Compost Processing Systems

Compost Processing Systems

Compost is a form of recycling where organic matter that would normally become waste is decomposed and then used for different purposes, usually fertilizer. Compost is primarily used as fertilizer because it is rich in nutrients, and can double as a soil conditioner and a natural pesticide. When used in various ecosystems, compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover. It is used in gardens, landscaping, urban agriculture, and organic farming.

Composting involves creating a heap of wet organic matter, or green waste, that may include things such as leaves, grass, and food scraps. After all the necessary ingredients have been added, the organic matter breaks down and decomposes over a series of months. The process of decomposing all the organic matter is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water, and ensuring that proper aeration is happening by turning the mixture frequently. Earthworms and fungi are often added to the mixture to help the process along by breaking up the material.

Even though composting may seem like it is a random compilation of ingredients, it still requires four important factors to work effectively. It requires carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water. The ratios of these ingredients correlate directly to how the microorganisms work to heat up the pile, which allows for effective decomposition. Active maintenance of any compost pile is also needed, such as turning the pile at regularly. This allows the pile to maintain a sufficient supply of oxygen and adequate moisture levels. The air and water balance ratio is also critical to help maintain the temperature of the compost pile, which usually is between 135 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Along with carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water being crucial to the composting process, it is also very dependent on microorganisms to break help break down the organic matter. The most common microorganisms found in compost piles are bacteria, actinobacteria, fungi, protozoa, and rotifers. As stated previously, earthworms are often added to compost piles to help add to the aeration and create drainage tunnels.

Compost can be used for a number of things. It can be used as an additive to soil, coir, and peat to help provide necessary nutrients. It provides an absorbent, porous material that allows for moisture retention and soluble minerals. Compost that is ready will be a dark brown or black color with an earthy smell.

Compost processing can benefit from rotary drying, sizing, size reducing, pelleting, cooling, and material handling. The ONIX Corporation’s processing systems can handle numerous materials and co-products that you may not know what to do with or want a better more effective way to process. We have the ability to work with materials such as, but not limited to, apple pomace, citrus pomace, sludge, alfalfa, bagasse, coffee grounds, sawdust, compost and much more. Our equipment is engineered to fit your specific needs. If you feel that The ONIX Corporation may be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to research more about our alternative fuel systems, including rotary drum dryers and material handling solutions. Whether you’re looking for a new solution to process compost, or something else, it never hurts to give us a call to learn more.