More information about the webinars and tours is available here: https://ctrcd.org/connecticut-compost-webinar/

Next webinar registration information plus tour information

https://ctrcd.org/connecticut-compost-webinar/

If you'd like to donate please give here, your support is very appreciated! https://www.patronicity.com/project/ct_compost_alliance_2022_webinar_tour__video_series#!/

The on-farm compost tour being held on April 29th from 10am - 12pm at Cold Spring Farm registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-ct-compost-series-tour-2-on-farm-composting-tickets-308584272867

If you have questions for Andrew - please put them here in the chat box. Thank you.

Is that 25:1 based on weight or volume?

If you prefer to ask your question verbally you will have an opportunity to unmute and ask after our first group of presenters.

I am using pig manure with straw bedding to compost. The pile is about 4-5 ft high, 20 feet wide and and about 6-8 feet deep. It is in a "triangle" shape from the side view, coming to a peak. The pile achieved a peak temperature of 135 degrees, but has dropped to about 120 degrees. How do keep the temperature above 135 degrees? Do I need to add more carbonaceous materials?

We are trying to produce compost to use on-farm for vegetable and fruit growing, and we are applying for Organic certification.

From my experience with the low temperatures this week it would have to be a large pile to keep temps up that high

You may have to turn it. Hard to tell whether you need to add carbon. Is it wet? It is oozing liquid?

Not too wet. It is a small windrow at this point, and I was going to use my tractor to turn it

I may convert to static aerated.

What's a reasonable minimum pile size for active composting in winter (in CT)?

We have goats, turkeys, ducks and pigs. Would it be quicker to mix all together, or make piles of each separately?

We encourage everyone to fill out today's webinar survey - your feedback helps to shape future educational offerings! https://forms.gle/c6bAdPxoUdbNUbeK8

Thank you!

Interested in seeing Jessica's on-farm compost operation and farm be sure to register for the tour here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-ct-compost-series-tour-2-on-farm-composting-tickets-308584272867

I use straw bedding with all animals

can you put lab name in chat please?

I was told the C:N ratio of my pig manure was 14:1. How would I raise the C:N to the ideal 25:1 or 30:1?

I did not have the manure analyzed, so I looked up the ratio on the Cornell extension web site.

University of Maine Analytical Lab https://umaine.edu/soiltestinglab/

Thanks everyone - we're taking a ten minute break and will start at 4:43pm.

We encourage everyone to fill out today's webinar survey - your feedback helps to shape future educational offerings, thank you! https://forms.gle/c6bAdPxoUdbNUbeK8

Has there been any research into the energy used and emissions generated during the production of biochar?

I've read that returning the ramial wood to the orchard floor is very beneficial. I'm trying it out to see how it works in practicality

Field Office Technical Guide - CT https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/state/CT/documents

Can food waste be added to make biochar or is it too wet?

A recent review by the Lehmann group at Cornell talks about energy used and emission during the biochar production and transportation process. Using local and-sustainably-produced feedstock in combined with the capture of bioenergy during pyrolysis can help to reduce emission from biochar production. "Biochar in climate change mitigation" https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-021-00852-8

With construction materials, you wouldn't want to use pressure treated wood correct?

This was fascinating - especially UConn researchers. Thank you!

Webinar survey - thanks for taking it ahead of time https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUyThd-fsqkbKbJTQbZ8aa5SzsiZ-1KYZVXk2iA9OfwYif-w/viewform

Join us on the tour too - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-ct-compost-series-tour-2-on-farm-composting-tickets-308584272867

If you feel like supporting this FREE educational effort of webinars and tours please give at: https://www.patronicity.com/project/ct_compost_alliance_2022_webinar_tour__video_series#!/

CT Compost Network listserv. If you're interested in being added email sherill.baldwin@ct.gov - mostly it's listings about upcoming educational opportunities.