ARS | Publication request: AEROBIC COMPOSTING OF SWINE MANURE SOLIDS MIXED WITH COTTON GIN WASTE

Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: July 9, 2006
Publication Date: July 12, 2006
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/19169
Citation: Vanotti, M.B., Millner, P.D., Szogi, A.A., Campbell, C.R., Fetterman, L.M. 2006. Aerobic composting of swine manure solids mixed with cotton gin waste. Paper # 06-4061 In: Proceedings of the 2006 ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 9-12, 2006, Portland, Oregon. 12 p.

Technical Abstract: Treatment technologies are needed that can produce value-added products from manure solids removed from confined livestock facilities. This project demonstrated and evaluated a centralized solids processing facility that aerobically composted separated swine manure solids. The solids were combined with cotton gin waste and wood chips to balance the nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) and optimize the composting process. This project was part of an agreement between the Attorney General of North Carolina and swine producers Smithfield Foods, Premium Standard Farms, and Frontline Farmers to identify and evaluate cleaner technologies that could replace current waste treatment anaerobic lagoons. The facility produced quality composts that conserved 95-100% of the nitrogen and other nutrients into a stabilized product that met EPA Class A biosolids standards due to low pathogen levels. The composts were used for manufacture of soil amendments, organic fertilizers, and potting soil. Results from this project have demonstrated that manure and other agricultural wastes can be transformed into value-added products using a simple, effective technology.