Composting of high moisture content swine manure with corncob in a pilot-scale aerated static bin system

Pilot composting experiments of swine manure with corncob were conducted to evaluate the performance of the aerated static bin composting system. Effects of temperature control (60 and 70 degrees C) and moisture content (70% and 80%) were monitored on the composting by measuring physical and chemical indexes. The results showed that (1) the composting system could destroy pathogens, converted nitrogen from unstable ammonia to stable organic forms, and reduced the volume of waste; (2) significant difference of NH4+-N (P-12 = 0.074), and (NO3- + NO2-)-N (P-12 = 0.085) was found between the temperature control treatments; (3) anaerobic reaction in the treatment with 80% moisture content resulted in significant difference of pH (P-23 = 0.006), total organic matter (P-23 = 0.003), and germination index (P-23 = 0.040) between 70% and 80%. Therefore, the optimum initial moisture content was less than 80% with the composting of swine manure and corncob by using the composting system. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.