Maine Compost School

Classroom Schedule

Monday

8:00 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. Welcome, Introduction of Participants, Introduction to Course
9:00 a.m. Biology of Composting
9:30 a.m. Composting Methods and Systems
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. The Compost Business "Making the Compost Links"
11:00 p.m. Compost Feedstocks -- Characteristics, types, potential problems, complimentary, C:N
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Compost Feedstocks -- Laboratory Exercise
2:00 p.m. Compost Equipment -- Functions and Types of Equipment
3:00 p.m. Field Trip
5:00 p.m.
Return to Augusta

Tuesday
8:00 a.m.

Composting Site Selection and Management -- Getting the Right Start

  • Selection, development, requirements

  • Regulations and operating needs

  • Best Management Practices for odor, vector, leachate and litter control and feedstock contamination. Keeping neighbors involved and educated about activities.
9:00 a.m. Site Development Exercise
10:00 a.m.  Break
10:15 a.m. Pile Management
Aeration, Mixing, Moisture, Porosity, Density, Pile Size

Pile Management - Outdoor Exercise
Pile Sampling, Temperature Monitoring, Volume Measurement
12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m. Field Trips
   Sandy River Recycling Association - Farmington
   Living Acres Farm - New Sharon
   Wilton Sludge Composting Facility
6:00 p.m.
Return to Augusta

Wednesday
8:00 a.m. Troubleshooting the Compost Pile
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Troubleshooting - Outdoor Activity
11:00 a.m. Quality, Maturity and End Use
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Field Trips
   Hawk Ridge Compost Facility - Unity Plantation
   Kinney Compost - Thorndike

5:00 p.m. 

 Return to Augusta

Thursday

 
8:00 a.m. Recipe Development (classroom)
Reading Feedstock Analysis - hands-on activity
9:45 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. Recipe Development - hands on outside activity
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Field Trips
   Lewiston/Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority, Lewiston
   Highmoor Farm Compost Site
3:00 p.m. Recipe Development - Completion of Exercise
4:00 p.m. Compost Tea

Friday

 
8:00 a.m. Solvita Test - participants will conduct Solvita Test on compost sample
9:00 a.m. Compost Utilization
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Producing for the Market
11:15 a.m. Field Trip Review
12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m. Laboratory Exercise on Maturity Testing
1:30 p.m. Certification Exam, Course Evaluation
3:00 p.m. Depart for Home!
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