Feasibility of co-composting construction and demolition waste with cattle feedlot manure
Citation
Hao, X. 2016. Feasibility of co-composting construction and demolition waste with cattle feedlot manure. Engineering Journal - Engineers Ireland August 9, 2016. (available online at http://www.engineersjournal.ie/2016/08/09/co-composting-construction-demolition-waste-with-feedlot-manure-from-cattle-fed-dried-distillers-grain-with-solubles/, last accessed Feb 9, 2017)
Plain language summary
Researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of co-composting construction and demolition waste with cattle feedlot manure, and measured the related greenhouse gas emissions
Abstract
The GHG emissions over the 99-day composting were not affected by manure type (CK vs. DG manure). Composting with C&D waste produced similar CO2 emissions as without C&D, and both were higher than manure stockpiling. In contrast, CH4 emissions were reduced by the inclusion of C&D waste while the manure stockpile emitted the greatest amount of CH4. The N2O emissions were similar across all treatments.
The higher C&D compost temperatures should reduce pathogens while reduced VFA content should reduce odors. The lower CH4 emission with C&D waste is beneficial in reducing overall GHG emissions from manure composting.
When using the final compost product, the increased SO42- and reduced TP and available N and P content in C&D waste compost should be taken into consideration. Increased S content in C&D compost may be beneficial for some crops (e.g., canola) grown on S deficient soils.