[USCC] Methods of moisture application at compost facilities

[Dean Arrington]

Paul,

We add water to our mass windrows (50' wide x 300' long) using a SCAT
compost turner. We had an attachment added the scat compost turner which
allows us to hook it up to hose reel system. Water is conveyed from a
pond using 6" pipe. We have hydrants located along the perimeter of our
compost pad. The hose reel has to be moved - this does take a little
time.

This adds the water into the compost windrow as it is being turned, with
minimal runoff. 

We found this to be far more effective vs. rain or spraying water on the
piles. Water will follow the path of least resistance, so just spraying
water on them will not moisten the pile effectively. You will come up
with dry pockets.

We also utilize a tank on the compost turner as a backup. It only
delivers 250 gallons per turn - but the water is sprayed directly into
the windrow.

Dean Arrington
SPSA Composting Facility


----------------------


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