Composition as It Affects Pathogen Inactivation in Animal Manure-Based Composts

Objective

<OL> <LI> To determine the rate of inactivation of fecal pathogens under varying composting conditions encountered in the field; <LI>To identify the mechanism for pathogen inactivation during composting of animal manures by monitoring chemical and physical parameters in the system; <LI> To evaluate selected management tools during composting of animal manures on inactivation of fecal pathogens.

More information

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This study will investigate pathogen inactivation in composting systems incorporating animal manure as a raw ingredient. Qualitative and quantitative variations in other raw ingredients incorporated into the compost mixture will be evaluated for their influence on pathogen inactivation.<P>

APPROACH: Inactivation of pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp.) in compost bioreactors and static compost piles will be monitored in response to manure type, carbon feedstock, carbon:nitrogen ratio, and compost amendment (ammonium sulfate, hydrogen peroxide). Data collected will assist in the development of expanded guidelines for compost operations where manure is used as a raw ingredient

Investigators

Erickson, Marilyn

Institution

University of Georgia

Start date

2006

End date

2011

Funding Source

Nat'l. Inst. of Food and Agriculture

Project number

GEO01662

Accession number

206357