[USCC] Methods of moisture application at compost facilities

[Craig Coker]

Paul:

To optimize the efficiency of adding moisture to windrows, I would use a
spray bar on the windrow turner.  

I've just finished the design of an irrigation system for a client with
windrows (57 windrows, 16' w x 7' h x 350 - 400' L) using 6" PVC conveyance
pipe from a stormwater pond and Eclipse post hydrants spaced around the
perimeter of four compost pads.  The composter will use a hose reel system
from Backhus (he has a Backhus 16.55 turner).  In this application, the hose
reel must be moved manually from windrow to windrow, but they now make hose
reels with a self-propelled chassis that the turner operator can control
from the cab.

In my view, the other methods of water application are more wasteful of the
water (with the possible exception of drip irrigation).

Regards,
Craig

Craig Coker
Coker Composting & Consulting
3331 Glade Creek Blvd.
Ste. 7
Roanoke, VA  24012
(540) 904-2698
Fax: (540) 904-6732
Cell: (540) 874-5168
craigcoker at cox.net
www.cokercompost.com
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at composter.com [mailto:compost-bounces at composter.com]
On Behalf Of Paul Gamble
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 7:38 PM
To: compost at composter.com
Subject: [USCC] Methods of moisture application at compost facilities

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Listserve--

Like many of you, I am constantly trying to make the composting operation
and process more efficient.  I am writing to solicit anecdotes, experiences,
and general wisdom on the application of water to compost facilities.  For
the sake of narrowing the scope of this discussion so that I can "mine" the
information that pertains to our geographic region and operation, here are a
few details of our operations: outdoors, improved surfaces, decent buffer
between our sites and neighbors, green (windrow) and food waste (Poly-flex
(previously Ag-Bag vessels)) feedstock, combination of static and
mechanically aerated windrows/piles, hot summers, mild winters with (lately)
25" of rain.  We currently use a water truck to apply water to our piles.

Based on my observations during the last 5 years, it seems that maintaining
optimum moisture (the value of which changes during the life of the
composting process) is the variable in California that most catalyzes the
decomposition process.  I realize that water is far from the limiting factor
in many region of the US and the world, but in most parts of California
during most seasons, organic waste piles can't get enough of it.  If
possible, I'd prefer to avoid discussion on moisture retention through
covering piles with textiles, and focus mainly on effective moisture
application to piles.

Here are the current methods that come to mind:

1) Water truck side spray and/ or boom application

2) Windrow turner fit with internal spray bar hooked up to either water
truck or plumbed to water (Midwest Biosystems approach)

3) Irrigated site
	a) Oscillating sprinkler system
	b) Overhead sprinkler system
	c) Drip irrigation

Thanks for your input.

Paul Gamble
Compost Specialist
Norcal Waste Systems, Inc.
707.693.2107 (desk)
707.249.1821 (cell)
707.678.5148 (fax)
www.jepsonprairieorganics.com



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