ABSTRACT
I Introduction ..................................................................................................... 12 II Composting and Vermicomposting Processes ................................................ 13 III Open Composting Systems .............................................................................. 15
A Windrow Composting ............................................................................. 15 B Forced Aerated Static Piles ..................................................................... 16
IV In-Vessel Composting ...................................................................................... 16 A Continuous Vertical Reactors ..................................................................16 B Horizontal Reactors ................................................................................. 17
V Open Vermicomposting Systems..................................................................... 17 A Low-Cost Floor Beds .............................................................................. 17 B Gantry-Fed Beds...................................................................................... 17 C Raised Gantry-Fed Beds ......................................................................... 18 D Dorset Wedge-Style Beds ........................................................................ 18
VI In-Container Vermicomposting ....................................................................... 19 A Bins .......................................................................................................... 19 B Batch Reactors ......................................................................................... 19
VII Organic Waste Processing Systems ................................................................. 19 VIII Criteria of Compost and Vermicompost Maturity ...........................................20 IX Analytical Methods to Evaluate Compost Stability ........................................ 21
A Carbon:Nitrogen Ratio ............................................................................ 21 B Humic Substances ................................................................................... 21 C Absence of Plant Inhibitors ..................................................................... 21 D Absence of Human Pathogens .................................................................22 E Other Criteria...........................................................................................22
