Anaerobic composting

Anaerobic composting

1. UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, BENGALURU . COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, HASSAN . COURSE : COMMERCIAL COMPOST PRODUCTION CMA 406 (0+5) Submitted to: Submitted by: Dr. Bhyrappanavar, Professor and Head Vivek. S Dr. Jayaramaiah. R . Associate Professor ALH5089 Dr. Pramod. G, Asst. Professor IV Bsc (Ag) Dr. Naveenkumar. B. T, Asst. Professor COA, Hassan. Dept. Of Agronomy, COA Hassan.

2. ANAEROBIC COMPOSTING TECHNIQUES

3. COMPOSTING The process of decomposing the organic waste is called composting. The decomposed material is called compost . It is essentially a microbiological decomposition of organic residues collected from rural area or urban area. Composting can be carried out under both aerobic and anaerobic condition.

4. Anaerobic composting In this decomposition occurs in the absence of oxygen or under the limited supply of oxygen. Anaerobic microorganisms dominate. They produce the intermediate compounds like methane, organic acids, hydrogen sulphide and other substances. These substances have strong odour and some are phytotoxic. It is a low temperature process.

5. Anaerobic Microbiology The anaerobic microbiology mainly involves three group of microorganisms. They are – Methanobacterium Methanococcus Methanospirillum In microbiology they are of different types such as Cocci, Bacilli, Spirilli and sarcina.

6. Anaerobic Composting techniques Bangalore Method : This method of composting was developed at IISc, Bangalore by Acharya in 1939. Composting substrate are not turned. This method is suitable in areas with scanty rainfall. Time involved in production of finished compost is much longer.

7. Steps Involved : Trenches or pits of 1m depth, convenient length and breadth are dug. Organic residues and dung and urine soaked mud are put in alternate layers. These layers are repeated in order at least 1.5-2m above ground level. It is left exposed without covering for 15 days. Then it is plastered with earth or mud of 1cm thick. It takes about 6-8 months to get finished product. It is the bulkiest compost.

8. The size of the pit may be decided based on number of cattle No of cattle Length (m) Breadth (m) Depth (m) 2 – 5 6.5 1 1 6 – 10 8 1.2 1 11 – 20 10 1.4 1 >20 10 1.6 1

9. MERITS : Turning not required. Simple and easy to manipulate. Efficient use of moisture. High manure recovery. Pathogen and weed free manure. DEMERITS: Long duration. Low nutrient recovery.

10. Coimbatore method: Dig the pit of 1.2m width, 0.9m depth and 5 -7m length in a shady place. Farm waste are spread on bottom of the pit. Apply the cow dung slurry and 1 kg of powdered bone meal uniformly over it. Fill the trench in the same way until material rises 50 cm above the ground level. Sprinkle the water at regular intervals. The material is taken out of the pit after 2 months. Water is sprinkled and thoroughly mixed.

11. Then it is heaped under the shade and left undisturbed. Occasionally sprinkle the water over it. The compost will be ready in 6 – 7 months. Rate of decomposition is faster as the turnings are given. Nutrient content is high. Here anaerobic decomposition is followed by aerobic fermentation.

12. Chinese pit method : Here composting is carried out in corner of the field in circular or rectangular pits. The pits are filled layer by layer each layer being 15cm thick. First layer is of Green manure. Second later is of Straw. Third layer is of Animal dung. These layers are alternated until pit is full. Then it is plastered with the mud.

13. The water layer of 4cm depth is maintained on suface . This creates anaerobic condition. First turning is given 1 month after filling and Superphosphate is added. Second turning is given after second month . Third turning is given 2-3 weeks after second turning. The material is allowed to decompose for three months. It produces about 8 tonnes of compost per pit.

14. CONCLUSION Composting helps in the bioremediation of wastes. It provides inputs for Sustainable agriculture. Anaerobic composting helps in eliminating the weed seeds and pathogens. The nutritive value is less compared to synthetic fertilizers. Compared to Aerobic decomposition the energy and CO2 released in Anaerobic decomposition is less.

15. COMPOST IS LIKE INFORMATION... IT DOES NO GOOD UNLESS YOU SPREAD IT

16. REFERENCES TNAU A gri portal Composting techniques – THANK YOU