Stability Evaluation of Mixed Food Waste Composts

As interest in food waste composting grows, so does the need for proven composting methods. Stability testing has been proposed as a compost quality assurance tool. We conducted this study to: (i) to evaluate the efficacy of simple outdoor composting methods in producing a compost with a low, stable decomposition rate, and (ii) to determine the reliability of simple, 4-h compost stability evaluation methods. Composting was conducted outdoors in winter and spring in Eugene, Oregon without moisture addition. Mixed food waste was combined with screened dairy solids and ground yard trimmings. Sawdust was used to cover windrows for the first 27 d of composting. Compost windrow temperatures remained above 55°C for 30+ d. Carbon dioxide evolved with several 4-h test methods was strongly correlated (r² > 0.7) with CO₂ evolved using a 48-h test. A limited-turn windrow (LTW) composting system produced compost with slightly greater stability than a passively aerated windrow (PAW) composting system. Food waste compost samples had a low CO₂ evolution rate after 71 to 99 d using either composting system. Compost CO₂ evolution rate at 25°C decreased with composting time, reaching approximately 1 to 4 mg CO₂-C g compost C^?1 d^?1 for the PAW method and 0.5 to 2 mg CO₂-C g compost C^?1 d^?1 for the LTW method. Putrescible organic matter in food waste was effectively decomposed in outdoor windrows using composting methods that did not employ forced aeration, self-propelled windrow turners, or manufactured composting vessels. Several 4-h stability tests showed promise for implementation as quality assurance tools.     

MSW Compost Reduces Nitrogen Volatilization During Dairy Manure Composting

Manures lose N through volatilization almost immediately after deposit. Attempts to control losses include the addition of a C source to stimulate nitrogen immobilization. Composting is a treatment process that recommends the addition of carbonaceous materials to achieve a C:N ratio of 30:1 to stimulate degradation and immobilize nitrogen. Dairies near cities may be able to reduce N loss from manures by composting with urban carbonaceous residues such as municipal solid waste (MSW) or MSW compost that, by themselves, have little agronomic value. Studies were conducted using a self-heating laboratory composter where dairy solids were mixed with MSW compost to determine the reduction of N loss during composting. One-to-one mixtures (v/v) of dairy manure solids and MSW compost were composted and NH₃ volatilization, CO₂ evolution and temperatures were compared to composting of manure alone. Addition of MSW compost resulted in increased CO₂ evolution and reduced N loss. Nitrogen loss from composting dairy manure alone was four to ten times greater than that from composting dairy manure mixed with MSW compost. Adjustment of the C:N ratio to 25 by adding MSW compost to manure appeared to be the major factor in reducing N losses.     

Maturity and Stability Evaluation of Composted Yard Trimmings

The objective of this research was to evaluate a variety of stability and maturity indices for yard trimmings compost produced in the Puget Sound region of western Washington State. Compost samples were collected periodically during a 133-d composting cycle at a commercial composting facility, showing that indices of compost respiration rate were sensitive indicators of compost quality. All respiration rate indices identified a period of high respiration rates during active composting (first 27 d), and a period of relatively stable respiration rates during the latter part of curing (70 to 133 d). Chemical tests of compost solids showed less promise as maturity indicators, but provided valuable information on final compost quality. Mature yard trimmings compost had a C:N of 12, an NH₄-N to NO₃-N ratio of less than 4, a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 400 cmol per kg of compost-C, and a pH between 6.5 and Seed germination tests and sensory tests (color and odor) were of limited value in assessing compost maturity. Fully-cured compost produced with forced aeration had a Solvita CO₂ test value of 6 to 7 and a respiration rate via the alkaline trap method of 2 mg CO₂-C g compost-C^?1 d^?1. It reheated less than 2°C in an insulated Dewar flask in a 7 d incubation. Further evaluation and calibration of respiration test protocols for compost quality assurance testing programs are recommended.     

