Influence of Loss‐on‐Ignition Temperature and Heating Time on Ash Content of Compost and Manure

Abstract

Abstract Loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) is a simple method for determining ash content, and by reciprocation, organic matter content of compost and manure. However, reported ignition temperatures and heating times for LOI measurements vary widely, and this brings into question the accuracy of one specific combination of ignition temperature and heating time over another. This study examined the effect of 42 temperature‐heating time combinations (six ignition temperatures from 400 to 650°C in 50°C increments by seven heating times of 1, 2, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24‐h) on the ash content of a finished compost and a fresh manure. The experiment included the 550°C for 2‐h method recommended in Test Methods for Evaluation of Compost and Composting. The magnitude of the decrease in ash content due to increase in temperature was not consistent across all heating times. For example, after a 1‐h heating time for compost, ash content was 75.7% at 400°C and 67.5% at 650°C, compared to 69.6% at 400°C and 66.8% at 650°C after 24‐h. Irrespective of heating time, an ignition temperature of 400°C overestimated ash content for both compost and manure compared to the TMECC method. The TMECC method with its moderate temperature and short heating time requirement could reduce energy costs without affecting ash content results. Keywords: Compostmanureash contentloss‐on‐ignition Acknowledgments This article is Lethbridge Research Centre contribution no. 38703081. Paul DeMaere, Brian Handerek, Kala Hooker, and Bobbi Helgason provided technical help. Benjamin H. Ellert reviewed an earlier draft of the paper.