Compost stability and maturity evaluation  —  a literature review. Issue 5 (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wichuk, Kristine M.; McCartney, Daryl
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental engineering and science. Volume 8:Issue 5(2013)
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 620
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: environment; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Sanitary engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Canada -- Periodicals; Environnement, Technique de l' -- Périodiques; Technique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Environnement, Technique de l' -- Canada -- Périodiques; Environmental engineering; Sanitary engineering; Canada; Electronic journals; Computer network resources; Periodicals; 628.05
• DOI: 10.1680/jees.2013.0063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1496-2551

Abstract

Abstract : Finished compost should be both stable (resistant to decomposition) and mature (ready for a particular end-use) so that it can safely be packaged and transported, and not cause adverse effects during its end use. A variety of methods for evaluating stability and maturity are available; this paper contains a review of the effectiveness of a number of the most commonly used tests, to determine the most reliable approach(es). In the literature reviewed, it was generally agreed that a single, stand-alone test for both compost stability and maturity does not yet exist; therefore, it is best to use a combination of tests. However, there is disagreement in the literature as to what the best combination for evaluation should be, and guidelines and regulations around the world employ a variety of approaches.