Abstract: A method of enhancing the compostability of waste products (i.e., products which have been discarded after use such as diapers) containing one or more propylene polymer materials by exposure to high-energy ionizing radiation in an oxidizing atmosphere, such as air, to improve the rate of the biological degradation of the propylene polymer material(s). The irradiated waste product is then contacted with living microorganisms in the presence of sufficient moisture for their growth and of an oxygen-containing gas to produce a useful compost humus.

Abstract: A process for controlling the throughput rate of aeration air when composting organic waste and/or sewage sludge migrating through a closed reaction vessel from an inlet opening to an outlet opening while aeration air supplied to the reaction vessel flows countercurrently through it, wherein a measured value corresponding to the O.sub.2 content of the waste air evacuated from the reaction vessel is continuously produced and, starting from a minimum value, the throughput rate of the aeration air is increased up to a maximum value until the measured O.sub.2 content of the waste air has dropped to its minimum value, and is decreased again when the O.sub.2 content of the waste air increases, the minimum value of the throughput rate being the value at which the O.sub.2 content of the evacuated waste air just begins to drop as compared to the O.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing improved irrigation to vegetation in open areas such as parks and golf courses, including providing improved microbiotic and nutrient supplies to such vegetation in a non-sterilized environment. In its method aspects, the invention comprises combining in an aqueous slurry effective amounts of first and second microorganisms, enzymes and nutrients, allowing the combined microorganisms to grow in a closed reservoir to reach levels of concentrations of the first and second microorganisms effective for irrigation, enhancement and nutrition of vegetation, and then applying the concentrated materials to the vegetation in a water slurry in quantities sufficient to effectively irrigate and provide nutrition to the vegetation and to provide it with protection against harmful microorganisms.

Abstract: A water manifold and air supply system for use with a multi-compartment rotating drum apparatus for the fermentation of natural organic material which provides for selective injection of air and predetermined amounts of water into compartments of the drum during its rotation which system includes an air supply conduit concentrically aligned with the rotational axis of the drum, a first water-conduit section fixedly secured to the rotating drum, a second water-conduit section concentric with the rotational axis of the drum residing within the air supply conduit and connected to the first section through a water-tight seal, the two water-conduit sections and air supply conduit being respectively connected to stationary water-supply and air-supply means by swivel joints.

Abstract: A compost crib is provided for the on-site disposal of animal carcasses accumulated during commercial operations, in which passive solar energy is utilized to assist in the decomposition process. Aerobic, thermophilic bacteria multiply in the sunlight, solar heat and heat of decomposition and convert nitrogenous material in carcasses and manure, as well as the carboniferous cellulose additive to the compost, to a bacterial biomass. The crib is simple in construction, having a frame with mesh walls to allow for adequate exposure to air. Access doors are provided for loading carcasses and for unloading recycled compost material for rotation back onto the compost mass. Solar panels are provided in the roof for the generation of solar heat and to provide sunlight to aid in bacterial photosynthesis.

Abstract: A compost curing air circulating and odor control system including a channel for storage of compost to be cured, the channel being provided with a retractable cover to permit periodic turning of the compost within the channel while concomitantly maintaining the channel as a closed vessel and an air circulating system for venting air from the closed vessel and recirculating the air through the stored compost whereby to enhance pathogen destruction through improved control of temperature gradients within the compost pile and to improve odor control.

Abstract: There is described a method for the manufacture of fodder and/or soil improving agents by anserobic or serobic fermentation of environmental disturbing aquatic plants, specifically water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which, if desired, have been comminuted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mycelial fertilizer that is characterized in method, and the objects thereof are to provide a mycelial fertilizer wherein the mycelial fertilizer containing mainly thermactinomyces is carried on a specified carrier to contribute the metabolites of the thermoactinomyces and the decomposition products of the thermoactinomyces to the growth of plants as effective fertilizers in soil, and to provide a method of producing the mycelial fertilizer.

Abstract: Soil substitute capable of supporting plant growth is produced in quantities suitable for substitution on a large scale, such as in landscaping operations. Shredded treebark is intimately mixed with quarry stone particles and silica sand particles and are then composted while mixed with the quarry stone particles and sand particles. Composting is performed by laying out the mixture in windrows and aerating the shredded treebark by mechanically turning material in the windrows so that composting proceeds within the temperature range 42-60 degrees Celcius.

