2 APPLICATION OF DATA MINING ON COMPOST MANURE INDUSTRY

CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR THE PRESENT DAY

Abstract
Compost is well rotted organic manure prepared by decomposition of organic matter. Composting is largely a biological process in which micro-organisms of both types, aerobic (require oxygen for deep development) and anaerobic (functions in absence of air or free oxygen), decompose the organic matter and lower down the C:N ratio of refuse. It is an excellent amendment to any soil. It is a source of many nutrients including: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and many others. However, nitrogen is often the main nutrient of concern for most crops. The industry of Compost Manure has a great scope in future. It has some huge indirect benefits to the mankind and must be considered as a serious industry. The production of Compost Manure can be on a small scale or a large scale commercial basis. Large-scale compost production includes municipal and commercial facilities composting high volumes of yard materials and/or food scraps, along with on-farm composting of these materials and animal manure. Other types of large-scale composting include: Static rows or piles that are aerated using perforated tubes or blowers instead of turning. "In-vessel" composting that uses a continuously turning vessel and blower to provide aeration in a building or other facility, a method used to compost sludge or mixed solid waste in addition to yard waste. Vermiculture (composting using worms), which can be done on a small (home) scale or large scale DATA MINING can be employed in Compost manure industry for a number of reasons: Data warehouse can be created to contain all the necessary information like the Volume dumped, materials used, nutrient percentage in each years production, pit volume, output duration, output quality, volume shrunk (from original to output), other crucial factors affecting the vicinity etc. Data can be extracted to know the appropriate size of the pit to be dug for any requirement (small scale/commercial scale) Refuse materials along with the amount can be decided based on the nutrient requirement from the compost manure and requirements of the land where it is to be used. Selected techniques can be applied for compost production by mining the previous data to find most efficient techniques of pit sealing, temperature maintenance etc. Data mining can be done to view the various aspects of compost production process Data mining can be employed to view the profit earnings.

Introduction
The Composting Process Composting is the aerobic (oxygen requiring) decomposition of manure or other organic materials in the thermophilic temperature range of 104 149 F (40 - 65 C). Nature provides an extensive, native population of microorganisms that are generally attached to all organic wastes. When conditions are right, these microbes grow and multiply by decomposing the material to which they are attached. From a scientific viewpoint, the composting process is started and managed under controlled environmental conditions rather than accepting the results of natural, uncontrolled decomposition. The composted material is odourless, fine-textured, and low-moistured and can be used for non-agricultural and agricultural purposes. When managed properly, composting improves the handling characteristics of any organic residue by reducing its moisture content, volume and weight. The process increases the value of raw manures by destroying pathogens and weed seeds and creating a media for the production and proliferation of beneficial organisms. The composting process is a biological one that compares somewhat to the raising of plants or animals. The rate of composting, like the rate of plant or animal growth, can be affected by a number of factors. Four keys factors are: 1. nutrient balance 2. moisture content 3. temperature 4. aeration Nutrient balance is determined primarily by the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the compost mixture. The microorganisms require carbon and nitrogen for growth since these elements are the main components of carbohydrates and

protein. If nitrogen is in excess, large amounts of ammonia will be released to the atmosphere, if carbon is in excess the composting rate will decrease. The moisture content should ideally be 60 percent after organic wastes have been mixed. Maintaining the correct moisture level during the thermophilic (high temperature) phase of composting can be difficult in an open-air windrow system due to dry or wet climatic conditions. When the moisture content exceeds 60 %, the windrows subside and lose porosity thereby becoming anaerobic. Fermentation will set in and odours will be emitted from the material. If the moisture content decreases below 50 %, the rate of decomposition decreases because nutrients must be in solution to be utilized by microorganisms. As the microorganisms decompose organic matter, heat is generated and the temperature of the compost rises. Decomposition is a dynamic process, accomplished by a succession of microorganisms, each group reaching its peak population when conditions are optimum to support that particular group. During the initial days of composting, readily degradable components of the raw material are rapidly metabolized, therefore the need for oxygen is greatest at the early stages and decreases as the process continues. Without sufficient oxygen, the materials become anaerobic. Anaerobic processes are generally slower and less efficient than aerobic processes. Little heat is generated under anaerobic conditions and intermediate compounds such as methane, organic acids, hydrogen sulfide and other odourous compounds are generated. Aeration also removes heat, water vapour and other gases trapped within the composting materials.

