Objective # 1: Develop a cost effective compost method

High population growth in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the desire of many people to maintain non-desert landscape has led to the increase disposal of organic matter into landfills. This material can be processed into a product, called compost, which can benefit the soil.

Organic material before(top) and after(bottom) the compost process.

In compost, nitrogen rich material (i.e., manures, green grass, vegetables) is combined with carbon rich material (i.e., paper, straw, sawdust). Composters should be aware of the ratio between the carbon and the nitrogen (see existing standards). This C:N ratio effects the type and amount of microorganisms present in the compost and will therefore effect the rate in which the compost process proceeds. In addition, compost too high in nitrogen will result in odors. Also important in the compost process is the turning frequency, salinity. pH, and moisture. Theses factors will also effect the types and numbers of microorganism populations.

To develop a compost method, various parameters of the compost windrows will be tested and compared against existing standards:

1. Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio (C/N)
2. pH
3. Turning rates
4. Microorganism Populations
5. Salinity

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Sunfresh Farms Demonstration

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