EFFECT OF COMPOSTING HEAT FROM INTERMITTENT AERATED STATIC PILE ON THE ELEVATION OF UNDERGROUND TEMPERATURE

Abstract

Animal wastes are utilized as a compost to promote soil fertility and reduce environmental pollution bydumping. In this study we evaluated the heat transfer effect of composting energy on the elevation of undergroundtemperature, and investigated the stability of matured compost for plant growth. The intermittently aerated composting ofcattle manure with rice hulls in a static pile system is a practical proposition for underground heating of greenhouses bydirect heat transfer through the soil. The underground temperature in the greenhouse during composting was maintainedfrom 17.5C to 32.5C, while the outside underground temperature was 6C to 11.9C. The composition of final productfrom this composting system is similar to that of compost from other systems. The nutrient content of the finished compostis good for use in horticulture. The underground temperature of 20-33C and the chemical composition of the producedcompost are suitable for winter plant growth under protected cultivation.