Composting process and odor emission varied in windrow and trough composting system under different air humidity...

To comprehensively investigate the effect of different air humidity conditions on the performance and odor emission in composting technology, a full-scale experiment was conducted simultaneously in the regions with low air relative humidity (Kunming) and high relative air humidity (Xishuangbanna), Yunnan province. The results showed that: In the regions with low relative air humidity, similar performances were found on organic matter degradation and germination index values in windrow and trough composting. Windrow composting got lower H₂S emission, but higher NH₃ release comparing with trough composting. Windrow composting was more susceptible to high relative air humidity. The degradation rate and germination index were 22% and 28% lower than those in trough composting. Therefore, the trough composting was recommended in the areas with high relative air humidity, while suitable NH₃ mitigation measure should be considered.