EFFECT OF COMPOSTING HEAT FROM INTERMITTENT AERATED STATIC PILE ON THE ELEVATION OF UNDERGROUND TEMPERATURE

Animal wastes are utilized as a compost to promote soil fertility and reduce environmental pollution by dumping. In this study we evaluated the heat transfer effect of composting energy on the elevation of underground temperature, and investigated the stability of matured compost for plant growth. The intermittently aerated composting of cattle manure with rice hulls in a static pile system is a practical proposition for underground heating of greenhouses by direct heat transfer through the soil. The underground temperature in the greenhouse during composting was maintained from 17.5°C to 32.5°C, while the outside underground temperature was 6°C to 11.9°C. The composition of final product from this composting system is similar to that of compost from other systems. The nutrient content of the finished compost is good for use in horticulture. The underground temperature of 20-33°C and the chemical composition of the produced compost are suitable for winter plant growth under protected cultivation.