The humification of organic material under most conditions occurs in three stages: 1. Mesophilic stage: This is the initial stage of decomposition, lasting for about a week, during which sugars and other simple carbohydrates are rapidly metabolized. This is an exothermic process and may cause an increase in temperature by 40C. 2. Thermophilic stage: This is the second stage, lasting for about two weeks, during which the temperature may rise to about 50 to 75C. Such a drastic increase in temperature is accompanied by the decomposition of cellulose and other resistant materials. It is important that the material be thoroughly mixed and kept aerated during this stage. 3. Curing stage: The temperature decreases during this final stage and the material being composted is recolonized by mesophillic organisms, which often produce plant-growth stimulating compounds. Mesophillic organisms are usually fungal-dominated and useful to restore bacteria dominated soils. At the completion of this process, the plant or other organic parts (leaves, roots, etc.) are no longer identifiable in the compost. The humification of organic material is characterized by an increase in concentration of humic acids from approximately 4 to 12 percent, and a decrease in the C/N ratio from thirty in the original material to about ten in the final product.

Precautionary measures that should be taken include the following: provide good aeration throughout the pile; avoid excessive packing; avoid weed seeds, rhizomatous, and disease-infested materials; do not use by-products containing heavy metals and other contaminants; build pile large enough to generate sufficient heat; keep the pile moist at 50 to 70 percent moisture content; provide a coarse mesh screen at the base of the bin; and Mix bulking agents such as wood chips and residue. In the large-scale composting, the compostable materials are usually placed directly on the ground in orderly rows ("windrows"). The material is turned periodically to mix and aerate it. Aeration helps the microorganisms digest the materials and eventually produce "finished" compost. Other types of large-scale composting include: Static rows or piles that are aerated using perforated tubes or blowers instead of turning. "In-vessel" composting that uses a continuously turning vessel and blower to provide aeration in a building or other facility, a method used to compost sludge or mixed solid waste in addition to yard waste. Vermiculture (composting using worms), which can be done on a small (home) scale or large scale.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Composting Methods Method Windrow Advantages Able to handle large volumes. Low capital investment. Rapid drying with high temperatures. High degree of pathogen and weed seed kill. Drier product, resulting in easier handling of material. Good product stabilization. Able to handle large volumes. Low capital costs. Relatively space-efficient. High degree of pathogen and weed seed kill. Good odour control. Good product stabilization. Disadvantages Not space-efficient. Equipment (varies greatly in price) and labour is required for turning and monitoring. Vulnerable to climate changes (rain, snow, drought). Odours released with turning. Bulking agents might be required. Not space-efficient. Operation and maintenance costs for blowers and fans. Loading and unloading equipment required. Placement of aeration system may present operational difficulties. Vulnerable to climate changes (rain, snow, drought, cold).

Aerated Windrow or Static Pile

In-Vessel

Space-efficient. High capital cost for sophisticated units Good control of composting process with with automated turners, forced air and confinement and automation. monitoring systems. Predictable, uniform product. Careful management required. High degree of pathogen and weed seed Less flexibility in operation than with kill. other methods. Potentially good odour control. Protection from climate. Potentially not visible. Can be designed as a continuous process rather than a batch process.

