Here you will read: Introduction to composting enterprises, Materials and Methods for Large Scale Composting in Dunedin, and the Decisions and Forward Steps for Noor:

Introduction to composting enterprise:
A problem is being turned into a remarkable environmental benefit, social advancement and a profit. Once microbiological transformed into compost, organic wastes can be used to mulch landscaping, enhance crop growth and enrich topsoil.

Starting a successful composting enterprise needs a careful understanding of the basics, including how the aerobic decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms works, what facilities can handle the process, how to manage odor and how to produce the market high-quality products.

Composting involves mixing materials into a pile, where microorganisms set to work, in an active period followed by a curing period. During the active stage, oxygen consumption and heat generation are high. The curing period is slow and continue until the nutrients are exhausted by the microorganisms.

In addition to a the required suitable nitrogen to carbon rations and moisture content, an oxygen content of 16 to 18.5 percent is ideal; at 6 or lower, odors cause a problem. It is not ideal to add lime or pH regulators because these can increase ammonia losses. Increasing the oxygen content by turning the pile is sufficient to keep the pH at the ideal levels for fast effective composting.

The retention time required depends on several described factors and takes two weeks to nine months.

Composting methods include passive piles, windrow composting, static piles, and in-vessel composting (in bins, beds, silos, transportable containers and rotating drums). There description of each method is beyond the scope and purposes of this document.

For a static pile, however, all that is needed is a front-end loader and a screen to sift the compost; and aerated static pile also needs a perforated pipe and, as fare as required, a blower. A static pile is passively aerated system that has no need for turning because air is supplied through the open ended pipes embedded in the piles through a chimney effect created by rising hot air.

The characteristics of the site required for composting depends of the following factors: volumes, methodology to be used, and possible growth. Preferably the site shall lies in a sloped elevated site (for drainage), firm soil, not located in a flood plain and square shaped.

Materials and Methods for Large Scale Composting in Dunedin
Passively aerated static piles that can be readily turned are proposed by Noor Biotechnologies for New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

Site selection
Noor is looking for 5 hectares of slightly elevated hillside with an accessible road located 50-100 m away from its toe, in a location acceptable to the local authority for composting. The site will include a nursery for plantlets and seedlings.

Site development
Noor is planning to carry the following developments in the site before the end of 2008.