Location: Cotton Ginning Research
Title: Aerobic composting process for utilization of cotton gin byproducts as feedstock in fertilizer and animal feed pelletsAuthor
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Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2023 Publication Date: 7/10/2023 Citation: Alege, F.P., Donohoe, S.P., Blake, C.D., Thomas, J.W. 2023. Aerobic composting process for utilization of cotton gin byproducts as feedstock in fertilizer and animal feed pellets. ASABE Annual International Meeting, Omaha, Nebraska, July 9-12, 2023. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The low density of cotton gin byproducts (CBG) has been associated with economic hurdles to utilizing the materials in nutrient-based applications such as supplementing soils and animal feed. As a result, several ginners aerobically compost CGB in windrows as a means of storage and nutrient stabilization before further processing or utilization. While previous studies on CGB composting processes have utilized containerized composting systems, this study monitored the aerobic composting of CGB as typically practiced by ginners. Sensors were installed at two depths (30 and 60 mm) at four sampling locations on a CGB compost pile. The sensors continuously monitor the temperature for the first twelve weeks of the composting process. Additionally, CGB samples were collected near the four sampling locations of the sensors at approximately 15-day intervals and analyzed for chemical composition and other properties relevant to supplementing soil nutrients and animal feeds. The results of the study would provide an understanding of the variation of the target properties during the composting process, as well as the optimum composting period. In addition, the information will aid the handling and selection of CGB composts for subsequent treatment, processing, and utilization. |
