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Abstract
A study was undertaken to investigate the temperature and oxygen profiles in a green organic windrow processing system developed by Environmental & Resource Technology Holdings Pty Ltd. The aim of the study was to characterize the effectiveness of a passive ventilation system in windrowed plant residues for the control of temperature and oxygen concentrations. Measurements were taken of the green organic material within 30 different stockpiles prior to processing and within 30 commercial windrows throughout processing. The highest and lowest temperatures recorded in windrowed processing material were 72.8°C and 17.6°C respectively. Predominantly thermophilic conditions were maintained in the windrows throughout processing and virtually all material was subjected to the commonly recognized 55°C for three days which ensures the destruction of potential pathogens in organic material. The lowest oxygen concentration recorded in stockpiled ingredients and windrow processing material was 14.4 percent and 15.9 percent atmospheric respectively. Gaseous products of anaerobic origin were infrequently detected with the range of the equipment employed, demonstrating that the windrow process remains aerobic on a macro-scale at all times and does not produce any offensive odorous products.
