VT DEC Compost Center
On-Farm Composting

Why Compost?

On-Farm Composting
A well-rounded introduction to the benefits and possibilities of composting from Penn State.
On-Farm Composting Series
Short, well written essays on on-farm composting from the Washingon State University Cooperative Extension.
Large Scale Organic Materials Composting
A manual from the North Carolina State University, oriented more toward commercial facilities.

Can composting make me money?

On-Farm Composting
Scroll down to the Economics of Composting for simple questions to consider.
Cornell Feasibility Study
A lengthy look at the feasibility of composting on farms in New York.

Composting manure

Manure Management and Composting
A good look at the methods and materials used in composting manure on organic farms.
Manure Composting in the Western States/Windrow Techniques
Various topics of manure composting in Western Agriculture including a good discussion on windrow composting and its effects on weed seeds.
End Results of Manure Composting
Only on manure and dried manure. A very thorough look at manure as a value-added commodity for farmers.

Making Compost

The Composting Process
A short essay on the basics by Utah State University Extension.
Compost Systems
Photos from Washington State University.

Ingredients

Properties of Compost Ingredients from NRAES On-farm Composting Handbook
A table which shows the possible inputs into a compost system and the quality of each.
NRAES' Raw Materials
A summary and table from NRAES On-Farm Composting Handbook describing the different characteristics to be considered: C:N ratio, moisture content, and porosity, courtesy of Cornell.

Mixing ingredients

NRAES' Mixing Techniques
A link to the NRAES On-Farm Handbook which describes how a batch-mixer works, as well as a few other machines used for mixing, courtesy of Cornell.
Alternate Composting Methods
Different methods of mixing on a large scale. Click on alternative methods.

Forming windrows

Windrow Techniques in the Western States
A look at the technique of windrow composting and its effects on the germination of weed seeds found in the windrow
NRAES' Windrowing
A piece of the On-Farm Handbook touching on the methods of windrow composting with a small illustration. The entire article can be found through this website.

Turning piles

NRAES On-Farm Composting Handbook Table of Contents
Provides access to various subjects related to turning piles.
Compost Myths: To Turn or Not to Turn, ...
From the Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins.
Compost Turning: Tools and Frequency
From the Compost Connection for Western Agriculture. Page down to second column on page three.

Static composting

Comparison of a Few Static Methods
A page from the NRAES On-Farm Composting Handbook that discusses in brief the key points to consider with a static technique.
Passively Aerated Composting
Another page that looks at an interesting method of passive aeration using perforated tubing underneath the windrow, eliminating the need for a machine to turn the pile.

Monitoring

NRAES' Process Monitoring and Troubleshooting
According to this report, you will only need two basic tools: your nose and a thermometer! From the On-Farm Composting Handbook again.

Problems

NRAES' Chapter on Management
Beginning with Safety and Health concerns, a complete look at problems confronting the on-farm composter.
Questions and Answers
A list of basic and advanced questions and answers concerning the use of compost in agriculture, touching on a number of common concerns.
Odor Control Problems
An article from the NRAES On-Farm Composting Handbook touching on the problem of odor control in larger composting operations.
Successful Odor Management

Topics

Composting Manure and Other Organic Residues
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln offers a short discourse with good information on manure production and ingredients characteristics.
Composting Dead Poultry
Methods for on-farm composting of dead poultry from the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Dead Pig Composting
A good look at three methods that have worked.
Land Application of Leaves and Grass Clippings
Not composting, but a good in depth look at an alternative.

Using Compost

Vegetable Production with Compost

Farm-Scale Composting Resource List
A bibliography of suggested readings for farm-scale composting published by Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) in Arizona.

Applying Compost

Compost Used for Plant and Disease Control
How the composting process is useful in controlling and eliminating soil-borne diseases in the end product from the NRAES On-Farm Composting Handbook.

Compost Application for On-Farm Methods
Washington State University's methods of spreading compost on agricultural fields.

Selling Compost

Composting Dairy Manure for Commercial Markets
See the Economics of Composting for simple questions to consider.
Cornell Feasibility Study
A lengthy look at the feasibility of composting on farms in New York.