Abstract: A new portable system is disclosed for composting feces and for treating urine includes a composting retainer which includes a composting means for exposing the feces to sufficient air and water to allow the feces to compost, thereby forming a compost product. A urine-treatment retainer with aerobic nitrifying bacteria disposed on a substrate whereby urine is treated by the bacteria, thereby forming a liquid product. A means is available for transporting the portable system.

Abstract: A device and method for composting comprise an assembly of stackable rectangular double walled plastic sub-units. Each sub-unit has four panels which are engaged in an interlocking relationship. Each sub-unit has a plurality of protrusions extending from its top edge, and protrusion-receiving recesses in its bottom edge for receiving the protrusions from an adjacent sub-unit. The composter has a lid with a peripheral ridge on its under side for securely fitting around the top edge protrusions of the uppermost sub-unit. The lid has two half-portions which are centrally attached in a hinged relationship so as to allow opening half of the lid while the other half remains closed.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of mushrooms which comprises supplementing the compost with an effective amount of a salt of an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic carboxylic acid, said salt being a calcium salt and/or a salt with an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic amine.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a large composting system as well as to a new composting method for the automatic production of compost. A mobile layer rearranging unit includes a conveyor system which is changeable with respect to length can be remote-controlled so that the influx of rotting matter is optimized according to throughput and rotting time and the rot loss is compensated for by repeatedly restoring the complete rot height. The required space requirement is less than before. Any mechanical intervention has a loosening effect, particularly in that the working device comprises upwardly working digging and conveyor wheels. All important parameters for the compost ripening can be monitored via free programming as well as by control by the system maintenance personnel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and an apparatus for compositing organic waste in two consecutive retting steps, the first of which is anaerobic and the second aerobic. In each step, the material to be decomposed is aerated with fresh air under pressure and the resulting spent waste gases are aspirated as spent air. The spent air (AL.sub.2) obtained from the second step of the process-the post-decomposition or retting step is mixed with fresh air (FL) used in the decomposition or first step, as shown in the drawing. The invention is particularly intended for use in with the so-called "retting processes" wherein fibers are soaked or exposed to moisture to promote loosening of the fiber from woody tissues by bacterial action. Generically, the term implies a rotting or injuring by exposure to moisture. The retting process can also involve a chemical treatment and its main object is to make possible gathering and baling of black inner fibers; as defined in Webster's "Third New International Dictionary.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficient use of fluid and for improving the odor control in in-vessel composting. The method includes the re-use of exhaust fluid from a first composting reactor in a second composting reactor in a single multiple chain system. Improved odor control is achieved by the provision of an odor control device interposed in the fluid stream from the first composting reactor to the second composting reactor and passing exhaust fluid from the first reactor through the odor control device to remove pollutants therefrom before re-use in the second composting reactor. The exhaust fluid from the second composting reactor may also be passed through the odor control device before it is exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic material such as agricultural residues, e.g. straw and bagasse, can be converted into products that can be easily transformed into feeds, fuels, and soil improver. The reactor described herein affords simple efficient transformation of lignocellulosics to acidic organic liquid, heat, and ligneous sludge residue in a typical use. The acidic organic liquid may be used as the main component in the production of SCP, the heat may be used subsequently for heating or drying, and the ligneous sludge, when dewatered, used as soil improver or as fuel.

Abstract: An improved composting container comprising a plurality of panels fixed edge-to-edge to form a curved enclosure. Rods are inserted through some of the panels such that the rods form pyramidal shaped groups within the enclosure, in one hemisphere of the container. The panels are each thin walled enclosures having insulating spaces therein, with gas passageways passing through the panels. Straps are provided to maintain the panels in edge-wise interrelationships. Alternative embodiments provide towable and stationary composting devices.

Abstract: A composting method is disclosed for accelerated decomposition of organic matter. The organic matter is deposited into a chamber of a vessel. A ram moves through a relatively short stroke within one end of the vessel so that organic matter deposited in the vessel at one end may be moved through the chamber and discharged at the other end as a result of each successive charge of matter pushing the preceding charge forward through the vessel by the action of the ram. An optimum range of compaction density for the particular organic matter being processed is determined. Also, an angle of disposition for the vessel relative to the horizontal is established for the particular organic matter being processed. This angle of disposition is established so as to cause the amount of compressive force necessary to move the organic matter through the vessel to be such as to achieve the optimum range of compaction density.

