Lesson 51: Worksheet for Determining Compost Bin or Windrow Volume Requirements

Name: Location:

Input the fields marked with an *. The calculations will appear in the boxes next to the green texts.

Step A: Determine the weight of animal carcasses to be composted.

* Average daily loss (ADL) (lbs)

* Design mortality weight (W1) (lbs)

Annual loss = ADL * 365 = (lbs/yr)

Step B: Determine the composting cycle times for the "design weight" to be composted in each windrow or bin.

Primary cycle time (days) = 5.00 * (W1)0.5
days (If less than 10 days, use 10.)

Secondary cycle time (days) = 1/3 primary cycle time, minimum time >= 10 days
days (If less than 10 days, use 10.)

* Storage time (days) = Year's maximum period of time between land application events.
days (from nutrient management plan)

Step C: Determine the needed composter volumes.

Primary composter volume (ft3) = 0.2 * ADL * primary cycle time
(ft3)

Secondary composter volume (ft3) = 0.2 * ADL * secondary cycle time
(ft3)

Storage volume (ft3) = 0.2 * ADL * storage time(days)
(ft3)

Step D: Determine the dimensions of the compost facility, bin dimensions, and windrow size or number of bins.

Step E: Determine the annual sawdust required for the composting.

Annual sawdust needs (yd3/yr) = annual loss (lbs/yr) * 0.0069
(yd3/yr)


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