Key Elements of Composting: Water - Keep the compost just damp. Too much water will ruin your compost. Air - Turn the pile over every few weeks or every 5 to 6 days if using a bin. Size - A compost pile will mature quickest if it is at least one cubic yard. Microorganisms - These help break down the compost material. They come from the soil or old compost you add and from the earth on which the compost pile is built. Land Required For Composting For a typical windrow composting, seven acres is the approximate smallest possible area needed for a 20,000-cubic-yard windrow composting facility. (There are additional regulations for facilities larger than this.) This estimate assumes the finished compost is produced in one year or less and rapidly moved off site. A much larger area would be needed if the materials were turned only infrequently or if portions of the property were unsuitable for the composting operation. It is important to follow state regulations on the siting of large-scale composting facilities to protect surface and groundwater from contamination and avoid other potential hazards and nuisances.

the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in compostable materials; the pH of compostable materials; moisture content; and oxygen content or concentration.

Factors to Consider Important factors in the composting process include: temperature;

ANALYSIS VIA DATA MINING

Many facts can be derived using various techniques of data mining and can be analyzed for future purposes for a more sustained, secure and productive installation of the plant. The facts derived with time on various fields of study are: 1) RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS FOR RAPID COMPOSTING It has been analyzed that the recommended conditions for rapid composting of solid manure are Condition Carbon-tonitrogen ratio (C:N) Moisture content (%) Oxygen concentrations (%) Particle size (diameter centimeters) pH Reasonable Range 20:1 - 40:1 Preferred Range 25:1 - 30:1 Composting is the aerobic (meaning it requires oxygen) decomposition of organic matter that begins with a diverse mixture of organic material. During the composting process, micro-organisms convert raw organic materials into a stable, humus-like product called compost. Finished compost generally varies from dark brown to black in colour, and has a pleasant, earthy odour. The particles are relatively uniform and soil-like in texture. The proportion of humus (relatively stable, carbon-rich residue) increases, and the C:N ratio decreases. The pH (a measure of acidity or alkalinity) is close to neutral and the cation exchange capacity (measure of the nutrient-holding capacity) increases. Composting generally results in a 50 to 70 per cent reduction in volume, and a weight loss in the order of 40 to 80 per cent. Some of the shrinkage and weight loss is due to the transformation of loose, bulky material into finely textured compost and the loss of CO2 and water to the atmosphere. During the process, nitrogen is lost to the atmosphere as ammonia (NH3). In addition, the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are emitted. Despite some losses, composting does retain most of the nutrients provided by the raw material, and stores them as stable organic compounds. While this results in fewer nutrients being immediately available for crop growth, compost's real agronomic value lies in the gradual release of nutrients that are slowly converted from stable organic compounds into available inorganic nutrients, and in its properties as a soil amendment.

45-65 >5

50-60 >5

0.5 - 5.0

0.5 - 2.5

5.5 - 8.0

5.5 - 8.0

Temperature ( 43 - 66 54 - 60 C) *Source: On-Farm Composting Handbook, 1992

2) GENERAL TIME-TEMPERATURE PATTERN FOR COMPOSTING When one group of microorganisms dies, another group populates the composting material until the next incremental change in nutrition and temperature occurs. Since the release of heat is directly related to the microbial activity, temperature is a good process indicator. The temperatures of composting materials typically follow a pattern of a rapid increase to 120 140 F (49 - 60 C) which is maintained for several weeks, a gradual temperature decrease to 100 F (38 C) as active composting slows due to nutrient consumption, and a final leveling off at ambient air temperature. The temperature pattern is generally described in the following graph.

3) EQUIPMENT FOR COMPOSTING There are a variety of compost turners available for small farm operations and larger self propelled turners for custom composting operation. These bring more efficiency and easiness to the job. Most of the equipment is manufactured in the United States although there are a few Canadian manufacturers and distributors. Some styles of turners require that the tractor have a hydrostatic drive or have a creep gear. Some of the newer models are self driven and will pull the tractor when it is in neutral.