Abstract: In a device for the aeration of composting reservoirs of biomass, each aeration mouth in the biomass being treated is supplied separately and independently from the others by means of a conduit (4) adapted to this effect. All the conduits (4) have an energy drop substantially equal to 5-20 times, preferably 8-12 times more than the energy drop of the air which traverses the biomass. Each conduit (4) is connected to the collector (5) situated outside the reservoir (1) by a closure tap (7) and is provided with a device (9) for injecting in the conduits a high pressure liquid in order to, in case of need, clear the discharge orifices when they are plugged. The conduits (4) and optionally the collector (5) are separated according to the maturity degree of the biomass, in groups having different air volume and pressure. Furthermore, the free end of each conduit (4) which terminates at the bottom (3) of the reservoir (1) acts as an aeration mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for valorizing liquid manure from pigs by elaboration of biological amendments, said method comprising the fermentation of a biomass based on a mixture of pig liquid manure and a carbonaceous medium. Said biomass is seeded by a bacterial selection comprising Serratia and Klabsiella also relates to a device for implementing such method.

Abstract: A garbage disposing device having a collapsible cylindrical main body having an upper end face inclined at such an angle as to be capable of flowing water droplets downward. A flat box-shaped member partitions the inside of the main body into a plurality of vertical chambers. The top end of the member protrudes above the main body. The member has a plurality of perforations in a wall surface thereof. An opening/closing lid is hingedly connected to the upper side of the main body and is attached thereto along the downward slope of the upper end face. Water evaporated from garbage is discharged to the outside through the perforations of the flat box-shaped member. Water which condenses on the inner surface of the opening/closing lid can be introduced along the inclined surface of the lid and then collected into a water receiving port or into grooves of a board core formed in the main body. A plurality of partitioned chambers can be used alternately and continuously for effective disposal of garbage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the protection of the environment, particularly the soil and ground water, by biological degradation of unwanted chemical and biological entities often finding their way into soils. The process of the present invention utilizes the well known methods of the art of composting but specifically selects the raw plant materials to be composted from plant groups having carbon:nitrogen ratios of approximately 10:1 to 30:1 of carbon and nitrogen content. Examples of said special plant material being from members of the plant family Leguminosae, and specifically Gossypium hirsutum (cotton). By means of certain modifications of the art of composting said special plant materials, disclosed herein, generate a special humic substrate which supports an indigenous microflora and fauna capable of degrading a number of unwanted substances harmful to man, animals and plants; examples being certain petroleum hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbon pesticides and soil borne plant pathogens.

Abstract: A process for converting municipal garbage into organic compost material is described.In the first step of this process, a mixture of cellulosic refuse material and earthworms is provided.In the second step of the process, the mixture of refuse material and earthworms is maintained at a moisture content of from about 45 to about 92 weight percent and a temperature of from about 0 to about 54 degrees centigrade for from about 3 to about 8 months.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process useful for the biological transformation of waste materials into ecologically desirable materials. A meta system reactor is disclosed comprising three primary zones which are cyclically and dynamically connected by a circulating fluid. In the process of the invention, each of a bioreactor zone, solids ecoreactor zone and georeactor zone further comprise secondary subsystems and are cyclically connected by a series of recycle flows and organism movements to bioconvert the contained materials. The converted materials produced can be desirable and ecologically beneficial end products comprising gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor; a biologically active and highly beneficial humus material; and clean water which may be passed through a final wetlands polishing and biomonitoring system before discharge into a natural receiving water.

Abstract: A foliar spraying agent which is capable of increasing yield and improving quality of plant is obtained by grinding vegetable humus containing 50 to 80% by weight of water, contacting the resulting ground vegetable humus with air sufficiently to activate the ground product and extracting the activated product with water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for composting of organic matter. A ram advances the entire mass of organic matter within the composting chamber to create an evacuated space in the composting chamber, which evacuated space is of substantially greater volume than the volume of an incremental inlet space. The incremental inlet space is a space in the composting chamber defined by a projection of an inlet opening into the composting chamber. After the creation of the evacuated space, a new charge of organic matter is fed through the inlet opening. The ram then moves this new charge of organic matter into the evacuated space in the chamber to join the existing mass of organic matter already in the chamber. The ram also lightly compresses the new charge to a predetermined density or porosity. Typically, the extent of compressive force applied to the new charge is less than that required to move the entire mass of organic matter through the chamber.

