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Actinomycete |
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A
group of microorganisms, intermediate between bacteria and true
fungi, that usually produce a characteristic branched mycelium.
These organisms are responsible for the earthy smell of Compost. |
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Aerated
static pile |
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Forced
aeration method of composting in which a freestanding composting
pile is aerated by a blower moving air through perforated pipes
located beneath the pile. |
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Aeration |
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The
process by which the oxygen-deficient air in compost is replaced
by air from the atmosphere. Aeration can be enhanced by turning. |
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Aerobic |
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An
adjective describing an organism or process that requires oxygen
(for example, an aerobic organism). |
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Agitated-bed |
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An in-vessel composting method in which the materials are contained
in a bin or reactor and are periodically agitated by a turning
machine or by augers. Usually some means or forced aeration
is also provided. |
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Agricultural wastes |
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Wastes
normally associated with the production and processing of food
and fiber on farms, feedlots, ranches, ranges, and forests.
May include animal manure, crop residues, and dead animals.
Also agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides that
may find their way into surface and subsurface water. |
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Air
pressure loss (also called static pressure or resistance) |
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The pressure or energy lost as air moves through a system such
as the compost pile, pipe. blower, and filter pile of an aerated
static pile. The air pressure loss indicates the amount of energy
required to move air through the system at the desired flow
rate. The pressure loss must be estimated in order to select
an appropriate fan or blower. |
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Ambient
air temperature |
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The
temperature of the air in the vicinity of the compost pile.
Ammonia (NH3). A gaseous compound comprised of nitrogen and
hydrogen. Ammonia, which has a pungent odor, is commonly formed
from organic nitrogen compounds during cornposting. Ammonium
(NH4+). An ion comprised of nitrogen and hydrogen. Ammonium
is readily converted to and from ammonia depending on conditions
in the compost pile. |
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Anaerobic |
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An
adjective describing an organism or process that does not require
air or free oxygen. |
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Anion |
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An
atom or molecule with a negative charge (for example, nitrate,
NO3-) Aspergillus fumigatus: Species of fungus with spores that
cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It can also cause
complications for people with certain existing health problems. |
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Bacteria |
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A
group of microorganisms having single-celled or noncellular
bodies. Bacteria usually appear as spheroid, rod-like, or curved
entities but occasionally appear as sheets, chains, or branched
filaments. |
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Batch
mixer |
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A
type of mixer which blends materials together in distinct loads
or batches. The materials are loaded, mixed, and then unloaded
in sequence rather than moved through in a continuous flow.
Batch mixers for composting are often modified livestock feed
mixers using paddles or augers as the mixing mechanisms. |
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Bedded
manure pack |
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:
A mixture of bedding and manure that accumulate over time in
a livestock barn. A bedded pack forms when bedding materials
are regularly added to the manure that is deposited by livestock
in the barn. The manure-bedding mixture is not frequently removed
but gradually builds up and becomes the surface on which the
livestock stand and lie. To provide a firm surface, a large
amount of bedding is required. Therefore, bedded pack manure
usually is. |
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Bedding |
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Dry
absorbent materials used to provide a dry lying surface for
livestock. Bedding materials such as sawdust and straw absorb
moisture from livestock wastes, the soil, and the environment. |
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Bin
composting |
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A
composting technique in which mixtures of materials are composted
in simple structures (bins) rather than freestanding piles.
Bins are considered a form of in-vessel composting, but they
are usually not totally enclosed. Many composting bins include
a means of forced aeration. |
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Biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) |
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The
quantity of oxygen used in the biochemical oxidation of organic
matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature, and
under specified conditions. Normally five days at 20°C unless
otherwise stated. A standard test used in assessing the biodegradable
organic matter in municipal wastewater. See also chemical oxygen
demand. |
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Biogas |
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A
mixture of gases, including methane and carbon dioxide, which
is generated by the anaerobic biological decomposition of organic
materials (for example, manure). Biogas can be burned as a fuel. |
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Buck
wall |
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:
A relatively short strong wall, often made of concrete or treated
wood. It is used primarily as a support to push against when
scooping and lifting loose or flowing materials (for example,
manure). |
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Bucket
loader |
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A
vehicle which employs a hydraulically operated bucket to lift
materials. Includes farm tractors with bucket attachments, skid
loaders, and large front-end loaders. Bulk density: Weight or
mass per unit of volume of a material comprised of many individual
particles. For example, the weight of a pile of wood chips divided
by the volume of the pile is the bulk density. This is different
from the particle density (which, in this case, equals the weight
of a single wood chip divided by its volume). |
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Bulking
agent |
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An
ingredient in a mixture of composting raw materials included
to improve the structure and porosity of the mix. Bulking agents
are usually rigid and dry and often have large particles (for
example, straw). The terms "bulking agent" and "amendment" are
commonly used interchangeably. |
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C |
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Chemical
symbol for carbon. |
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Carbon
dioxide (CO2) |
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:
An inorganic gaseous compound comprised of carbon and oxygen.
