How UConn Will Compost

Tom Morris, Department of Plant Science

Windrow Composting

Hoop Barn and Concrete Pad

Odor Control

Aerosol Control

Windrow Covers

Windrow Composting

We will compost livestock waste and leaves from campus in windrows.  Windrow composting allows quick and easy mixing of diverse materials, which minimizes problems with odor and incomplete composting.

 

Hoop Barn and Concrete Pad

We will compost in a hoop barn on a concrete floor.  Composting in a building with an impervious floor eliminates losses of nutrients by leaching and runoff from the windrows.  A roof allows control of the moisture content of the windrows for rapid composting and maintenance of aerobic conditions.

Odor Control

The best way to control odors is to maintain aerobic conditions in windrows by controlling the moisture content of the windrows. 

Moisture content will be controlled by:

1) Composting under a roof

2) Implementing a rigorous protocol for creation and maintenance of the windrows

3) Using a self-propelled windrows turner for quick and aggressive turning

4) Operating the facility with trained professionals

Tom Morris and Mary Kegler will be responsible for ensuring the compost facility is an asset to UConn, Mansfield, and nearby residents.

Aerosol Control

 

Aerosols released primarily during the turning of the windrows can be a health problem for workers.  We will use a self-propelled windrow turner with a misting system to minimize the release of aerosols.  The misting system should remove concerns nearby residents may have about release of aerosols off site.

 

Windrow Covers

 

Finished compost will be stored in covered windrows to eliminate the release of nutrients, maintain aerobic conditions, and reduce the amount of water transported to agricultural fields.