Composting Facility (NRCS #317)

Applicable Systems

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About

Composting facility¹ is a facility or device to contain and facilitate controlled aerobic decomposition of organic waste derived from agriculture or processing, and conversion into stabilized soil amendment and horticultural media.

Key aspects and considerations:

Does not apply to poultry carcasses, and routine storage and handling of animal manure solids.
Requires a site-specific plan in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Requires a consistent supply of feedstocks and proper C:N balance.
Requires compost stability to enhance environmental benefits and minimize tradeoffs².
Requires management of some metals to avoid soil contamination and phytotoxicity².
Provides an appropriate and productive use for agricultural and processing wastes.
Requires regular monitoring of moisture, temperature, aeration, and C:N ratio.

Benefits and Limitations

ACRE Category	Benefits	Limitations
Soil Health	Generates organic composts that improve long-term soil health by enhancing soil organic matter, soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling.	Benefits occur only after compost is applied appropriately and repeatedly over time.
Water Management	Improves water quality by reducing potential pollutants and pathogens compared with unmanaged waste storage. Reduces environmental pollution.	Improperly designed or managed facilities can generate leachate and runoff.
Nutrient Management	Converts livestock manure, food-processing residuals, and other organic wastes into a stable soil amendment with slow-release nutrients. Supports long-term nutrient efficiency.	Potential nutrient losses during composting processes.
Agricultural Production	Compost can be used in crop production as an organic amendment. Finished compost can help suppress some soil-borne plant diseases. Recycles organic residues and reduces waste accumulation.	If not properly managed, can carry pathogens to crops. Final product may have inconsistencies.
Biodiversity and Wildlife	N/A	N/A
GHG Emission	Mature composting of organic materials avoids GHG emissions associated with waste disposal. Reduces odor compared with raw manure storage.	Improper management can result in GHG emissions and odors. Aerobic composting systems produce and release some GHG and energy (heat) due to microbial metabolism³.
Economics	Produces valuable compost products. Can generate extra revenue for farmers. On the long term, can reduce costs associated with fertilizers. Creates local, "green jobs."	Requires investments in infrastructure with high initial installation cost. Needs labor, equipment, and fuel for turning, monitoring, and transport. Market demand and transportation costs may limit profitability. May require permits and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Impact on Agricultural Resilience

Increases soil resilience to drought and extreme weather.
Helps to mitigate the effects of droughts because soil holds more water for longer.

Regional Applicability

CompostNow in Raleigh, North Carolina, collects food and organic wastes from residential, commercial, and industrial businesses and transforms them into composts for landscapes and agriculture.
Iowa State University Compost Facility was constructed in 2008 for composting organic waste materials from several campus sources. The facility is designed to handle more than 10,000 tons of organic waste annually.

Resources

Video. USDA-NRCS: Composting Facility
Video. Phoenix Public Works Department: Compost Facility Tour
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2020): Composting for Iowa Communities
US Environmental Protection Agency: Composting at Home
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Composting in Wisconsin
USDA NRCS: Part 637 Environmental Engineering National Engineering Handbook. Chapter 2 -- Composting
Test Method for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC): Provides detailed protocols for the composting industry to verify the physical, chemical, and biological condition of composting feedstocks, material in process, and compost products at the point of sale.

References

USDA-NRCS (2020). Conservation Practice Standard Document, Composting Facility, Code 317. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Composting_Facility_317_CPS_9_2020.pdf
Barrena, R., Font, X., Gabarrell, X., & Sánchez, A. (2014). Home composting versus industrial composting: Influence of composting system on compost quality with focus on compost stability. Waste Management, 34(7), 1109-1116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2014.02.008
Thomson, A., Price, G. W., Arnold, P., Dixon, M., & Graham, T. (2022). Review of the potential for recycling CO₂ from organic waste composting into plant production under controlled environment agriculture. Journal of Cleaner Production, 333, 130051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130051

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Composting Facility photo 1 — Photo 1: Pile temperatures are taken using a thermometer with a 4-foot-long probe at a compost facility.

Compost Facility Tour, November 12, 2012 (Flickr).

Composting Facility photo 2 — Photo 2: Bioreactor Installation.

Iowa NRCS photo by Jason Johnson.