Carbon dioxide is produced by the oxidation of organic carbon
compounds during composting. Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio
(C:N ratio). The ratio of the weight of organic carbon (C) to
that of total nitrogen (N) in an organic material. |
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Cation |
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A
atom or molecule which has a positive charge (for example, ammonium,
NH4+). Cellulose: A long chain of tightly bound sugar molecules
that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of plants. |
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Chemical oxygen demand (COD) |
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A
measure of the oxygen-consuming capacity of inorganic and organic
matter present in water or wastewater. It is expressed as the
amount of oxygen consumed from a chemical oxidant in a specified
test. It does not differentiate between stable and unstable
organic matter and thus does not necessarily correlate with
biochemical oxygen demand. |
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CO2 |
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Chemical
symbol for carbon dioxide. |
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Compost |
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A
group of organic residues or a mixture of organic residues and
soil that have been piled, moistened, and allowed to undergo
aerobic biological decomposition. |
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Composting |
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Biological
degradation of organic matter under aerobic conditions to a
relatively stable humus-like material called compost.
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Composting
amendment |
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\An
ingredient in a mixture of composting raw materials included
to improve the overall characteristics of the mix. Amendments
often add carbon, dryness, or porosity to the mix. |
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Contamination |
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Any
introduction into the environment (water, air, or soil) of microorganisms,
chemicals, wastes, or wastewater in a concentration that makes
the environment unfit for its intended use. |
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Cubic
yard |
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A
unit of measure equivalent to 27 cubic feet or 22 bushels. A
box that is 1 yard wide, 1 yard long, and 1 yard high has a
volume of 1 cubic yard. A cubic yard is often loosely referred
to as a "yard" (for example, a one-yard bucket). |
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Curing |
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Final
stage of composting in which stabilization of the compost continues
but the rate of decomposition has slowed to a point where turning
or forced aeration is no longer necessary. Curing generally
occurs at lower, mesophilic temperatures. Damping off disease:
The wilting and early death of young seedlings caused by a variety
of pathogens. |
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Decomposers |
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The
microorganisms and invertebrates that cause the normal degradation
of natural organic materials. Degradability: Term describing
the ease and extent that a substance is decomposed by the composting
process. Materials which break down quickly and/or completely
during the time frame of composting are highly degradable. Materials
which resist biological decomposition are poorly or even non-degradable. |
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Denitrification |
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An
anaerobic biological process which converts nitrogen compounds
to nitrogen gas or nitrous oxide. |
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Density |
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The
weight or mass of a substance per unit of volume. Dry
matter: The portion of a substance that is not comprised of
water. The dry matter content (%) is equal to 100% minus the
moisture content (%). Electrical conductivity: A measure of
a solution's ability to carry an electrical current: varies
both with the number and type of ions contained in the solution. |
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Enzymes |
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Any
of numerous complex proteins produced by living cells to catalyze
specific biochemical reactions. |
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Ericaceous |
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Belonging
to the plant family Ericaceae, the heath family of plants. Characterized
by evergreen or deciduous shrubs, trees, and woody plants growing
in acid soil and having simple leaves, often showy flowers either
solitary or in clusters, and fruit in the form of a berry or
capsule. |
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Exchange
capacity |
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A
measure of the nutrient holding power of a soil or soil amendment,
such as compost. Indicates a soil's ability to attract and retain
plant nutrients which exist as charged molecules or ions. Cation
exchange capacity concerns positively charged ions. Anion exchange
capacity refers to negatively charged ions. Cation exchange
is usually stressed because most soils have a negative charge
and, therefore, attract the positively charged cations typically
supplied by fertilizers. |
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Extended
pile |
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A
pile form used in the aerated static pile composting technique
in which a large pile is constructed of individual cells, each
with an aeration system. Cells are added daily and stacked against
the previous cell, giving the overall pile a nearly rectangular
cross section. |
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Fertilizer
value |
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An
estimate of the value of commercial fertilizer elements (N,
P, K) that can be replaced by manure or organic waste material.