Abstract: To produce organic fertilizer which is effective for sterile agricultural land, a mixture comprising coral reef powder, domestic animal excreta, sewage disposal waste and ground cellulose derived from plant fiber is prepared and it is well mixed in the presence of organic compounds and inorganic salts. Thereafter, it is subjected to cultivating in a multi-bath type cultivating bath for a predetermined period of time while temperature and pH are adjusted properly. Cultivation is achieved with the addition of bacilli including nitrogen fixing bacillus such as Azotobactor vinelandii, Bacillus megaterum, Rhizobium leguminosarm or the like, Trichoderma virde acting as raw fiber decomposing bacillus, candida utilus acting as yeast fungus and green algae, each of which is cultivated under the operating condition of symbiosis cultivation. The pH in the cultivating bath is maintained in the range of 5.5 to 7.5, preferably in the range of 6 to 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composting bins assembled from at least one elongated sheet of semi-rigid, flexible material with a means for locking the near and far ends of the elongated sheet together while the near and far ends overlap to form the enclosed space for containing decomposing organic waste matter.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring method and apparatus for monitoring the temperature within a mass of organic matter moved through a composting vessel. An elongated, stationary probe extends through the vessel from one end toward another end thereof. A plurality of temperature measuring devices are mounted along the probe. The probe may extend through a compaction ram and be provided with a sleeve for accommodating movement of the ram relative to the probe. A decoupling device provides for decoupling of the probe from a mounting base and an extraction device permits the probe to be extracted from the vessel for replacement thereof. The probe provides a method of monitoring temperature in the mass and a method of composting by monitoring temperature in the mass and regulating the temperature of the mass in response thereto.

Abstract: A composting method and apparatus is disclosed for accelerated decomposition of organic matter. The organic matter is deposited into a chamber of a vessel. A ram moves through a relatively short stroke within one end of the vessel so that organic matter deposited in the vessel at one end may be moved through the chamber and discharged at the other end as a result of each successive charge of material pushing the preceding charge forward through the vessel by the action of the ram. The vessel includes a set of orifices in a floor of the chamber for introducing pressurized air into the vessel. During the normal composting operation, pressurized air passes through these orifices at a relatively low intensity to aerate the organic matter.

Abstract: A container for disposing of waste is provided. The container comprises an upper portion and a lower portion which are removably engaged to define an enclosure for the waste. The lower portion comprises a plurality of water permeable passages formed therein. The upper portion includes solar radiation collection means for heating the enclosure. The container is suitably used to decompose biodegradable waste. Preferably, the container is used to decompose daily household refuse.

Abstract: A process for converting municipal garbage into organic compost material is described.In the first step of this process, a mixture of shredded cellulosic refuse material and earthworms is provided. A substantial portion of the shredded cellulosic refuse material is derived from paper and/or cardboard refuse.In the second step of the process, the mixture of refuse material and earthworms is maintained at a moisture content of from about 45 to about 92 weight percent and a temperature of from about 0 to about 54 degrees centigrade for from about 4 to about 8 months.

Abstract: Modular systems are disclosed for composting organic waste. The systems include a number of modular containers for holding predetermined amounts of the organic waste materials, these amounts being selected such that a relatively uniform temperature profile may be maintained within each of the modular containers. Each of the containers also includes an air inlet and an exhaust so that air may be circulated through the organic waste materials in each of the modular containers, a temperature probe for measuring the temperature in the modular containers, and a fan for circulating air from the exhaust of a first modular container to the air inlet of a second modular container when the temperature in the second modular container is greater than the temperature in the first modular container by a predetermined temperature difference, so as to accelerate the composting of said organic waste material.

Abstract: A method for bringing gases into contact with compostible or partially composted material, in which the material placed in the form of a mass on a layer of particulate material and gas, preferably air, is passed through the material, the air being introduced into the mass through gas-distributing means embedded in or covered by the layer of particulate material, and in which the layer comprises a first part-layer of relatively coarse particulate material intended to serve as protection for the gas-distributing means and as a distributing filter for the through-flowing gas, and a second part-layer arranged upon the first part-layer and comprising relatively fine particulate material, the second part-layer being intended to distribute the through-flowing gas before the gas is introduced into the compostible or partially composted material.

