Year: 1991
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Yard wastes from the City of Chilton and organic wastes \nfrom two industrial firms were combined and composted in a \npilot study. The finished compost was analyzed for: pH, \nnitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, heavy metals, \norganic matter content, and moisture content. Potential \nmarkets within a 50 mile radius of the city of Chilton were \nsurveyed. Two facility design options were evaluated and \ncost of composting using each option was determined. \nPotential for alternative markets (mushroom farming) was also \nevaluated. \nSurvey results suggest that the demand for materials \nsimilar to the compost exists. However, there will be a need \nto convince users of the advantages of compost generated by \nthe city to those materials that are presently being used. \nConsumers may not be willing to pay any more than their \npresent materials costs to purchase the compost. Most \npotential users surveyed had the means to transport and store \ncompost at their facility. \nThe two design options evaluated had different \nobjectives. One was labor intensive, the other was capital \nintensive. The capital intensive option is being recommended \nbecause of the lower overall costs. An estimate of capital \nand processing costs is $17.91/cubic yard of compost. This \ncost is higher than the present disposal methods that the \ncity and industries have for their organic wastes. \nComposting of these wastes is therefore not economically \nfeasible. \nThe compost produced by the project does support \nmushroom growth. Two strains of edible mushrooms did grow on \nthe compost mixture, providing a secondary market for the \nfinished product. This compost and mushroom combination \ncould be used to provide jobs to handicapped workers and \nprovide an outlet for the finished composted product.
Author: Marc E. Marszalek
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3161559573