Topic outline

  • NRCS: Engineering Handbook - Composting

    Credits: 8 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Composting is the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms into a stable, humus-like soil amendment. The processes used in composting occur in nature, but systems can be designed and managed to enhance and accelerate the process. The by-product of composting consists of the biomass of dead and living microorganisms, undegradable raw material, and stable by-products of decomposition.

    Compost is an organic soil conditioner that has been sufficiently stabilized to minimize or eliminate unpleasant odors, substantially reduce or eliminate viable pathogens and weed seeds, facilitate storage and handling without attracting insects and vectors, and provide plants with nutrients that become available throughout the growing season.

    Topics:

    • Definition of compost and composting
    • Composting in the United States
    • General procedures and principles of composting
    • Design of compost mixtures
    • Components of compost mix
    • Typical raw materials
    • Determination of the compost recipe
    • Monitoring and parameter adjustment
    • Temperature, Odor management, Moisture, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
    • Monitoring equipment, Odor generation, additives, inoculums, starters
    • Pathogens, Bioaerosols, and other health risks of a composting
    • Aeration requirements
    • Analysis of raw materials and compost
    • Compost quality and stability
    • Comparison of composting methods
    • Compost facility design, and Operational costs
    • Material handling and monitoring
    • Operations after completion of composting
    • Compost end use and Marketing considerations
    • Dead animal composting

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Environmental, Civil, Construction, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description requires a comprehensive knowledge of fundamental composting principles.
    Publication Source: USDA (Natural Resources Conservation Service)

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1