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| Midwest
Bio-Systems Equipment to Create High-Quality Humified Compost |
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| Compost windrow turning equipment mechanisms will correlate directly with the composting philosophies recognized or advocated by the manufacturer. As indicated throughout this site, Midwest Bio-Systems approaches composting from a "soil-plant" point-of-view. We endeavor to cultivate compost and its related commodities based on our commitment to sustainable agriculture. We do not separate the two. Other compost equipment providers often approach compost quality from a "What's not in it?" interpretation of quality (pathogens, weed seeds, heavy metals, etc.). Attaining minimum government safety standards is their goal. Beyond this, because size-reduction is one of the results of composting, they often measure success by the extent to which they can make an organic waste stream disappear. Their equipment is therefore designed to achieve those purposes. This is a significant difference from determining quality by: What the profile of the microbiological assay shows regarding the finished compost product (diversity of species, enumeration of microbes, and aerobic:anaerobic ratios)?
What are the defining differences between these approaches relative to turner design? Drum speeds — Aeromaster turners have variable drum speeds within a low rpm range. Equipment does not make compost-microbes do! So high quality composting is simply based on creating the optimal environment for beneficial microbes to flourish and undesirable microbes to diminish. High drum speeds retard rather than enhance the quality composting process as well as limiting humus formation. Materials need not be propelled against shields (limiting aggregation) or thrown many feet behind the drum. Safety is also an issue here as projectiles can be propelled from the windrow with high speeds. Hourly cost of operation — Clearly affected by drum speeds is hourly cost of operation and downtime. Aeromaster turners have proven to cost less than 1/2 the industry standard. Volumes — Extremely large compost turners can be used to create a high heat environment for pathogen elimination and size reduction. But excessively large windrows reduce oxygen access for the microbes and quality is negatively impacted. Tine shape
and material movement pattern — An ideal turning environment
will lift, blend, and aerate compost feedstocks. A key evidence of composting
excellence will be O2 and CO2 exchange. What are windrow CO2 levels prior
to turning compared to directly behind the turner? Best turning and movement
patterns will provide new contact points in the feedstocks for microbial
and chemical interaction. Tines should therefore handle the materials
gently, moving perimeter materials to the center of the row and center
materials to the perimeter. Tines should not cut, shred, or pulverize
materials, especially after the first week in the row. Is Midwest Bio-Systems the only turner builder which embraces this composting philosophy? No. The key questions then among turner manufacturers sharing this philosophy are ones of value, durability, and service. Contact us for this value, durability, and service information. Independent
Comparison Results The AgTech Centre Manure Management Project conducted tests comparing seven windrow turners over three years at five sites with multiple compost windrows. Equipment tested included:
Results:
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