Usually expressed as dollars per ton of manure or quantity of
nutrients per ton of manure. |
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Filter
press cakes |
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Residues
from filter press operations after filter presses remove liquids. |
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Forced
aeration |
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Means
of supplying air to a composting pile or vessel which relies
on blowers to move air through the composting materials. |
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Fungus |
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A
group of simple plants that lack a photosynthetic pigment. The
individual cells have a nucleus surrounded by a membrane, and
they may be linked together in long filaments called hyphae.
The individual hyphae can grow together to form a visible body. |
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Green
manure |
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Plant
material incorporated into the soil, while green to improve
the soil. |
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Grinding |
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Operation
which reduces the particle size of materials. Grinding implies
that particles are broken apart largely by smashing and crushing
rather than tearing or slicing. |
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Heavy
metals |
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A
group of' metallic elements that include lead, cadmium, zinc,
copper, mercury, and nickel. Can be found in considerable concentrations
in sewage sludge and several other waste materials. High concentrations
in the soil can lead to toxic effects in plants and animals
ingesting the plants and soil particles. Federal and many state
regulations restrict the land application of materials which
contain high concentrations of heavy metals. |
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Herbicides |
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Agents
used to inhibit plant growth or kill specific plant types. Holding
pond (also called retention basin or detention basin). An earthen
basin to temporarily store precipitation runoff and other water
for later use or disposal. Holding ponds can be excavated or
formed above grade by constructing earthen embankments. |
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Humic
acids |
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The
chemical or biological compounds composed of dark organic substances
that are precipitated upon acidification of a basic extract
from soil. |
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Humus |
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The
dark or black carbon-rich relatively stable residue resulting
from the decomposition of organic matter. |
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Hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) |
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A
gas with the characteristic odor of rotten eggs, produced by
anaerobic decomposition. |
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Immobilization, nitrogen |
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Conversion
of nutrient compounds from an inorganic form, available to plants,
into the organic tissue of microorganisms (or other plants).
The nutrients are unavailable until the microorganisms die and
the microbial tissues containing the nutrients decompose. Nitrogen
immobilization occurs when materials with a high C:N ratio are
land applied. The microorganisms that use the carbon also assimilate
the available nitrogen, rendering it unavailable to plants. |
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Infiltration
area |
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An
area or strip of land that is vegetated (usually with grass)
where water enters the soil in a controlled manner. Infiltration
areas can be relatively flat to gently sloping parcels of land
or long, narrow, low-sloping channels. Pasture or hay crop land
can serve as an infiltration area. Infiltration areas can be
used to treat dilute waste water and nutrient-laden runoff. |
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Inoculum |
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Living
organisms or material containing living organisms (such as bacteria
or other microorganisms) which are added to initiate or accelerate
a biological process (for example, biological seeding). |
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In-vessel
composting |
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A
diverse group of composting methods in which composting materials
are contained in a building, reactor, or vessel. |
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K |
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Chemical
symbol for potassium. |
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Land
application |
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Application
of manure, sewage sludge, municipal wastewater, and industrial
wastes to land either for ultimate disposal or for reuse of
the nutrients and organic matter for their fertilizer value. |
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Leachate |
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The
liquid that results when water comes in contact with a solid
and extracts material, either dissolved or suspended, from the
solid. |
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Lignin |
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A
substance that, together with cellulose, forms the woody cell
walls of plants and the cementing material between them. Lignin
is resistant to decomposition. |
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Liquid
manure (thin slurry) |
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Manure
which has had sufficient water added so that it can be pumped
easily. Normally fibrous material such as chopped straw or waste
hay is not present. |
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Litter,
poultry |
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Dry
absorbent bedding material such as straw, sawdust, and wood
shavings that is spread on the floor of poultry barns to absorb
and condition manure. Sometimes the manure-litter combination
from the barn is also referred to as litter. |
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Manure |
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The
fecal and urinary excretion of livestock and poultry. Sometimes
referred to as livestock waste. This material may also contain
bedding, spilled feed, water or soil. It may also include wastes
not associated with livestock excreta, such as milking center
wastewater, contaminated milk, hair, feathers, or other debris. |
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Manure
storage |
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A
storage unit to keep manure contained for some period of time
prior to its ultimate utilization or disposal. Manure storages
are usually classified by type and form of' manure stored and/or
construction of the storage; for example, above-or below-ground
liquid manure tank, earthen storage basin, solid manure storage.
