The Science of Composting (Hardcover)

Preface
Composting: A Prospective
Composting and Recycling
History
Philosophical Aspects and the Future of Composting in the United States
Advantages and Disadvantages of Composting
Conclusion
References

Basic Concepts
Introduction
Oxygen and Aeration
Moisture
Temperature
Nutrients: Carbon, Nitrogen, pH
Summary
References

Microbiology
Introduction
Microbial Populations
Temperature
Moisture
Nutrients
Inoculants
Summary
References

Biochemistry
Introduction
Organic Matter
Biochemical Manifestations Occurring during Composting
Biochemical Manifestations Occurring When Compost Is Applied to Soil
Humus Formation
Summary
References

Stability, Maturity, and Phytotoxicity
Introduction
Stability and Maturity:
Chemical Methods
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C/N)
Nitrogen Species
pH
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Organic Chemical Constituents
Humification Parameters Humification Index
Relative Concentrations of Humic Acid to Fulvic Acid
Humic Substance
Functional Groups
Optical Density Physical Methods
Temperature and Heat Output
Color, Odor, Structure and Specific Gravity
Plant Assays
Microbiological Tests and Activities Respiration-Carbon Dioxide Evolution
Respiration-Oxygen Uptake
Microbial Changes
Enzyme Activity Phytotoxicity
Summary
References

Trace Elements, Heavy Metals, and Micronutrients
Introduction
Essentiality and Toxicity Arsenic (As)
Boron (B)
Cadmium (Cd)
Copper (Cu)
Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Molybdenum (Mo)
Nickel (Ni)
Selenium (Se)
Zinc (Zn)
Occurrence in the Environment
Environmental Consequences Leachate Characteristics of Compost
Soil-Plant Interactions Type of Trace Element and Chemical State
Soil Acidity
Organic Matter
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Reversion to Unavailable Forms
Other Aspects
Effect of Compost on Trace Element Uptake
Summary
References


Organic Compounds
Introduction
Organic Compounds in Various Compost Materials and Feedstocks
Fate of Organic Compounds during Composting
Reactions and Movement of Toxic Organics in Soil
Uptake by Plants and Potential Entry into the Food Chain
Conclusion
References

Pathogens
Introduction
Primary Pathogens in Wastes and Compost
Worker Health Risks of Solid Waste Composting
The Effect of Composting on Pathogen Destruction
Survival of Pathogens in Soils and on Plants
Conclusions
References

Bioaerosols
Introduction
Aspergillus Fumigatus
Morphology
Pathogenicity
Occurrence in the Environment
Occurrence in and Around Composting Facilities
Dickerson, Maryland
Site II, Maryland
Westbrook, Maine
Windsor, Ontario
Hampton Roads, Virginia
Beltsville, Maryland
Camden, New Jersey
Yard Waste Composting Facilities
MSW Composting Facility
Other Studies
Endotoxin and Organic Dusts
Conclusions
References

Odors and Volatile Organic Compounds
Introduction
Odorous Compounds and Odors Emitted by Composting Facilities
Volatile Organic Compounds
Air Dispersion Modeling for Composting Facilities
Regulatory Models
Model Parameters
Gassian Dispersion and Dispersion Parameters
Treatment of Terrain
Reliability of Model Results
Peak-to-Mean Conversion for Assessing Odor Impacts
Examples of Dispersion Modeling for Composting Facilities
Conclusion
References

Soil Physical and Chemical Manifestations
Introduction
Effect of Compost Application on Soil Physical Properties
Soil Structure
Bulk Density
Soil Strength
Water Relations-Soil Water Retention and Available Water to Plants
Runoff and Soil Erosion
Soil Temperature
Effect of Compost Application on Soil Chemical Properties
Cation Exchange Capacity
Soil pH
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Nitrogen Availability in Soil
Nitrogen Leaching
Summary
References

Utilization of Compost
Introduction
Horticulture
Ornamental
Flowering and House Plants
Sod Production and Turf Grass Establishment
Agricultural Crops
Field Crops
Vegetable Crops
Silviculture
Conclusion
References

Compost Utilization II
Introduction
Plant Pathogen Destruction during Composting
Plant Disease Suppression
Biofiltration
Basic Concepts
Moisture Content
pH
Nutrients
Temperature
Microbiology
Application
Summary
References

Regulations
Introduction
Concepts and Approaches to Regulations
United States
Federal Regulations
State Regulations in the United States
New York
Tennessee
Composting Facility General Requirements
Facility Design and Construction
Compost Standards
California
Canada
Europe
Austria
Denmark
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Criteria for Compost Quality and Facility Design: Compost
Quality Criteria
Facility Design Criteria
Conclusion
References

Index