Linda J. Brewer

Maturity and Stability Evaluation of Composted Yard Trimmings

The objective of this research was to evaluate a variety of stability and maturity indices for yard trimmings compost produced in the Puget Sound region of western Washington State. Compost samples were collected periodically during a 133-d composting cycle at a commercial composting facility, showing that indices of compost respiration rate were sensitive indicators of compost quality. All respiration rate indices identified a period of high respiration rates during active composting (first 27 d), and a period of relatively stable respiration rates during the latter part of curing (70 to 133 d). Chemical tests of compost solids showed less promise as maturity indicators, but provided valuable information on final compost quality. Mature yard trimmings compost had a C:N of 12, an NH4-N to NO3-N ratio of less than 4, a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 400 cmol per kg of compost-C, and a pH between 6.5 and Seed germination tests and sensory tests (color and odor) were of limited value in assessing compost maturity. Fully-cured compost produced with forced aeration had a Solvita CO2 test value of 6 to 7 and a respiration rate via the alkaline trap method of 2 mg CO2-C g compost-C−1 d−1. It reheated less than 2°C in an insulated Dewar flask in a 7 d incubation. Further evaluation and calibration of respiration test protocols for compost quality assurance testing programs are recommended.

Application Review of Mindjet Mindmanager Pro 7

Mindjets MindManager is an intuitive project management software with advanced information capture, organization, and sharing capabilities. New users can be up and running in minutes, creatings highly visual documents with this software to manage meeting agendas, to brainstorm, to schedule equipment and resources, to plan projects, and track project progress. MindManager readily links to common software applications, the internet, and MS Outlook calendar functions. Mindjets website offers plenty of support including webinars, a newsletter, and a user forum.