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Advantages of Aerated Phase I Compost Systems
Excerpt from the August 2001 issue of Mushroom News Magazine (American Mushroom Institute)
8/25/2001
Original article by: Glenn Cote - General Manger, Laurel Valley Farms and Carla Blackwell McKinney - Vice President, C-J Mushroom Co.
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The use of aerated Phase I composting technology is increasing worldwide. Its development was driven by the need to produce mushroom compost in an environmentally responsible process by controlling odors and other gaseous emissions.
As the technology has evolved and adapted from the early-aerated systems and as growers have learned how best to use the technology, the quality of compost produced by these systems has improved. Presently, highly productive aerated compost is being made in many different countries throughout the world under several different types of growing systems.
Essentially, the proposed advantages of an Aerated Phase I system are:
1. Reduced odor generation due to the aerobic nature of the process. With forced air, anaerobic conditions are eliminated.
2. Improved uniformity and consistency of the compost within the batch and between batches. Because of the bulk nature of the fermentation piles, large portions of the materials all receive the same treatment and conditions.
3. Shorter composting cycles due to higher uniform compost temperatures. Due to the optimum conditions less turning is needed to move all the materials into the proper composting zones.
4. Reduced raw material costs due to the shorter compost cycles and fewer inventories of raw materials. More of the raw materials are used and less is wasted as with longer cycles.
5. Reduced space and concrete needs for storing, curing and shipping of compost. More material per square foot of concrete is capable of being processed.
In addition, depending on the individual situations, reductions in labor, energy and fuel costs may be realized.
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Permission to include this article in the Double T Equipment website granted by Glenn Cote, Carla Blackwell McKinney, and The American Mushroom Institute. Visit the American Mushroom Institute online at www.americanmushroom.org.
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