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Rate #1. A simple way to measure compost application rate is the tarp method. Lay down a tarp that will be totally covered by the spreader pattern. Then drive the spreader over it at operating speed.
Rate #2. Pick up the tarp with the compost and collect into the center.
Rate #3. Carefully pour all the compost into a container for weighing.
Rate #4. Weigh the compost and calculate the rate based on the weight and the area of the tarp. Adjust the spreader as appropriate and keep careful notes of the rate associated with each spreader setting.
Small pilot piles are used to conduct research at the WSU facility.
Steam escaping from composting windrows at the WSU site in Washington.
Temperature can be monitored within the windrows with specialized compost thermometers.
This compost manager is monitoring windrow temperature near Nampa, ID.
Measuring carbon dioxide levels in a windrow is another monitoring approach for process control in composting.
Germination tests are often used to determine compost maturity and insure that the compost is not phytotoxic to plants.
Water is added to windrows using a water truck near Canyon City, ID. Turning piles in summer can lead to excess drying.
This turner is adapted to add water to windrows at a Texas location.
A view of the water nozzles on the windrow turner used to add moisture to compost in dry climates; Texas.
Water has been added via moist feedstocks and lettuce windrows; California.
Water has been added via moist feedstocks and ice cream waste at this site in Vermont.
A grower at Hood River, OR, uses fabric row coverings over the windrows to exclude excess moisture from winter rain.
Excess moisture is removed from manure with this sloping screen separator prior to composting; Idaho.
This equipment is used to remove excess water from manure at a Texas site.