TWO METHODS OF COMPOSTING GIN TRASH

Abstract

The ginning of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) results in the accumulation of approximately 90 kg of gin trash per bale of cotton ginned. In the past, disposal of raw gin trash was by burning, land application and feeding to livestock, but problems with clean air standards, weed seeds and diseases, and chemical residues, respectively, make each of these methods unacceptable. Composting the gin trash would alleviate certain problems associated with land application on farm fields. Experiments were conducted to investigate windrow composting. A split plot experiment with five reps was initiated to evaluate turning times, nitrogen (N) fertilization and bacterial inoculation. Composite samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients and selected chemicals. Another experiment was established to compare timing and physical methods of turning windrows. The Lipsey®-gin-trash-composting system was investigated by sampling three compost piles at three different cotton gins. The chemical composition and weed seed germination were investigated. Results indicate that windrow composting does not solve the weed seed or plant disease problem; otherwise, the product was satisfactory. The Lipsey®-gin-trash-composting system resulted in a pile of material whose outside 0 to 15 cm depths contained viable weed seeds and disease organisms, but none survived below this exterior. This system resulted in an incomplete composting material with offensive odors.