Changes in Thermophilic Bacteria Population and Diversity during Composting of Coal Fly Ash and Sewage Sludge

The thermophilic bacteria in compost made from coal flyash-amended sewage sludge were isolated and identified using theBiolog system to investigate the effect of coal fly ash on thethermophilic decomposition of sewage sludge during composting. Atotal of 8 species of Bacillus were isolated from thecompost and Bacillus brevis was the dominant speciesduring the entire composting process. The present resultsdemonstrate that the Biolog system is a fast and simple methodfor identifying bacterial species in compost, provided thatoptimum conditions could be achieved for the Bacillusculture. Adding coal fly ash as an amendment did not change thedominant bacteria species during composting, but decreased thepopulation and diversity of thermophilic bacteria species due tothe high alkalinity and salinity. Fewer thermophilic bacteriawere detected in ash-amended sewage sludge compost than insludge compost. There was also reduced metabolic activityobserved in the ash-amended sludge compost from the data ofCO₂ evolution and weight loss. Although ash amendmentdemonstrated a negative effect on the population and diversityduring thermophilic phase, it did not cause any significanteffect on compost maturity.     

Assessing How the Ratio of Barley Mash to Wood Chips in Compost Affects Rates of Microbial Processing and Subsequent Vegetable Yield

The composting of food waste coupled with urban agriculture presents an opportunity to increase nutrient recycling in urban ecosystems. One potential constraint limiting the expansion of aerobic food waste composting is the availability of carbon-rich recalcitrant materials, such as wood chips. We measured the differences in nutrient retention throughout the compost life cycle for different mixtures of barley mash to wood chips, to assess whether composting using proportionally less wood chips would lead to higher nutrient recycling rates. Nine compost piles (1 m³) were constructed at varying ratios barley mash to wood chips, ranging from 10:90 to 90:10. During the composting process, the 50:50 mixture maintained internal temperatures above 55°C for 30 days, with drop-offs as mixtures diverged in either direction. Food waste content was positively related to internal moisture and CO₂, and negatively related to internal O₂, throughout the ensuing 3 months. The finished compost was used in raised-bed garden plots during the following summer. Yields of arugula and tomatoes increased with compost barley mash content, saturating at high levels. Across all treatments, <5% of N and <2% of P were recycled from barley mash into new vegetable production. Although the maximum amount of nutrients was recycled using high barley mash compost, these treatments also had lower nutrient recycling efficiency compared to intermediate mixtures. These results indicate that the use of wood chips in composting increases the efficiency nutrient retention from food waste and in turn enhances nutrient recycling in urban environments.     

Composting of Crucifer Wastes Using Geotextile Covers

Composting trials were undertaken in 1994 – 996 in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, to study the feasibility of using crucifer or carrot residues with sawdust or straw for composting. Geotextile covers were tested for their influence on different parameters of the composting process. Two complete composting cycles from fall to summer were monitored. Measurements were taken for compost temperature, moisture, and leachate. Chemical analyses were performed on compost samples. Phytotoxicity tests were done with compost leachate samples. The results indicated that temperatures of covered compost (CC) decreased more slowly during late fall and early winter than non-covered compost (NC). In addition, CC did not freeze to as great a depth during the winter, and warmed earlier and faster than NC in the spring. The moisture content of CC was significantly lower than in NC at the end of both composting cycles. CC had a higher mineral content than NC in both cycles, and the levels of total N, P, K and NO₃ were significantly higher for CC in the second cycle. The carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of CC decreased earlier and reached a lower level at the end of the composting cycle. The quantity of leachate from CC was significantly reduced compared to NC in the second cycle. Compost leachate in both treatments showed a high level of phytotoxicity at the beginning of the composting cycle. However, there was no evidence that compost covers influenced the phytotoxicity in leachate throughout the composting cycle. The use of covers could translate into economic or environmental benefits for most composting operations.     

Effect of Feeding Regime on Composting in Bins

Composting in bins is one of the most practical home composting methods. There is currently a need for greater information to improve the management of the composting process and to create home composting programs, which ensure sustainable production of high quality compost. This study investigates how two aspects of the bin feeding regime—the feeding frequency and the amount of waste applied at each feed—influence the process's evolution and the quality of the compost. Compost bins were assayed after introducing the same amount of kitchen and garden waste according to three different frequencies: in a single batch, weekly, or every 3 weeks. A fourth treatment was applied to calculate the potential waste reduction achieved by the composting process, filling the bins to the brim on a weekly basis. Temperature, mass, and volume changes; the microbial diversity (by Biolog); and gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and NH₃) were all determined during the process. At the end of the experiment, all of the composts were weighed and characterized. Results show that the main differences were very dependent on the quantity of waste provided. Large amounts of waste were added increasing the compost's temperature and maturity during the process, while slightly affecting the salinity and phytotoxicity of the final compost but without any clear effects on microbial diversity and gas emission. Therefore, from a technical point of view, the shared use of compost bins among several households (community composting) is preferable to individual use.     