Although compost can be turned using a loader, production of quality compost requires the proper equipment. The improper sizing of equipment to perform the function can result in higher cost per tonnes of finished compost. 4) COMPOST SITE DEVELOPMENT Composting ventures on any scale are doomed to failure without preparation of a site for carrying out the process. The location of the composting site should allow easy access, a minimum of travel and materials handling and a firm surface to support vehicles under varying weather conditions. The convenience of a particular site must be weighed against factors such as area, proximity to neighbours, visibility, and drainage and runoff control. To design a composting site, first a preliminary sketch of the compost facility is made showing all key areas. Also the

prevailing wind direction, traffic flow pattern, the land slope, runoff patterns, surrounding land uses and pertinent environmental information such as location of wetlands or water bodies etc are shown. For ground water protection the vertical distance from the compost pad surface to the seasonal high water table is considered. Good drainage is very important. Poor site drainage leads to ponding of water saturated composting materials, muddy site conditions and excessive run-off and leachate from the site. A muddy composting pad is perhaps the most common site-related complaint of composting operators. It is important that the composting operation not be interrupted by rainfall. A soil scientist and an agricultural engineer can be consulted for a site investigation before establishing a composting site. Run-off control beyond planting a grassed infiltration strip may be necessary to avoid polluting surface or ground water. 5) TYPICAL COMPOSTING TIMES For a proper planning of composting, one needs to know the time it will take for the compost to be ready. Data from the past practices can be drilled to analyze the common trends

Method Composting Turnings Time Windrow Typically Can turn if: four months 1) The temperature rises above 60C 2) The temperature drops to near 30C.

Curing Time One to three months. Pile is ready to cure when the temperature remains at a constant ambient temperature, even after turning.

Aerated Static pile

Typically four weeks

Not usually One to two applicable months

In-vessel 7 to 30 days Varies with One to two type of months vessel and turning unit. Continuous automated turners are common with this system.

6) MOISTURE Moisture is essential to nourish the composting bacteria. Mixtures that are too dry will stop the composting process. Piles that are too dense and wet can quickly become smelly and fly-ridden. Experience has shown that the composting process slows when the moisture content drops below 40 per cent. Moisture levels above 65 per cent result in water displacing much of the air in the pore spaces in the compost pile. This condition limits air

movement and results in an anaerobic (lacking oxygen) pile. Maintaining adequate moisture in the preferred 50 to 60 per cent moisture range can be a challenge. The high temperatures associated with the mesophillic stage of composting often result in significant moisture loss, and it may be necessary to add water to the piles in order to maintain adequate moisture. Alternatively, piles that are too wet may require the addition of a dry amendment like straw or wood shavings. Moisture levels can also change throughout the composting process as water is added in the form of rain or snow, or evaporates from the pile. Generally, the moisture content of the pile decreases during composting since more water evaporates from the pile than is added. The pile should be kept thoroughly damp without being waterlogged. A hand test is perhaps the simplest method of determining moisture. The material is too wet if water can be squeezed out of a handful, and too dry if the material does not feel moist to the touch. Ideally, a handful of the material should be able to be squeezed into a ball that will stick together yet break apart easily. Note: If using this method, the compost should be removed from the pile mechanically, or with a shovel, as the compost pile can be extremely hot. Moisture probes are also available.

7) PARTICLE SIZE, POROSITY, STRUCTURE AND TEXTURE Particle size, shape and consistency will affect the composting process by influencing aeration. Essentially, composting will proceed more quickly if you have larger, relatively uniform particles to ensure that there are air spaces throughout the pile. Usually, mixtures of manure and straw are sufficiently bulky to compost successfully. In some cases where the compost materials are very dense, a bulking agent or amendment might be required to ensure that there is enough oxygen for proper composting. Depending on the type of bulking agent, it may have to be mixed or ground to the appropriate size before being added to the compost pile. The structure of the compost pile is important: good structure prevents the loss of porosity (air space) in the pile. As the amount of surface area increases with the decrease in particle size, the rate of aerobic digestion also increases and decomposition proceeds more quickly. However, if particles are too small or lack structure, the process can be slowed. Particle sizes of between 0.5 to 5.0 centimeters are usually adequate for good composting. A pile that heats successfully continues to compost after turning, and is not overly smelly. This is usually indicative of adequate food and oxygen for microbial activity.

