Publications

Temperature, moisture content, oxygen concentration in the airspace,and C/N ratio are the primary factors affecting the composting process(Haug, R. T. 1993; Ekinci, K., Keener, H.M., & Elwell, D.L. 2002). Theoverall aim of this study is to understand the effect of composting differenttypes of wastes with different weights on temperature and moisture contentduring composting. The experimental trials involve an aerobic composting offishery house wastes, municipal solid waste, banana plantations wastes andcomposted meat. Waste mix ratios were adapted following Carbon toNitrogen formula. The compost material was left for more than 29 days ofwhich more than 24 days of decomposition in barrel followed by 5-7 dayspiled up in open ground space and covered with nylon bags. Temperature attwo depths 25 cm and 50 cm of top compost surface and moisture contentwere monitored throughout the experiments to control turnover frequencyand water addition. A rapid increase in temperature was noticed indicating amarked microbial activity. There was a significant correlation between themoisture content and the temperature distribution within the pile. Highertemperature can be obtained by increasing size of the composting material orincreasing volumetric mixing ratios of compost substrates or by trying othercombinations with higher C/N ratios.