Introducing air into the windrow

There are three treatment stages needed to produce a really stable compost:

1. Sanitisation

At this stage, the microorganisms are working away decomposing feedstocks. Their activity generates temperatures of over 65°C, enough to destroy most harmful organisms and persistent insect pests, as well as weed seeds.

2. Stabilisation

At this stage, temperatures drop as the microorganisms become less active. Now more complex materials such as lignin (a hard substance embedded in the cellulose of plant cell walls) and cellulose itself are broken down.

3. Maturation

By this point the compost has decomposed and is in the process of stabilisation. Phytotoxic materials have been removed (e.g. nitrification converts ammonia to nitrate/nitrite). The compost is also recolonised by beneficial soil microbes during this period.

Our final product is classified as a soil conditioner, according to landscape industry specifications. Each batch is clearly and uniquely identified to ensure complete traceability from input source to export destination.

To discuss the price, availability and delivery of Pod, please call Kristine Leitch on 01236 875 415 or email us at compost@scottishwaterhorizons.co.uk

Where next?

Sanitisation and stabilisation - monitoring the composting process at every stage... find out more

A product you can trust – quality accreditation for composted materials (PAS 100)... find out more

Compost applications - Pod has a great number of uses... find out more

Building for the future – meeting targets to reduce peat by 90% in all growing media by 2010... find out more

A keen eye for quality – a rigorous process to ensure ingredients are suitable for composting... find out more