Chemical Amendments and Process Controls To Reduce Ammonia Volatilization During In-House Composting

Composting inside high-rise, caged layer facilities can produce atmospheric ammonia (NH₃) concentrations exceeding standards for human and poultry health. Control measures that reduce NH₃ volatilization are necessary for in-house composting to be sustainable. Due to differences specific to in-house composting — low carbon to nitrogen ratios of composting material, continuous manure addition, and frequent turning — it is not known whether NH₃ control measures used previously for poultry manure will work. The objectives of this study were to evaluate various amendment and process controls on NH₃ produced during simulated in-house composting in the lab, and to evaluate select chemical control measures during composting inside a high-rise layer facility. Ten amendments (aluminum sulfate; chloride salts of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and potassium; gypsum; sodium bisulfate; zeolite (clinoptilolite); straw; and cellulose) and four process controls (moisture; temperature; turning frequency; and particle size) were evaluated in lab incubations in 1 L vessels wherein samples of poultry manure compost were incubated to simulate composting. Vials of boric acid solution were used to capture NH₃ evolved during incubations. With the exception of zeolite and cellulose, all amendments reduced NH₃ capture. Low moisture and temperature also reduced NH₃ capture, although managing temperature and moisture to achieve low NH_g would adversely impact microbial activity and other desired benefits of composting. When evaluated inhouse, aluminum sulfate, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride did not reduce NH evolution from compost measured on three different dates with a gas sensor. Spatial variability along treated segments of windrow apparently masked amendment effects. At the end of a six-week composting cycle, total nitrogen content was higher in compost treated with aluminum sulfate than control or chloride salt treatments. Aluminum sulfate and process controls such as moisture content, carbon source and particle size have potential to reduce NH₃ loss from poultry manure composted inside high-rise layer structures. In-house compost management to reduce NH₃ volatilization must consider the cost of amendments, effectiveness, and impacts on the composting process.     

Evaluation of Changes in CEC During Composting

Changes in cation exchange capacity (CEC) during composting were evaluated with respect to compost amending, and compost processing. CEC_dm (CEC on dry matter basis), CEC_om (CEC on organic matter basis), and CEC_C (CEC on carbon basis) are parameters used for describing properties of composts. In this study effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was determined during drum composting; sampling from the infeed (FM) and the outfeed (DC0), and during curing in experimental heaps; sampling when the compost was turned first time (DC1), second time (DC2), and third time (DC3). The ECEC_dm was 18.1 (cmol+/kg) in FM, 35.5 in DC0 and 70.5 in DC3; this rise in ECEC_dm being beneficial from compost amendment standpoint. The ECEC_om was 20.6 (cmol+/kg) in FM, 41.5 in DCO and 89.8 in DC3, whereas ECEC_C was 39.3 (cmol+/kg) in FM, 77.2 in DCO and 183.1 in DC3. When ECEC was expressed on carbon mole basis (ECEC_molC), it was c. 0.5 (cmol+/Cmol) in FM, c. 0.9 in DC0 and c. 2.2 in DC3. These changes in ECEC_om, ECEC_C and ECEC_molC are valuable from the compost quality standpoint. Because the basis of CECdm, as well as, of CEC_om and CEC_C, is affected by composting, they can not be used in determining the effects of composting on the actual number of CEC sites. The amount of ash is not affected by composting, and thus ash basis can be used for determining the effects of composting on the actual number of cation sites. It was shown in this study, that during composting of manure the actual number of effective cation exchange sites increased from DC1 to DC3 by 34 percent, whereas at the same time ECEC_dm, ECEC_om and ECEC_C increased by 99 percent, 116 percent, and 137 percent, respectively. Based on CEC data reported in this paper and in compost literature, it was concluded, that changes in the number of CEC sites due to composting is overemphasized, when unanchored CEC_dm, CEC_om or CEC_C is used.     

