Compost

Compost is soil produced by the composting process. It is usually rich in soluble nitrogen compounds, primarily calcium nitrate.

Uses

• Compost is a superb vegetable fertilizer.
• Compost is used in the production of saltpeter.

Natural occurrence

Compost is a bioproduct, and occurs in small amounts anywhere herbivore manure and/or large amounts of dead vegetable matter are left alone to decompose in an environment conducive to the right bacteria.

Production

Variables

The primary variables are

1. Carbon:Nitrogen ratio. (25)

   Ideal nitrate production occurrs near a C:N ratio of 25.

2. Moisture. (40%)

   Ideal nitrate production occurrs near 40% moisture content.

3. Heat retention.

   The composting process is maximally effective between 32°C and 54°C. Often an average 45°C is the target. Maintaining this temperature while allowing free access to oxygen can be a challenge unless there is sufficient insulation. Piles with a cross section near 2m×2m and a length of over 2m will usually be able to maintain the right temperature in spring, summer, and fall.

4. Aeration

   Keeping the availability of O₂ high. Anaerobic activity late in the composting process causes denitrification: expelling nitrogen as N₂ rather than retaining it as heteromolecules. This is to be avoided if at all possible.

Process

Produce and aerate a large (2m cube) pile of herbivore manure and vegetable matter approximately (C:N = 25, moisture% = 20-40) and let it sit for several warm months.

See Also

• Ammonia biofiltration
• Posmanik, Roy; Gross, Amit; et al (2013) "Integrated biological treatment of fowl manure for nitrogen recovery and reuse"
  Journal of Environmental Management 117; pp172-179. Elsevier
  link last accessed 2-oct-2013.
• Audra, 222 Ramona Place, Camarillo, CA, (805) 482 5702; Organic Horse Manure Compost, All you can eat :)