Characterization of separated pig manure composted with a variety of bulking agents at low initial C/N ratios

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the composting of separated pig manure solids with or without a variety of bulking agents at a low initial C/N ratio (12.5-23.3). Compost stability was investigated using an oxygen uptake rate (OUR) test and compost maturity was investigated using a germination index test. All treatments showed typical patterns of compost temperature. Temperatures above 60 degrees C were achieved by Day 2, followed by a thermophilic phase (50-60 degrees C), which lasted for 1 to 2 weeks followed by a cooling phase. The stability of one of treatments which did not contain any bulking agent - OUR of 25 mmol O-2 kg(-1) OM hour(-1) - was negatively affected by its initial high water content (69%). The addition of a bulking agent and initial water content below 60% were necessary to compost the separated solid fraction of pig manure at a low initial C/N ratio.