Enzymatic activity as a parameter for the characterization of the composting process

Enzymatic activity (EA) was explored as a possible tool for composting characterization. Three composts (yard wastes, cotton wastes and a mixture of the two) were sampled during different phases of the process and divided in two fractions. The first was immediately analysed for microbial biomass C (B_C) and EAs (β-glucosidase, arylsulphatase, acid and alkaline phosphatase). The second fraction was air-dried prior to analysis for the same EAs and for organic C (C_ORG), total N (N_TOT), dissolved organic C (DOC), extractable C (C_E) and humic-like C (C_H).B_C decreased throughout the composting period (149 days), whereas EA in moist fractions stabilized between 50 (β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase) and 90 (arylsulphatase, acid phosphatase) days of composting.EA was always reduced by air‐drying (β-glucosidase: 40-80%; arylsulphatase: 10-50%; acid phosphatase: 10-70%; alkaline phosphatase: 50-90%), but this effect was less prominent as composting proceeded, especially for β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase.EA in air-dried samples displayed the same trend as in moist ones, except that there was a marked difference (47-66%) between initial and final activities of all four enzymes.EAs in air‐dried compost and content of humic-like substances showed a similar trend: a marked increase in the first 90 days of the process and no significant variations afterwards. This suggests that the formation of humic-enzymatic complexes has taken place and indicates that this process occurs almost totally during the first stage of composting.EA steadiness in air-dried samples occurred concurrently with the achievement of compost stability, as indicated by the conventional indexes (i.e. C_H, C_ORG/N_TOT). Therefore, the development of a stable enzyme activity in air-dried compost could represent a simple measure of compost stabilization in routine analysis of composting process.     

Comparison of a gas detection tubes test with the traditional alkaline trap method to evaluate compost stability

Compost stability is an important parameter of compost quality. Among tests proposed to evaluate compost stability, microbial respiration is one of the better accepted tests. Variations in rates of CO₂ evolution during composting were studied in two pilot pruning waste piles using a windrow composting system. To measure the CO₂ production rate, two methods were compared: the alkaline trap test and gas detection tubes. Both respiration tests indicated increasing compost stability with processing time, but CO₂ evolution rates from the alkaline trap method were higher than values from the gas detection tube method. A first-order kinetic equation was used to describe CO₂ evolution over time. A linear relationship (r=0.81, p<0.01) was found between the two methods. Although both methods could distinguish unstable compost from stable compost, CO₂ detection tubes were easier to use and gave results in a shorter period of time.     

Physical,Chemical and Biological Properties of an Accelerated Cassava Based Compost Prepared Using Different Ratios of Cassava Peels and Poultry Manure

Monitoring the physical, chemical and biological properties during accelerated composting enables concise determination of its stability and maturity. Determination of physical parameters such as pH, moisture and temperature, chemical parameters such as total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic matter and humic acid as well as biological parameters such as microbial count and carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolution was carried out during a four (4) week composting period, The trend observed for pH showed the mesophilic and thermophilic phases and a similar trend was observed for the compost temperature. Intermittent increase and decrease was observed for total N, P, K as well as for the fungal and bacterial population. A direct relationship was observed among the bacterial population, CO₂ evolution and humic acid. However, composting for four (4) weeks produced a stable compost, which was evident through the physical observation of the final product and the results obtained for the chemical and biological parameters.     

二氧化锰对微好氧堆肥腐熟、温室气体及臭气排放的影响

为探究锰矿物添加对微好氧堆肥过程腐熟、温室气体和臭气排放的影响,以由厨余垃圾、水稻秸秆、羊粪和尾菜组成的多元混合物料堆肥为研究对象,共设3个处理,采用间歇通风方式,将通风速率为0.14 L/（kg·min）设置为好氧堆肥对照（CK）,速率为0.06 L/（kg·min）为微好氧处理（T1）,添加二氧化锰（MnO₂）的微好氧处理为T2。结果表明：多元废弃物好氧或微好氧堆肥在堆制70 d后均能腐熟,但T2处理腐熟度显著高于T1。微好氧处理T1、T2减少了26.47%～30.29%的NH₃和33.19%～38.60%的N₂O的排放,总温室效应减少了29.26%～31.38%。臭气的排放集中在前14 d,T1、T2处理的H₂S和VOCs的释放量显著增加了320.35%～501.04%和39.82%～53.63%。因此,微好氧堆肥可达到减排目的,但却加剧臭气的排放;MnO₂可提高促进堆肥腐熟,降低温室气体和臭气的排放。     