Abstract: In a method and device for drying and conditioning poultry manure or similar pasty materials in the form of particles, selective micro-organisms are, in a microbiological phase, fixed onto stable moulded carrier element, added to the past material to be treated, optimum climatic conditions being generated with air conditioned for the activity of the micro-organisms. Released heat as well as water vapor are evacuated. In the case of a temperature drop, the microbiological phase is substituted by an air stream drying which is terminated when the desired dessication degree is obtained. The device comprises a closed cylindrical tank (1) wherein there is arranged a suspended mounting which may vibrate vertically and which is comprised of two cylindrical coaxial air-tight mantels (14,15) between which are distributed the carrier elements for the selective microorganisms.

Abstract: An improved plant growth medium is prepared by treating a conventionally composted bio-mass waste material with an aqueous solution or dispersion of an antimicrobial in an amount which selectively inhibits deleterious rhizobacteria.

Abstract: Compost, e.g. hardwood bark, is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Container media also is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens and/or diseases caused thereby by amending the media with the just-described prepared suppressive compost or, alternatively, by amending separately with the compost and with Trichoderma fungus and antagonistic bacterium separately or mixed together. Desirably, the inoculated antagonistic microorganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with Xanthomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium balustinum isolate 299, A.T.C.C. No. 53198 species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A new Pseudomonas gladioli having the identifying characteristics of Bikohken-kin No. 8805 has been discovered. The microorganism is a new bacteria separated from a bulb and roots of Miltonia. For separation, the bulb and roots of Miltonia are ground in a 1% solution of peptone followed by a streak culture on a bouillon agar at 25.degree. C. for 48-96 hours, and the colonies thus grown are isolated. This microorganism is inoculated into a bulb and roots of a plant selected from the group consisting of Welsh onion, sorgo, oats and maize. The plants inoculated with the grown microorganisms are grown together within the radius of rhizosphere of a plant to be protected (or companion or mixed crop) for further multiplication of Pseudomonas gladioli M-2196 in order to control soil borne plant diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Very strong antibacterial activity on Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Verticillum dahliae, Corynebacterium michiganese pv. michiganese, Sclerotium cepivorum etc. is observed.

Abstract: A non-sterile, pasteurized nutrient substrate composition is disclosed suitable for growing shiitake mushrooms. Its composition and preparation are described. In addition, the use of the substrate composition is taught for the commercial, large-scale growth of shiitake mushrooms in trays or beds.

Abstract: A composting facility comprising an elongated composting bay, a compost handling machine, and a ventilation system. The composting bay holds organic waste material while that material composts; and the compost handling machine is adapted to agitate the compost in, and to move the compost along, the bay. The ventilation system selectively conducts air into the compost, and this system includes a sensor, recessed in the bay, to actuate the ventilation system when the temperature of the compost rises above a preset value. Preferably, the temperature of the compost varies along the length of the bay, and the ventilation system includes a multitude of sensors to actuate the ventilation system to conduct air selectively into different sections of the bay to maintain a desired compost temperature profile.

Abstract: The present application describes herbicidal agents, based on emulsions, which contain two or more active compounds - a water-soluble, salt-like active compound and an active compound which is soluble in organic solvents - a surfactant mixture and a solvent, the surfactant mixture comprising a combination of phenylsulfonate salts, ethoxylated alkyl- (or polyaryl)phenol phosphates, ethoxylated acidic phohsphoric acid esters and alkylphenol polyglycol ether derivatives. These agents are prepared by the action of high shear forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus with improved fluid flow control for economical and efficient composting. The improved fluid flow control is provided by a lance having at least two separate fluid flow zones to provide a fluid flow profile in the compost. The flow zones are provided by an outer porous wall tube with a control insert tube therein having a plurality of openings along the length thereof and spaced from the wall by gaskets to form the flow zones. The lances can be coupled to a manifold for even fluid distribution throughout the compost. The manifold is designed to direct fluid flow to a portion of the lances while simultaneously removing fluid flow from the other portion of lances. This creates substantially uniform patterns of fluid injection and evacuation for uniform composting, reduced energy requirements and greater control of process conditions.

Abstract: A compost handling machine comprising a carriage to support the machine for movement along a composting bay, and a compost agitating and conveying assembly to agitate compost in, and to move the compost along the bay. The agitating and conveying assembly includes a conveyor subassembly and a drum subassembly. The conveyor subassembly includes a plurality of lifting cleats that, in use, are moved around a closed path to lift compost in the bay and move the compost rearwardly therein. The drum subassembly includes an agitating drum extending between and supported by a pair of support arms, and the drum is rotated to agitate and comminute the compost in the bay.