See also manure. |
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Mesophilic |
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Operationally,
the temperature range most conducive to the maintenance of optimum
digestion by mesophilic bacteria, generally accepted as between
50 and 105°F (10 and 40°C). |
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Microfauna |
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Populations
of microscopic animals including protozoa and nematodes. |
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Microflora |
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Populations
of microscopic plants including bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi,
and algae. |
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Microorganism |
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An
organism requiring magnification for observation. |
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Moisture
content |
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The
fraction or percentage of a substance comprised of water. Moisture
content equals the weight of the water portion divided by the
total weight (water plus dry matter portion). Moisture content
is sometimes reported on a dry basis. Dry-basis moisture content
equals the weight of the water divided by the weight of the
dry matter. |
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Mulch |
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A
material spread over the soil surface to conserve moisture and
porosity in the soil underneath and to suppress weed growth.
Grass clippings, compost, wood chips, barks, sawdust, and straw
are common mulch materials. |
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N |
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Chemical
symbol for nitrogen. |
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Nitrate-nitrogen |
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A
negatively charged ion comprised of' nitrogen and oxygen (NO3-)
Nitrate is a water soluble and mobile form of nitrogen. Because
of its negative charge, it is not strongly held by soil particles
(also negative) and can be leached away. |
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Nutrient
availability |
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The
relative proportion of a nutrient in the soil that can be absorbed
and assimilated by growing plants. |
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Nutrient-holding
capacity |
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The
ability to absorb and retain nutrients so they will be available
to the roots of plants. |
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Organic
matter |
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Chemical
substances of' animal or vegetable origin, consisting of hydrocarbons
and their derivatives. |
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P |
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Chemical
symbol for phosphorus. |
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Passive
aeration |
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Air
movement through composting windrows and piles which occurs
by natural forces including convection, diffusion, wind, and
the tendency of warm air to rise (thermal buoyancy). |
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Passive
composting |
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Method
of composting in which there is little management and manipulation
of the materials after they are mixed and piled. Turning occurs
infrequently (for example, monthly). Forced aeration is not
provided. |
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Pathogen |
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Any
organism capable of producing disease or infection. Often found
in waste material, most pathogens are killed by the high temperatures
of the composting process. |
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PCBs |
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Polychlorinated
biphenyls. Persistent, immobile contaminants found in industrial
waste and sewage sludge. Federal and many state regulations
restrict the land application of materials which contain high
concentrations of PCBs. |
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Peat |
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Unconsolidated
soil material consisting largely of organic matter accumulated
under conditions of excessive moisture. The organic matter is
not decomposed or is only slightly decomposed. |
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pH |
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A
measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
pH is expressed as a negative exponent. Thus, something that
has a pH of 8 has ten times fewer hydrogen ions than methane
with a pH of 7. The lower the pH, the more hydrogen ions present,
and the more acidic the material is. The higher the pH, the
fewer hydrogen ions present, and the more basic it is. A pH
of 7 is considered neutral. |
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Phytophthora |
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A
group of fungal plant pathogens which cause a serious root,
crown, and sometimes foliar (leaf) disease on a large number
of' plants. These fungi are most active under conditions of
high soil moisture. |
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Phytotoxic |
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An
adjective describing a substance that has a toxic effect on
plants. Immature or anaerobic compost may contain acids or alcohols
that can harm seedlings or sensitive plants. |
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Pollution |
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The
presence in a body of water (or soil or air) of a substance
(pollutant) in such quantities that it impairs the body's usefulness
or renders it offensive to the senses of sight, taste, or smell.
In general, a public-health hazard may be created, but in some
instances only economic or aesthetics is involved, as when foul
odors pollute the air. |
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Porosity |
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A
measure of the pore space of a material or pile of materials.
