Influence of initial moisture content on the composting of poultry manure with wheat straw

The effect of initial moisture content (MC) on the composting of poultry manure with wheat straw in terms of the temperature of the compost, its emission of carbon dioxide and ammonia, and the rate of conversion of organic matter were investigated. Three experiments were carried out in closed laboratory-scale reactors under adiabatic conditions. The initial MC of the mixture of poultry manure and wheat straw showed a significant effect on aerobic composting process. The results demonstrated that for composting poultry manure with wheat straw, relatively high MCs are better at achieving higher temperatures and retaining them for longer times. However, high MCs can lead to increased losses of ammonia, which need be controlled by the addition of suitable additives. The results of this study suggest that an initial MC of around 69% can be considered as being suitable for the efficient composting of poultry manure mixed with wheat straw.