Maturity Tests for Composts — Verification Of a Test Scheme for Assessing Maturity

Increased recycling of organic wastes has raised concern about the quality of compost end products. In addition to the limit values for heavy metals and impurities including weeds and pathogens, the quality criteria for compost products should also include criteria for maturity. There is a tremendous number of maturity assays, developed earlier by several authors, and recommended to be used to evaluate maturity of composts. Because no such single test alone reliably demonstrates the complex properties occurring during maturization of compost, we developed a fast and easy-to-use two-phase test scheme for the assessment of maturity. In the first phase the degradation phase e.g. stability of compost samples is evaluated by using a carbon dioxide evolution test and/or determination of the NO₃-N/NH₄-N ratio by simple test strips. In the second phase, the toxicity of the compost is evaluated by a plant growth test, germination tests and/or the Flash bioluminescence test. Eleven plants composting sewage sludge, source-separated biowaste, manure or a combination of these raw materials were sampled after 1-3 weeks of composting and when the compost was considered “ready for use”. Chemical and physical analyses were considered useful as additional information when evaluating maturity especially when the results were not conclusively clear. This fast and easy-to-use test scheme was designed especially for the composting plant operators and official laboratories responsible for evaluating compost quality.     

Agricultural waste-based composts exhibiting suppressivity to diseases caused by the phytopathogenic soil-borne fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia minor

On-farm composting is an efficient, environmentally safe and cost-effective process for recycle vegetable residues into productive cycles. Benefits of these composts could include their ability to mediate soil-borne plant pathogen suppression with a significant impact on eco-friendly crop management. In this work, on-farm composts were assayed for ability to control, both in vitro and in vivo, damping-off causing pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia minor. Tomato and escarole-derived compost was the most suppressive and, furthermore, together with that derived from artichoke wastes, exhibited multi-suppressive activity. Compost communities, characterized at metabolic and global levels by Biolog system, microbial counting, CO₂-release and FDA hydrolysis rate, play a major role in compost-based biological control. The complete biotic inactivation by autoclaving composts, has, in fact, reduced or eliminated their ability in pathogen suppression. Solid state ¹³C CPMAS-NMR spectroscopy revealed that spectral areas typical for phenolic C, as well as methoxyl C, may be associated to suppressivity mechanism(s). These evidences suggested that the ecological relationships between organic carbon molecular distribution and microbial structure may contribute to discriminate suppressive composts from null and conducive ones. Nutritional microniches in compost may then have profound effects on the community functions, including those linked to the suppressiveness.     

Feedstock Carbon Influence on Compost Biochemical Stability and Maturity

Quantity and quality of readily degradable carbon influences the composting process especially for compost mixture high in lignocellulotic material. Effects of carbon source on stability and maturity of compost from in-vessel systems are poorly understood. Research was conducted to investigate the effects of carbon composition of feedstock on the evolution of stability indices and reliability of maturity tests for accelerated vessel composting systems. Rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and coffee hulls were composted in a modified rotary in-vessel composter amended with either cattle or sheep manure. Distinct evolution patterns were observed across carbon sources for temperature, with the sugarcane compost never attaining thermophilic temperatures. Time to peak temperature and return to ambient were significantly different between the rice and coffee compost. Comparatively, organic matter degradation followed a similar pattern for all carbon sources, although rice straw showed the faster degradative rate and coffee hulls the greatest overall loss. Both pH and electrical conductivity were inappropriate stability indices across carbon sources, while the NH₄⁺/NO₃^? ratio was lower than the threshold from week 1. The Solvita® maturity test was the best suited quality indicator and was related to compost respiration. The rice compost at week 12 was the only mature compost with an index value of 7. However, the coffee compost was in the curing stage with a value of 6. In vitro phytotoxicity assays on hot pepper contrasted the Sovita® interpretation for rice compost, which showed the lowest germination index. All compost had a stimulatory effect on cucumber seeds. In vivo seeding assays corroborated in vitro results with rice compost showing the greatest negative effect, augmented at 100% compost inclusion. Carbon source significantly influenced compost stability and maturity indices, which suggests that greater attention should be directed to quality indices in relation to feedstock composition.     