8) CURING In addition to the time required for composting, the amount of time required for curing and storage must also be considered. The pile is ready for curing when turning no longer results in an increase in temperature. Curing is the "cool" part of the process, where fungi digest the carbons not degraded during composting and further stabilize the nutrients. This process takes time (one to two months), so the piles should not be disturbed during that period. Compost is considered "finished" based on a number of characteristics that are related to its use and handling. Once cured, the compost can be screened, if necessary, to remove any nondegradable compounds, and should then be analyzed to determine nutrient value. The compost may need to be stored for a period of time, so storage space should be considered when calculating the amount of land required for a composting site. 9) SITE SELECTION Good site selection is very important for the success of a composting site. Producers will need to consider soil type, topography, location of water sources, access for handling and hauling, distance from neighbours, wind direction and aesthetics. Some sites may be suitable for composting with only minimal development, whereas other sites may require more engineering. Operators of facilities that require yearround pen cleaning and stockpiling have to ensure that the stockpile is contained or covered, if necessary. To minimize handling, the composting facility should be located close to the manure source. Even well-managed compost sites generate odour, at least initially, so wind direction and proximity to neighbours should be considered when locating the compost site. Topography is also important.

Avoid locating compost sites on slopes where run-off may be a problem or in depressions where the compost may become saturated with run-off. Generally speaking, the composting and curing sites should be located on clay or till subsurface soils. The compost site should be slightly sloped to allow drainage. Run-off should remain on the property naturally or retention beams can be constructed. In areas with high rainfall, composting facilities may need to be covered in order to prevent excessive run-off or leaching. Proper siting and design will minimize any impact from runoff or leachate on ground and surface waters. Producers should contact the appropriate government ministry to determine the requirements for developing a compost site as part of a manure management plan. The type of composting method chosen will influence the amount of space required. The windrow method requires the most land; aerated windrows or static piles would follow, with in-vessel systems requiring the least amount of space. The pile dimensions will also affect the land requirement. Large piles with low surface-area-to-volume ratios require less land but are more difficult to manage, and will potentially require larger and more specialized equipment. Allow space for stockpiles, runoff containment structures, curing and storage. Curing areas will generally require half as much space as composting areas. Storage requirements will depend on the length of time that the compost will remain at the site. When designing the site, remember to leave enough room to operate equipment in and around the piles. Allow for additional space if a buffer is desired for trees or some other visual barrier.

Determining the Required Area and Layout of the Composting Pad Composting Pad: The area required for the composting pad depends on the volume of material handled, pile/windrow shape and length, and the space needed to maneuver equipment.

A front-end loader turns and moves the compost.

10) COMPOST QUALITY Compost quality can be determined through laboratory tests. Good compost is characterized by a low moisture content, black to dark brown colour, earthy odour, high tilth (due to texture and particle size), and consistent and stable nutrient concentrations. Age, storage conditions and raw materials will also affect the final quality of the product. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the provincial and territorial governments with the assistance of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and the Bureau de Normalization du Quebec on behalf of the Standards Council of Canadahave developed a set of compost quality standards. The standards are based on four criteria: product safety and quality, maturity, foreign matter, and trace elements and pathogens. There is little variation between standards, and they all adhere to the same standard for product safety. Saskatchewan follows the CCME guidelines as outlined :

Curing and Storage: The space requirement for curing and storage is based upon the amount of organic material composted, the pile height and spacing, and the length of time the compost is cured and stored. The volume of compost produced is generally about half the original material being composted. When calculating the area required for curing, allow for the movement and loading of vehicles. Space requires for Composting and Curing Data drilling can provide some estimates of the area required for composting and curing manure from various animal species. The estimates assume the following: Windrows are six ft. (1.8 m) high and 12 ft. (3.7 m) wide; Windrows are grouped in pairs side by side with two ft. (0.6 m) between them; Pairs of windrows are spaced 20 ft. (six m) apart; 10 ft. (three m) is allowed to maneuver around the piles; The curing area occupies of the space of the composting area; and

