Abstract: A modular methane digester facility includes prefabricated portable concrete panels and a flexible membrane roof sealing an interior space of the methane digester. A separator-conveyor dewatering device, integratable into the front end of the methane digester facility, separates a semi-solid liquid manure into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A method of dual-stage methane digestion includes stacking a solid stage in a methane digester and supplying a liquid stage to the top of the solid stage. The liquid stage percolates by gravity through the solid stage, the solid stage acts as a filter for the liquid stage, and the liquid stage acts as a methanogenic buffer for the solid stage. A method of pre-heating a mass of solids in a methane digester to a mesophilic temperature includes supplying oxygen to the mass of solids in the form of ambient air supplied to the methane digester by a reverse-air pump.

Abstract: Techniques and tools reduce pH drift downward in growth media triggered by plant growth or ammoniated fertilizers. Methods and compositions provide growing media with buffering potential to prevent pH drifts in the growing media. A compost composition has a buffering potential against pH changes. A carbonate index test provides information on a buffering potential of a compost composition. A growing medium includes a compost composition with a buffering potential to provide a stable pH that is conducive to plant growth in the growing medium.

Abstract: A modular methane digester facility includes prefabricated portable concrete panels and a flexible membrane roof sealing an interior space of the methane digester. A separator-conveyor dewatering device, integratable into the front end of the methane digester facility, separates a semi-solid liquid manure into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A method of dual-stage methane digestion includes stacking a solid stage in a methane digester and supplying a liquid stage to the top of the solid stage. The liquid stage percolates by gravity through the solid stage, the solid stage acts as a filter for the liquid stage, and the liquid stage acts as a methanogenic buffer for the solid stage. A method of pre-heating a mass of solids in a methane digester to a mesophilic temperature includes supplying oxygen to the mass of solids in the form of ambient air supplied to the methane digester by a reverse-air pump.

Abstract: Techniques and tools reduce pH drift downward in growth media triggered by plant growth or ammoniated fertilizers. Methods and compositions provide growing media with buffering potential to prevent pH drifts in the growing media. A compost composition has a buffering potential against pH changes. A carbonate index test provides information on a buffering potential of a compost composition. A growing medium includes a compost composition with a buffering potential to provide a stable pH that is conducive to plant growth in the growing medium.

Abstract: The rate of carbon dioxide release from a grain sample can be measured by placing the grain sample in a sealed container, and positioning a pH responsive color-change material in the container so that carbon dioxide released from the grain sample chemically reacts with a buffer incorporated into the color-change material. Carbon dioxide measurements can be used to measure actual and potential spoilage of the grain associated with fungal attack.

Abstract: A test kit for determining the “volatile ammonia content” of biological samples comprising any wet or dry compost, manure, plasma or soil sample. The kit includes a transparent container for holding the sample, and a reactant chemistry gel system, located within the container in the space not occupied by the sample. The reactant mass includes an acidic pH reactant material, and a color change indicator material, responsive to pH changes in the reactant material. Ammonia vapors diffuse into the reactant material, reacting chemically with the acidic pH reactant material so as to produce a color change. The nature of the color change is an indication of the quantity of NH3 in the test-jar atmosphere, which in combination with the known pH of the sample, indicates the total ammonium in the biological sample.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which can be used to treat high-strength septage, sewage and industrial wastewater. The wastewater treatment system consists of three major components. In the first component, solids are separated from the liquid component of the wastewater being treated. The separated solid portion is removed to a composting component wherein it is turned into a commercially useful compost material. The liquid component is subjected to a two part treatment wherein the first part of the treatment is carried out in a sequencing batch reactor and the second part is carried out in at least one reed bed. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the various components of the wastewater treatment system are in modular form.

Abstract: Biodegradable bags can be formed out of two-ply sheet materials that include an outer ply of kraft paper and an inner ply of biodegradable thermoplastic material. The two-ply sheets are formed and connected together with the use of biodegradable adhesives that do not constitute barriers to biodegradation of the bag material in a composting environment. The sheets are preferably laminated and joined together, using heat-sealing procedures. Preferred biodegradable materials are polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethylcellulose polymer, polyethylene glycol polymer, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, hydroxybutyrate polymer, hydroxyvalerate polymer, and a copolymer of hydroxybutyrate and hydroxyvalerate.

Abstract: A test kit for determining the `total compost life`, and chemical stability of a moist compost sample, includes a transparent container for holding the compost sample, and a reactant mass, located within the container in the space not occupied by the compost sample. The reactant mass includes a pH basic reactant material, and a color change indicator material, responsive to pH changes in the atmosphere within the container. After the moist compost sample is charged into the container, the container is sealed and allowed to remain undisturbed for a prescribed time period, e.g., about three (3) hours. During this time, carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and volatile organic acids are emitted from the sample into the space surrounding the chemically reactant mass. The pH basic reactant chemically reacts with the emitted carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), in ionic form, or the emitted volatile organic acids, so as to produce a color change. The nature of the color change is an indication of the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for turning, and otherwise agitating, compost materials in an elongated windrow, is described. The invention includes a chute structure, that can be moved into, and along, the windrow. A toothed drum, at the leading end of the chute structure, penetrates the compost material, and throws it upwardly, and rearwardly, onto an inclined conveyor. The conveyor transports the materials upwardly to a discharge point, located at the trailing end of the chute structure. Gravitational forces cause the materials to intermittently fall back toward the drum, thereby churning and mixing the materials. Pressurized air is continually sprayed onto the materials on the conveyor, in order to aerate the materials while they are being churned and transported.