Porosity is equal to the volume of the pores divided by the
total volume. In composting, the term porosity is sometimes
used loosely, referring to the volume of the pores occupied
by air only (without including the pore space occupied by water). |
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PTO |
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Power
take off. Drive shaft and coupling on a tractor which transmits
power from the tractor engine to implements and secondary equipment
(for example, pumps, grinders, and windrow turners) |
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Pythium |
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A
fungal plant pathogen which causes seed, seedling, and root
rots on a large number of plants. These fungi are most active
under conditions of high moisture. |
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Recipe |
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The
ingredients and proportions used in blending together several
raw materials for composting. |
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Root
rot |
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A
disease of plants characterized by discoloration and decay of
the roots. |
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Saturated
paste |
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A
laboratory technique in which solid particles are rendered into
a paste in order to measure characteristics such as pH and soluble
salt concentration. |
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Semi-solid
manure |
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Manure
which has had some bedding added or has received sufficient
air drying to raise the solids content such that it will stack
but has a lower profile than solid manure and seepage may collect
around the outside. It may be pumped with positive displacement
jumps or handled with a front-end loader. |
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Septage |
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Waste
pumped from septic tanks. Contains human wastes. |
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Setback |
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A
prescribed distance separating the area of a particular activity
and a neighboring boundary (for example, the distance between
the composting pad and the property line). |
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Sewage
sludge |
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Solid
portion of waste from sewage treatment plants. Contains human
wastes. |
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Shredding |
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An
operation which reduces the particle size of materials. Shredding
implies that the particles are broken apart by tearing and slicing. |
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Slurry
manure |
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Slurry
manure has a near liquid consistency. It can be handled with
conventional, centrifugal manure pumps and equipment, but the
solids content may be too high for irrigation equipment. |
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Soil
amendment |
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Any
substance (such as lime, sulfur, gypsum, or sawdust) used to
alter the properties of a soil (generally, to make it more productive).
Fertilizers are one type of soil amendment. However, many soil
amendments (such as soil conditioners) do not have significant
fertilizer value. |
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Soil
conditioner |
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A
soil additive that stabilizes the soil, improves its resistance
to erosion, increases its permeability to air and water, improves
its texture and the resistance of its surface to crusting, makes
it easier to cultivate, or otherwise improves its quality |
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Soil
structure |
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The
combination or arrangement of primary soil particles into secondary
particles, units, or peds. Compost helps bind primary soil particles
to improve the structure of soil. |
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Soil
texture |
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A
characterization of soil type, based on the relative proportions
of sand, silt, and clay in a particular soil. |
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Solid
manure |
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Manure
which has sufficient bedding or soil or has received sufficient
air drying to raise the solids content to where it will stack
with little or no seepage. It is best handled with a front-end
loader. |
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Sour
compost |
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Compost
which has been produced or stored under anaerobic conditions.
It is generally acidic and may contain phytotoxic compounds.
Spontaneous combustion: Self heating and ignition of a combustible
substance because of chemical reactions that occur within the
substance. Can occur at moisture contents between 25 and 45%. |
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Stability,
of compost |
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The
rate of change or decomposition of compost. Usually stability
refers to the lack of change or resistance to change. A stable
compost continues to decompose at a very slow rate and has a
low oxygen demand. |
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Structure,
of composting mix or raw material |
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The
ability to resist settling and compaction. Structure is improved
by large rigid particles. |
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Texture,
of composting mix or raw material |
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Characteristic
which describes the available surface area of particles. A fine
texture implies many small particles with a large combined surface
area. A course texture implies large particles with less overall
surface area. |
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Thermophilic |
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Heat-loving
microorganisms that thrive in and generate temperatures above
105°F (40°C). |
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Tipping
fees |
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Fees
charged for treating, handling, and/or disposing of waste materials. |
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Top-dressing |
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Applying
a layer of compost, or other material, to the surface of soil. |
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Turning |
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A
composting operation which mixes and agitates material in a
windrow pile or vessel. Its main aeration effect is to increase
the porosity of the windrow to enhance passive aeration. It
can be accomplished with bucket loaders or specially designed
turning machines. |
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Vermicomposting |
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The
process by which worms convert organic waste into worm castings---the
dark, ferti1e, granular excrement of a worm. Castings are rich
in plant nutrients. |
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Vermin |
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Noxious
or objectionable animals, insects, or other pests, especially
those of a small size. For example, rats, mice, and flies. |
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Volatile
compound |
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A
compound or substance which vaporizes ("evaporates") at relatively
low temperatures or is readily converted into a gaseous by-product.
Examples include alcohols and ammonia. Volatile compounds are
easily lost from the environment of a composting pile. |
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Windrow |
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A
long, relatively narrow, and low pile. Windrows have a large
exposed surface area which encourages passive aeration and drying. |
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Yard
waste |
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Leaves,
grass clippings, yard trimmings, and other organic garden debris |
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