Abstract: Method for producing high-grade fertilizer and useful side products from pips, wherein, after the aerobic decay of press residues from wine production, the pips are separated from the decay product by sieving, are opened by crushing and are subjected to another aerobic decay, and wherein the components of the decayed crushed pips are divided by sieving into three fractions of different particle sizes, the fine fraction of which contains predominantly or almost exclusively humified seedlings and humified nutrient tissue of the grape seed, the coarse fraction consists predominantly of thirds and quarters of pip walls, and the middle fraction includes smaller pip wall pieces.

Abstract: A plug-flow composting reactor including a longitudinal hollow chamber having a floor, a pair of oppositely disposed side walls, and a top wall. The reactor preferably includes an entrance structure and an exit structure mounted at opposite ends of the hollow chamber to thereby substantially close the reactor when desired. The floor of the chamber further includes a plurality of longitudinal slats slidably mounted for longitudinal reciprocation relative the side and top walls. The slats are located in parallel relationship to one another along the chamber, with adjacent slats preferably laterally spaced from one another by interposed aeration conduits. These aeration conduits provide aeration gases to the organic matter within the reactor. Vents for exhausting the aeration gases from the chamber are provided to ensure a predetermined flow of such gases through the chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus including an air diffuser device and process useful in the domestic scale aerobic composting of organic wastes. The air diffuser has within its air admitting opening means to exclude insects, small animal pests and to also exclude waste from entering the air diffuser. Containers may be employed which have only a single opening admitting access to the contents of the container and the side walls of the container need not have apertures. The air diffuser device may be used with a variety of types of containers and particularly with plastic bags. By using containers which do not have openings to the exterior, except for the opening in which the air diffuser is located and possible small liquid drainage openings, composting may be undertaken with control of pests and flies in regions near residences and without excessive drying of the edges of the compost mass, in a way not previously known.

Abstract: Organic material and animal excrement is fermented in an accelerated manner in closed systems in order to produce energy, such as biogas and heat, wherein, as a rule, the material is moved around or constantly shifted, respectively, in known devices. According to the invention, the material to be fermented, organic waste and excrement, preferably from large-scale animal maintenance, is brought together and fed to inclined shafts from above, wherein it sinks down by means of its own force of gravity and is mixed at intervals by means of a mixing angle attached at a chain hoist. The inclined bottoms of the shafts form the heat exchanger units, for which purpose the outer defining walls can also be used. The entire system is completely insulated and can be coated automatically from above.

Abstract: A plant for the aerobic biological transformation of organic waste materials, in which the stirring screws which control the agitation and the forward movement of the material being treated are immersed in the biomass, and thus operate actively, when moving in the direction opposite the movement of said material, while, in the opposite course, i.e., in the direction which is concurrent with the movement of the material, they are extracted from the biomass, with the axis of the stirring screws being inclined at an appropriate angle, which is preferably between 10 and 60 degrees, with respect to the vertical, with the material being moved towards the unloading area by the displacement in the loading area of the screws, which are inclined and rotating in the raising direction of the biomass.

Abstract: To prepare an effective potting media from waste plant products, a mixture of high carbon and high nitrogen organic material is mixed with a phosphoric acid solution to maintain a pH of between 5.5 and 7.1 under aerobic conditions, with or without soil. Ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials and ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials are used in the preferred embodiment in ratios of between three parts ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials for each seven parts of ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials to seven parts ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials for each three parts ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials. The mixture of wheat straw and alfalfa hay has a pH in the range of 7.0 to 8.1. Phosphoric acid 0.04 M is added periodically for approximately one month if the pH of the mixture is higher than desirable for the plant type.

Abstract: Organic waste, especially organic household garbage, is leached in a leaching apparatus for washing out any water soluble organic substances and water soluble heavy metal salts. Air is supplied into the apparatus during the leaching for aerobically decomposing or rotting the organic substances. Non-soluble substances are discharged from the leaching apparatus for further treatment. A liquid flow-off component containing solved substances is withdrawn from the leaching apparatus, collected in an intermediate tank and introduced into an anaerobic solid bed reactor wherein anaerobic bacteria reduce or decompose the liquid flow-off component to form bio-gas which is withdrawn from the solid bed reactor for use or storage in a low pressure tank. The heavy metal salts are precipitated into water non-soluble sulfides and the flow-off is returned for further leaching to the leaching apparatus in a substantially closed circuit in which any lost leaching liquid is replenished.