approach which may more closely meet the needs of customers is in terms of ‘fitness-for-purpose’. This paper reviews the need for integrated compost manufacture for particular uses. Raw materials used in composting partly define the nature of the end product but it is also influenced greatly by the choice of composting technology. The extent to which compost control is carried out influences the predictability and value of compost in terms of physical and chemical properties, fertilizer value, microbial activity, hazards and fitness for purpose. | |
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