Large Semi-Membrane Covered Composting System Improves the Spatial Homogeneity and Efficiency of Fermentation

Xiaoxi Sun, Guangqun Huang, Yuanping Huang, Chen Fang, Xueqin He () and Yongjun Zheng ()
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Xiaoxi Sun: Laboratory of Biomass and Bioprocessing Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Guangqun Huang: Laboratory of Biomass and Bioprocessing Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Yuanping Huang: Laboratory of Biomass and Bioprocessing Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Chen Fang: Laboratory of Biomass and Bioprocessing Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Xueqin He: Laboratory of Biomass and Bioprocessing Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Yongjun Zheng: Laboratory of Biomass and Bioprocessing Engineering, College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-15

Abstract: Homogenous spatial distribution of fermentation characteristics, local anaerobic conditions, and large amounts of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions are common problems in large-scale aerobic composting systems. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a semi-membrane covering on the spatial homogeneity and efficiency of fermentation in aerobic composting systems. In the covered group, the pile was covered with a semi-membrane, while in the non-covered group (control group), the pile was uncovered. The covered group entered the high-temperature period earlier and the spatial gradient difference in the group was smaller compared with the non-covered group. The moisture content loss ratio (5.91%) in the covered group was slower than that in the non-covered group (10.78%), and the covered group had a more homogeneous spatial distribution of water. The degradation rate of organic matter in the non-covered group (11.39%) was faster than that in the covered group (10.21%). The final germination index in the covered group (85.82%) was higher than that of the non-covered group (82.79%) and the spatial gradient difference in the covered group was smaller. Compared with the non-covered group, the oxygen consumption rate in the covered group was higher. The GHG emissions (by 30.36%) and power consumption in the covered group were reduced more significantly. The spatial microbial diversity of the non-covered group was greater compared with the covered group. This work shows that aerobic compost covered with a semi-membrane can improve the space homogeneity and efficiency of fermentation.

Keywords: agricultural engineering; cow manure; trough aerobic composting; turning; environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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