Classification of Compost Compost Quality Criteria Restrictions to compost application. Category A Compost Can be used for all types of applications: agricultural land, residential gardens, nurseries, and horticulture operations. Arsenic, As 13 Cadmium, Cd 3 Cobalt, Co 34 Chromium, Cr 210 Copper, Cu 100 Mercury, Hg 0.8 Molybdenum, Mo 5 Nickel, Ni 62 Lead, Pb 150 Selenium, Se 2 Zinc, Zn 500 Category A and B Compost Maturity Compost is deemed mature if it meets two of the following: the C:N ratio is 25:1 oxygen uptake rate is 150 mg O2/kg volatile solids/hr germination of cress and radish seeds is > 90% of germination rate of control sample. The manure must be cured for 21 days, and must not reheat upon standing to >20 C above ambient temperature. Compost must not contain any sharp foreign matter >3mm in any dimension that may cause damage or injury to humans, animals and plants during or resulting from its use. The quantity of fecal coliforms must be <1000 MPN/g (Most Probable Number per gram) of total solids on a dry weight basis. No salmonellae present (<3 MPN/4 g total solids). 1. When the oxygen is depleted Anaerobic bacteria take over, and some of their byproducts are phytotoxic, toxic to plant growth, toxic to germinating seeds. Some of these intermediate microbial metabolites are VFA's (Volatile Fatty Acids). Category B Compost Restricted use: may be controlled under the provincial or territorial regulations. Arsenic, As 75 Cadmium, Cd 20 Cobalt, Co 150 Chromium, Cr not stated Copper, Cu not stated Mercury, Hg 5 Molybdenum, Mo 20 Nickel, Ni 180 Lead, Pb 500 Selenium, Se 14 Zinc, Zn 1850

Trace Elements mg/kg (ppm) air dried mass (Maximum allowable concentrations)

Foreign Matter

Pathogens

11) OXYGEN REQUIREMENTS There are two very important reasons to keep compost aerobic, with oxygen levels greater than 15%:

Many of the anaerobic decomposition are foul odors. The above chart shows that with as little as 3" of forced aeration (though massive volume) that oxygen levels can be maintained well above 15%, with forced aeration. Even the core of the pile had an oxygen level of 20.0%. How fast can the microbes consume the oxygen in a compost pile. Two critical factors are: 1. How much pore space there is in the compost, space that stores air, which of course starts out containing about 21% oxygen. 2. The other key factor is how many ACTIVE bacteria and other microbes are working in the pile, consuming whatever oxygen is there. Oxygen depletion monitoring , measuring the oxygen content every five minutes was done to see how fast it can drop when forced aeration is turned off, and recover when the blower is turned back on. The following chart shows the results of one of the studies

Here, it can be observed that the oxygen crashed from 19%, down to 2%, in just 15 minutes from the time the blower was turned off. Once the blower was turned back on, at 20 minutes, the oxygen level recovered to 18% in just 5 minutes. A compost research silo was set up, with forced aeration, with the air going through a Rotameter with a range of 0.5 - 5.0 cfm, enabling to know within 2% of how much air was going into the bottom of that silo. The silo has a sealed lid, and we monitored the oxygen and CO2 in the off-gas

It was found that the air requirements are proportional to the population of active bacteria, and active fungi, working in the compost, the presumed consumers of oxygen and producers of the Carbon Dioxide. The research shows that with the particular compost used in the research, over 3.39 cfm per cubic yard of compost was necessary to hold the CO2 level down to 2.0%. That translates to 181 times the entire volume of the pile of fresh air every day. Less fresh air with the same level of active microbes will mean higher CO2 levels, that will likely suppress the active aerobic bacteria. 12) COMPOSTER SYSTEM SELECTION PROCESS Composting on an aerated static pile composting system was done, but modifying it by enclosing it in ecology blocks. The aerated static pile system was found to be most suitable due to the construction cost and space limitation. Enclosing the static piles with ecology blocks helps insulate the material being composted while also making it easier for the operator to pile wastes and collect the finish product. On performing various analyzing schemes and drilling out the results, various facts were discovered :

13) AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE It was found that the wheat within the field plots with compost was more robust and darker green than the wheat in the alleys. Both the plots and alleys were fertilized the previous fall prior to seeding. In spring, surface soil nitrate levels were low but contrasts showed less soil nitrate in control plots than in the compost plots for 0-15 cm indicating net N mineralization from the composts. In another trial, manure-based compost (Cox, D.B. M.S. thesis, 1998), N was immobilized when the compost was added (112 Mg/ha) without additional N fertilizer. In the study the added N fertilizer probably prevented net N immobilization. Compost increased yield from 5.1 Mg/ha in the control plots to 5.8 Mg/ha in the compost plots . Ash did not affect yield. There were no statistical yield differences between the biosolids and manure-based composts. In a greenhouse trial, (Chen et al. 1996) increased plant biomass and N uptake from biosolids compost was found relative to manure compost when no additional N fertilizer was added. Composts made with low bedding had higher yield than the high bedding composts (6.0 vs. 5.5 Mg/ha). Low bedding composts were mixed with more N-enriched stock (either manure or biosolid) than were the high bedding composts. However, the N concentrations of the finished composts were

similar for both low and high bedding piles (Table 4). Since the field was fertilized adequately in addition to the compost application, yield differences from compost application may relate to moisture, water retention, or other more favorable physical soil properties rather than nutrients. Cox (M.S. Thesis, WSU, 1998) found adding WSU compost to an eroded hilltop (110 Mg/ha) increased water stable aggregation and decreased soil bulk density and soil impedance (two measures of soil compaction). There was no change in soil pH (0-15 cm) from applying 70 Mg/ha compost with pH ranging from 6.7 to 9.2 (data not shown). Cox (M.S. Thesis, WSU, 1998) also found no change in soil pH from a single 110 Mg/ha application of WSU compost. At another research trial, located 3 miles from our study, soil pH increased from 5.7 to 6.6 from a single 224 Mg/ha application of the typical WSU product. The increase in soil pH is still evident three years later. The WSU compost used in these other studies was most similar to the manure + ash low bedding compost in the study.

14) COMPOST SALES INDICATOR The following shows total amounts of organic products (compost, mulch, wood chips, and steer manure) sold to various market segments (i.e. agriculture, horticulture, municipal, etc.) over time for a particular region.

15) LOCAL WASTE DIVERSION INDICATOR This indicator tracks trends in the implementation rate of compost programs by local governments on a statewide basis. The chart below was constructed using data from the CIWMB's Planning Annual Report Information System (PARIS). The PARIS database summarizes the information contained in local jurisdictions' source reduction and recycling elements (SRRE) on a statewide basis. The compost program categories included in the graph were selected from the information available in the PARIS database.

COMPOSTING SUMMARY OF PROS AND CONS Advantages Production of an excellent soil conditioner that adds organic matter, improves soil structure, improves water-holding capacity, reduces fertilizer requirements and reduces potential of soil erosion. Potential market for the composted product i.e. home gardeners, landscapers, vegetable farmers, turf growers, golf courses and ornamental growers. Compost can also be used as bedding for poultry. Reduction in weight and mass, and improvement in handling characteristics. Product can be stored and applied at convenient times of the year since organic N is less susceptible to leaching and further ammonia losses Reduction of the C/N ratio to levels than are more suitable for land application compared to raw manure mixed with straw. Destruction of pathogens and weed seeds. Elimination of odours and flies. Reduction of soil-borne pathogens without the use of chemical controls Potential income from tipping fees for organic waste. Note: composting off-farm wastes must be considered cautiously.

Disadvantages
A suitable site must be developed for composting activities to prevent runoff and leaching of nutrients. The composting site, storage of raw materials and finished compost can occupy a considerable area of land. Cost of equipment, labour and management. Potential odours from stockpiled materials collected for composting. Climatic limitations may require a higher capital investment. Snow and rain can also interfere with composting and building compost piles or windrows. Development of a marketing plan for excess compost. Diversion of nutrients from agricultural land to other uses. Potential loss of nitrogen. Slow release of nutrients due to the higher concentrations of organic nitrogen in compost compared to manure (this could be considered a benefit on soils with poor nutrient retention capacity).

