[USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

[Donald Lewis]

I would ask this list whether anaerobic and compost are even compatible words. Engineers usually use the term "Anaerobic Composting" to mean "Anaerobic digestion". The term "anaerobic digestion" can then be reserved for sewage, which everyone knows is bad. The problem with what is called "anaerobic composting" is that anaerobic processes stink and produce a product with very low pH, and containing phytotoxic chemicals. 
 
What the engineer was trying to describe is a product that is decomposed in the absence of air. Currently, there is a process that has drawn a fair amount of attention that involves anaerobic digestion with the collection of methane to be used as a fuel, followed by mixing with a bulking agent like wood chips and aerobic composting. This process can result in an acceptable product if the odor problems at the beginning of the composting process can be dealt with.
 
Don Lewis
Compost Coordinator
Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Tel. # 410-841-2721

>>> "Myron Hirschman" <hirschsys at aol.com> 2/12/2009 12:23 PM >>>
I was recently in a meeting discussing composting options for the community.
Their engineer mentioned anaerobic composting as a system.  I didn't have
the opportunity to get that explained to me. I am guessing he meant systems
that didn't have forced aeration ( if that is what he meant I disagree with
his use of the terms).

Please educate me.
What is anaerobic composting?

Thanks
Myron H
myron at hirschsystems.com 

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