Relating Compost Measures of Stability And Maturity to Plant Growth

Assessment of compost maturity is important for successful use of composts in agricultural and horticultural production. We assessed the “maturity” of four different sawdust-based composts. We composted sawdust with either cannery waste (CW), duck manure (DM), dairy (heifer) manure (HM) or potato culls (PC) for approximately one year. Windrows were turned weekly for the first 60 days of composting, covered for four winter months and then turned monthly for six more months. We measured compost microbial respiration (CO₂ loss), total C and N, C:N ratio, water soluble NO₃-N and NH₄-N, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), pH and electrical conductivity at selected dates over 370 days. Compost effects on ryegrass biomass and N uptake were evaluated in a greenhouse study. We related compost variables to ryegrass growth and N uptake using regression analysis. All composts maintained high respiration rates during the first 60 days of composting. Ammonium-N concentrations declined within the first 60 days of composting, while NO₃-N concentrations did not increase until 200+ days. After 250+ days, DM and PC composts produced significantly more ryegrass biomass than either CW or HM composts. Total C, microbial respiration and water-extractable NO₃-N were good predictors of compost stability/maturity, or compost resistance to change, while dissolved organic carbon, C:N ratio and EC were not. The compost NO₃-N/CO₂-C ratio was calculated as a parameter reflecting the increase in net N mineralization and the decrease in respiration rate. At ratio values >8 mg NO₃-N/mg CO₂-C/day, ryegrass growth and N uptake were at their maximum for three of the four composts, suggesting the ratio has potential as a useful index of compost maturity.     

Composting Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge—Effect of Temperature and Nutrient Addition Method

Pulp and paper mill sludges (PMS) are a significant byproduct of the paper making industry world-wide, and composting with mineral nutrients in Tasmania is viewed as the most environmentally suitable method to convert this material into a horticultural product, thus eliminating the need for landfilling. The major control variables for composting PMS with a high C:N ratio are nutrient and temperature management. Addition of the nutrient requirement prior to composting can result in significant nutrient loss by leaching and may lead to ground water pollution. Alternatively, the nutrient requirement may be added incrementally during composting, thereby decreasing the risk of nutrient loss. Control of temperature is also important as this affects the metabolic activity of microorganisms and may determine the rate at which a cured compost can be produced. This study therefore examined the relationship between the method of nutrient addition and temperature on composting of PMS, using small-scale reactors designed to simulate conditions in a large-scale mechanically turned windrow. The rate of PMS decomposition as determined by the rate of CO₂ production and O₂, consumption was higher at 55°C than at 35°C. The time to produce a cured compost could be shortened by 30-50 days if composting was undertaken at the higher temperature. The method of nutrient addition had no effect on the respiratory activities of compost microbiota or rates of decomposition, but had a major influence on pH which determined the intensity and period of ammonia volatilization. If pH was controlled, then incremental nutrient addition could be advantageous from the perspective of nutrient conservation.     

Cocomposting of Crawfish and Agricultural Processing By-Products

Disposal of crawfish processing residuals (hereinafter, referred to as crawfish residuals) poses a challenging problem to the rapidly expanding crawfish industry. Cocomposting is examined as a waste management alternative to landfill disposal. Four agricultural processing by-products were evaluated for use as bulking agents in composting crawfish residuals: wood chips, rice hulls, bagasse, and bark. Approximately 5 to 6.5 volumes of each bulking agents were mixed with one volume of crawfish residuals in 0.3-m³ composting reactors. Compost temperature was continuously monitored, and moisture content was maintained within a desirable range. Samples were collected twice weekly throughout the 50-d composting process. Use of bagasse as a bulking agent led to the largest reduction in volatile solids (27.6 percent), organic C (55.3 percent), particle size (64.7 percent), and compost volume (52.8 percent). Finished compost using bagasse contained the greatest concentration of N (18.4 g N/kg and 160 mg NH₄-N/kg). Self-heating patterns and decomposition of crawfish residuals were satisfactory using all four bulking agents, and no odor, insect or other nuisance problems were detected. The finished products of all compost mixtures were suitable for use as mulch or reuse as bulking agents.