FUTURE SCOPE Composting is a traditional method of waste treatment that means a stabilization of organic matter to be applied to soil. Compost is used in soils as organic amendments but it is necessary to find new properties for compost to increase its value. It is one research field that is increasing is its potential use to control plant pathogens, giving an important value as biofertilizers and biopesticides in ecological agriculture where no chemicals can be used. The research is focused on the potential action of compost as an alternative to chemical fertilizers (application of fresh compost to soil covering, and leaving to raise soil temperature) Future trends are also commented, where it is necessary to delve into the potential uses of compost because it is necessary to develop new demands to open markets for compost, demonstrating their beneficial effects on many aspects such as biofertilizers, biopesticides, etc. Composting immediately gains an additional one million tons of processing capacity, which could allow the companies to develop composting and bagging facilities at its plants throughout the country The policy is to reach the zero waste and to reutilize the different wastes. The organic waste has to be reutilized by their use in agriculture, converting it from waste to resource. The most important pool of organic waste are from agriculture (80%) and the urban life (10%). The organic matter from different waste can be used as organic amendments but it is necessary to stabilize them by composting process The study can be summarized in the way that compost from different origins alters physical,

physical-chemical, chemical and biological properties of the amended soils thus bringing more fertility to the soil which in turn brings positive effects. The organic matter content from compost educes the apparent density of a soil, positively influencing aggregate formation along with stability. It increases the nutrient content, mainly phosphorus and nitrogen, gradually releasing them and making compost more effective than inorganic fertilizers. The use of compost in ecological agriculture as biofertilizer and biological control against plant diseases can give a new dimension to the waste management. Compost will acquire an important role, improving the ecological agriculture. Biofumigation-solarization of soils is a disinfection system that is used against solarization is a non-chemical approach to soil disinfestation.

KEYWORDS Compost- Compost is plant matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment Thermophilic- Requiring high temperatures for normal development, as certain bacteria. Mesophile- A mesophile is an organism that grows best in moderate temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, typically between 25 and 40 C (77 and 104 F). / growing or thriving best in an intermediate environment Humification- formation of humus Humus- refers to any organic matter that has reached a point of stability, where it will break down no further and might, if conditions do not change, remain as it is, humus is sometimes also used to describe mature compost, or natural compost extracted from a forest or other spontaneous source for use to amend soil. Fertilizer- Fertilizers are substances that supply plant nutrients or amend soil fertility. They are the most effective (30 -80 per cent increase in yields) means of increasing crop production and of improving the quality of food and fodder. Data mining- Data mining, a branch of computer science,[1] is the process of extracting patterns from large data sets by combining methods from statistics and artificial intelligence with database management Waterlog- Water logging (agriculture), saturation of the soil by groundwater sufficient to prevent or hinder agriculture By-product- A by-product is a secondary or incidental product deriving from a manufacturing process, a chemical reaction or a biochemical pathway, and is not the primary product or service being produced. A byproduct can be useful and marketable, or it can be considered waste Agronomy- Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, feed, fiber, and reclamation. Agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science. Biofumigation-describes pest and disease suppression by glucosinolate-containing plants arising from the biocidal properties of the glucosinolate hydrolysis products released from incorporated tissues or rotation crops.

References 1) The Composting Process by Kenny Card 2) Compost Manure by Government of Saskatchewan 3) a Departamento de Cristalografa, Mineraloga y Qumica Agrcola, E.U.I.T.A. Universidad de Sevilla, Crta de Utrera km. 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain 4) End-product Quality and Agronomic Performance of Compost Mary F. Fauci1, David F. Bezdicek1, Dan Caldwell2 and Rick Finch2, 1Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and 2Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 Published in Compost Science and Utilization Vol. 1, No. 2 Spring 1999 presented here with permission from jgpress 5) Oxygen Realities in Compost wwwmagicsoil.com 6) www.calrecycle.ca.gov