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Evaluation of Optimum Moisture Content for Composting of Beef Manure and Bedding Material Mixtures Using Oxygen

Eunjong Kim1, Dong-Hyun Lee2, Seunggun Won3

  • 1Department of Animal Biosystems Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea.

Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
|March 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Optimizing moisture content is key for efficient animal manure composting. Proper levels enhance microbial activity and oxygen consumption, crucial for effective aerobic decomposition and pathogen reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Moisture content significantly impacts microbial physiology and the physical structure of composting materials.
  • Adequate moisture levels promote higher microbial activity and oxygen consumption, essential for aerobic composting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the optimal moisture content for composting beef cattle manure mixed with bedding materials (sawdust and rice hull).
  • To assess the influence of moisture on oxygen uptake rates across different composting feedstocks.

Main Methods:

  • Oxygen uptake rate was measured using a pressure sensor method to evaluate microbial activity.
  • Composting experiments were conducted using beef cattle manure mixed with sawdust (BS) and rice hull (BR).
  • Moisture levels were varied to identify peak oxygen consumption for each feedstock.

Main Results:

  • Oxygen uptake rates varied widely (0.3 to 33.3 mg O2/g VS d) based on moisture and feedstock.
  • Maximum oxygen consumption occurred near saturation (75%–98% water holding capacity).
  • Optimal moisture content was 70% for BS and 57% for BR (wet basis).

Conclusions:

  • Sawdust-based mixtures (BS) maintained favorable free air space (>30%) even at near-saturated optimal moisture levels due to particle size and bulking.
  • The findings provide critical data for optimizing moisture management in animal manure composting systems.
  • Proper moisture control is vital for maximizing aerobic microbial activity and composting efficiency.
Keywords:
Bedding MaterialBeef ManureMoisture ContentOxygen Uptake RateWater Holding Capacity

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