The Physical Properties of Compost
- 1 June 2003
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Compost Science & Utilization
- Vol. 11 (3), 238-264
- https://doi.org/10.1080/1065657x.2003.10702132
Abstract
The trend toward more efficient methods of compost production and handling requires a complete understanding of the process, the materials involved, and the physical parameters of the materials such as moisture content, bulk density, and various mechanical properties. These properties influence the process and product in various ways from aeration effectiveness to compost-soil interactions. This paper reviews the influence of the physical properties of composting materials on the production and utilisation of compost. Methods for measuring moisture content, bulk density, particle size distribution, airflow resistance and the thermal and optical properties of compost are summarised. In addition to techniques for determining theses properties, typical values for particle density, porosity, and mechanical and electrical properties of composting materials are presented. Empirical formulas also are included for bulk density, particle density, free air space, and specific heat capacity, as cited in the reviewed literature. In the majority of cases, there is a lack of a specific standard for describing and measuring compost physical properties. In order to achieve uniformity in reporting and comparability of data from various sources, acceptable standard methods of measuring compost properties need to be adopted.Keywords
This publication has 49 references indexed in Scilit:
- Paper Mill Sludge Composting and Compost UtilizationCompost Science & Utilization, 1999
- Equilibrium Moisture Isotherms for Synthetic Food Waste And Biosolids CompostsCompost Science & Utilization, 1999
- Moisture Effect on Compaction and Permeability in CompostsJournal of Environmental Engineering, 1997
- The performance and radiation exposure of some neutron probes in measuring the water content of the topsoil layerSoil Research, 1997
- The use of radar backscattering signals for measuring soil moisture and surface roughnessRemote Sensing of Environment, 1995
- Some aspects of measuring the size and rate of dispersion of milk powder agglomerates using the Malvern Particle Sizer 2600cJournal of Dairy Research, 1994
- Compost quality: Physical characteristics, nutrient content, heavy metals and organic chemicalsToxicological & Environmental Chemistry, 1994
- Comparison of chemical and microbiological methods for the characterization of the maturity of composts from contrasting sourcesBiology and Fertility of Soils, 1993
- Calibration of Microwave-Oven Drying Techniques Versus Air-Oven Methods for Measurement of Peat Moss Moisture ContentApplied Engineering in Agriculture, 1992
- Precision of Peat Moss Water Contents Measured by Microwave-Oven DryingApplied Engineering in Agriculture, 1990