The Science of Composting

ISBN-13: 9781566764780 / Angielski / Twarda / 1996 / 504 str.

Eliot Epstein; Epstein Epstein

Opis

What better utilization of organic wastes can be had than composting? This work provides information on: the fundamentals: microbiology, biochemistry, physical/chemical aspects of composting; composting environmental and health issues; beneficial impacts of compost on soils; and Federal, State, and European government regulation of composting.

Spis treści

Preface
Composting: A Prospective
Composting and Recycling
History
Philosophical Aspects and the Future of Composting in the United States
Advantages and Disadvantages of Composting
Conclusion
References

Basic Concepts
Introduction
Oxygen and Aeration
Moisture
Temperature
Nutrients: Carbon, Nitrogen, pH
Summary
References

Microbiology
Introduction
Microbial Populations
Temperature
Moisture
Nutrients
Inoculants
Summary
References

Biochemistry
Introduction
Organic Matter
Biochemical Manifestations Occurring during Composting
Biochemical Manifestations Occurring When Compost Is Applied to Soil
Humus Formation
Summary
References

Stability, Maturity, and Phytotoxicity
Introduction
Stability and Maturity:
Chemical Methods
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C/N)
Nitrogen Species
pH
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Organic Chemical Constituents
Humification Parameters Humification Index
Relative Concentrations of Humic Acid to Fulvic Acid
Humic Substance
Functional Groups
Optical Density Physical Methods
Temperature and Heat Output
Color, Odor, Structure and Specific Gravity
Plant Assays
Microbiological Tests and Activities Respiration-Carbon Dioxide Evolution
Respiration-Oxygen Uptake
Microbial Changes
Enzyme Activity Phytotoxicity
Summary
References

Trace Elements, Heavy Metals, and Micronutrients
Introduction
Essentiality and Toxicity Arsenic (As)
Boron (B)
Cadmium (Cd)
Copper (Cu)
Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Molybdenum (Mo)
Nickel (Ni)
Selenium (Se)
Zinc (Zn)
Occurrence in the Environment
Environmental Consequences Leachate Characteristics of Compost
Soil-Plant Interactions Type of Trace Element and Chemical State
Soil Acidity
Organic Matter
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Reversion to Unavailable Forms
Other Asp

O autorze

Epstein, Eliot