Windrow composting

Producing compost in long rows Farm scale method,large volumes Control parameters of C/N,etc Automatically logged the data

Windrow composting is the production of compost by piling organic matter or biodegradable waste, such as animal manure and crop residues, in long rows.  This method is suited to producing large volumes of compost. These rows are generally turned to improve porosity and oxygen content, mix in or remove moisture, and redistribute cooler and hotter portions of the pile. Composting process control parameters include the initial ratios of carbon and nitrogen rich materials, the amount of bulking agent added to assure air porosity, the pile size, moisture content, and turning frequency. The temperatures of the windrows must be measured and logged constantly to determine the optimum time to turn the windrows for quicker compost production.

Most operations use large compost windrow turners for volume production. Turners drive through the windrow at a slow rate of forward movement. They have a steel drum with paddles that are rapidly turning. As the turner moves through the windrow, fresh air (oxygen) is injected into the compost by the drum/paddle assembly, and waste gases produced by bacterial decomposition are vented. The oxygen feeds the aerobic bacteria and thus speeds the composting process. Heavy-duty compost windrow turners allow the user to obtain optimum results with the aerobic hot composting process. By using four wheel drive or tracks the windrow turner is capable of turning compost in windrows located in remote locations.

Windrow composting