Chapter 3
Bio-augmented Composting of Organic
Wastes in Villages and Towns
Abstract Composting technology of wastes has been applied in Chinese farming
activities long before while it was not scientifically discussed until 1920. Composting is a method of decomposing, maturing and transforming complex soil organic
matters into stable similar humus soil through manual control under the biochemical
action of microorganisms. The method can be divided into thermophilic aerobic and
low-temperature anaerobic composting according to the mechanism of bacteriolysis.
Based on composting mode, there are open-air composting and mechanical composting. The composting process plays an important part in safely treating the organic
wastes and improving soil fertility. Composting can also provide nutrients for plant
growth and increase the capability of soil for retaining minerals.
3.1 Overview
3.1.1 Composting Process
The composting process is divided into four steps: (1) pre-treatment. In the step,
massive inorganic impurities are eliminated and then the wastes are crushed and
screened to attain homogeneous particles which show optimal moisture content of
45–60% and the C/N ratio about (20–30): (1) On the condition of not satisfying the
requirement, sludges or feces can be doped; (2) fermentation. On the condition of
having suitable temperature, moisture and oxygen, aerobiotic or anaerobic microorganisms are rapidly multiplied, causing organic matters to be decomposed to thus
further result in the transformation of various matters into harmless fertilizer; (3)
maturation. The step keeps the quality of fertilizer stable, and the fertilizer can be
applied after being fully matured; (4) storage or disposal. The acquired fertilizers are
stored while waste fertilizers are subjected to landfill disposal.
Figure 3.1 displays the air motion in static compost pile. Heat is generated due to
the degradation of organic matters in the pile. Therefore, hot air flows upwards the
upper part of the pile while the fresh air flows into the pile from the bottom to thus
form convection, guaranteeing the oxygen supply of the pile. Additionally, the wind
and diffusion effect also can bring a part of oxygen for the pile.
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
M. Li et al., Differentiated Resourceful Utilization of Rural Organic Wastes,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2712-8_3
63
Bio-augmented Composting of Organic
Wastes in Villages and Towns
Abstract Composting technology of wastes has been applied in Chinese farming
activities long before while it was not scientifically discussed until 1920. Composting is a method of decomposing, maturing and transforming complex soil organic
matters into stable similar humus soil through manual control under the biochemical
action of microorganisms. The method can be divided into thermophilic aerobic and
low-temperature anaerobic composting according to the mechanism of bacteriolysis.
Based on composting mode, there are open-air composting and mechanical composting. The composting process plays an important part in safely treating the organic
wastes and improving soil fertility. Composting can also provide nutrients for plant
growth and increase the capability of soil for retaining minerals.
3.1 Overview
3.1.1 Composting Process
The composting process is divided into four steps: (1) pre-treatment. In the step,
massive inorganic impurities are eliminated and then the wastes are crushed and
screened to attain homogeneous particles which show optimal moisture content of
45–60% and the C/N ratio about (20–30): (1) On the condition of not satisfying the
requirement, sludges or feces can be doped; (2) fermentation. On the condition of
having suitable temperature, moisture and oxygen, aerobiotic or anaerobic microorganisms are rapidly multiplied, causing organic matters to be decomposed to thus
further result in the transformation of various matters into harmless fertilizer; (3)
maturation. The step keeps the quality of fertilizer stable, and the fertilizer can be
applied after being fully matured; (4) storage or disposal. The acquired fertilizers are
stored while waste fertilizers are subjected to landfill disposal.
Figure 3.1 displays the air motion in static compost pile. Heat is generated due to
the degradation of organic matters in the pile. Therefore, hot air flows upwards the
upper part of the pile while the fresh air flows into the pile from the bottom to thus
form convection, guaranteeing the oxygen supply of the pile. Additionally, the wind
and diffusion effect also can bring a part of oxygen for the pile.
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
M. Li et al., Differentiated Resourceful Utilization of Rural Organic Wastes,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2712-8_3
63