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Re: California Composters Face New Air Pollution Rules



This might convince composting operations that they have to keep the compost aerobic, and turn when the compost needs to be aerated, rather than on a time clock.  What is stink?  Anaerobic gases, that what the smells are. 

"But we turn once a week, whether the compost needs it or not".  No wonder the stuff goes anaerobic and stinks. 

And if it stinks, it is not compost.  Composting is, by definition, an AEROBIC process.  Composting is NOT an anaerobic process.

If "compost" goes anaerobic, what happens to your N?  Lost as ammonia.  So, why do people think "compost" doesn't have adequate N?  Because people who don't understand microbiology have been making and testing "compost".

Why would you think stinky, smelly stuff would be good to grow plants in? 

If the "compost" goes anaerobic, what happens to your S?  Lost as hydrogen sulfide gas.  Yep.  Into the atmosphere.  You gonna grow plants?  After you have lost the fertility as a gas?  

Allowing organic matter to become anaerobic is not a good idea.  Piles must be turned based on temperature and oxygen (or CO2).  Not because the pile is supposed to get turned every second Tuesday.  Asking for trouble. 

Elaine Ingham
President, Soil Foodweb Inc.
www.soilfoodweb.com