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Passive Composting of Manure

Last Updated: April 08, 2009 Related resource areas: Animal Manure Management

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Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center:Home PageAll articles about: Manure Treatment Manure Composting
Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center:

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Manure Treatment

Manure Composting

Passive Composting

Passive composting is probably the most common method used today because it involves simply stacking feedstocks and leaving them to compost over a long period of time. Very little, if any activity is performed on the pile once it has been constructed. Initial composting parameters can be controlled but are not usually maintained during the entire process. This process relies on mother nature to draw cool air and oxygen into the pile as the warm air is released. This process is commonly referred to as the chimney effect.

"Chimney effect" within an active composting pile
"Chimney effect" within an active composting pile


Passive/static yard waste composting
Passive/static yard waste composting

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