[USCC] typical compost density

[Cary Oshins]

The starting bd will depend on the percent of straw and bedding in the 
manure as well as moisture content.  You should be able to start that mix at 
or less that 1000 lbs/cubic yard.  There is an easy field test for bd, which 
I use in my compost classes:
Procedure:
1) Bulk Density
Method:
Fill 5-gallon bucket ½ fill, taking samples from various depths within pile 
to be sampled.  Drop from a height of 6” 10 times.  Fill approximately half 
the remaining bucket, and repeat dropping process.  Fill to brim and repeat 
dropping process a third time.  Fill to brim again and do not drop.

Weigh of filled bucket = _______ lbs.
Subtract 2 lbs (weight of empty bucket) = net weight of sample = _______ 
lbs.
Multiply net weight by 40 = ______ pounds/cubic yard.



>From: "Hoffman, Karen - Bozeman, MT" <Karen.Hoffman at mt.usda.gov>
>Reply-To: Compost Discussion List <compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
>To: <compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
>Subject: [USCC] typical compost density
>Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:29:44 -0600

>______________________________________________________________________________
>I am planning a bin system for composting cattle manure with a chopped
>straw amendment.  We planning a mix that will achieve a C:N ratio of 35
>and moisture content of 60%.  I am wondering if anyone has data
>regarding what the density of this mix of material will be the first
>bin?  The bins are 12 ft wide by 8 ft high.
>
>The bin system we plan to use involves aerating with forced air and
>moving the material from one bin to the next every 2 weeks.  The
>material will be held in the bin system a total of 12 weeks (est. 1
>month active composting and 2 months curing).  What would I expect the
>density to be at the end of this 12 week process?
>
>
>_________________________________________
>Karen Hoffman, Civil Engineer
>Natural Resources Conservation Service
>Federal Building, Room 443
>10 E. Babcock Street
>Bozeman, MT  59715
>karen.hoffman at mt.usda.gov
>Phone: (406) 587-6824
>Fax: (406) 587-6761
>