This document discusses anaerobic composting techniques. It describes three main methods - the Bangalore method, Coimbatore method, and Chinese pit method. The Bangalore method involves layering organic residues in trenches without turning for 6-8 months, resulting in bulkier compost. The Coimbatore method uses turning after 2 months in pits for faster decomposition over 6-7 months. The Chinese pit method alternates layers in circular or rectangular pits with turnings after 1-2 months for compost in 3 months. Anaerobic composting eliminates pathogens and weeds but results in lower nutrient content than aerobic methods.

1. UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES,
BENGALURU.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, HASSAN.
 COURSE : COMMERCIAL COMPOST PRODUCTION
CMA 406 (0+5)
Submitted to: Submitted by:
Dr. Bhyrappanavar, Professor and Head Vivek. S
Dr. Jayaramaiah. R . Associate Professor ALH5089
Dr. Pramod. G, Asst. Professor IV Bsc (Ag)
Dr. Naveenkumar. B. T, Asst. Professor COA, Hassan.
Dept. Of Agronomy, COA Hassan.

2. ANAEROBIC COMPOSTING TECHNIQUES

3. COMPOSTING
• The process of decomposing the organic waste is called
composting.
• The decomposed material is called compost.
• It is essentially a microbiological decomposition of organic
residues collected from rural area or urban area.
• Composting can be carried out under both aerobic and
anaerobic condition.

4. Anaerobic composting
• In this decomposition occurs in the absence of oxygen or
under the limited supply of oxygen.
• Anaerobic microorganisms dominate.
• They produce the intermediate compounds like methane,
organic acids, hydrogen sulphide and other substances.
• These substances have strong odour and some are phytotoxic.
• It is a low temperature process.

5. Anaerobic Microbiology
• The anaerobic microbiology mainly involves three group of
microorganisms.
• They are –
 Methanobacterium
 Methanococcus
 Methanospirillum
• In microbiology they are of different types such as Cocci,
Bacilli, Spirilli and sarcina.

6. Anaerobic Composting techniques
 Bangalore Method:
• This method of composting was developed at IISc, Bangalore
by Acharya in 1939.
• Composting substrate are not turned.
• This method is suitable in areas with scanty rainfall.
• Time involved in production of finished compost is much
longer.

7. Steps Involved:
• Trenches or pits of 1m depth, convenient length and breadth
are dug.
• Organic residues and dung and urine soaked mud are put in
alternate layers.
• These layers are repeated in order at least 1.5-2m above
ground level.
• It is left exposed without covering for 15 days.
• Then it is plastered with earth or mud of 1cm thick.
• It takes about 6-8 months to get finished product.
• It is the bulkiest compost.

8. The size of the pit may be decided based on
number of cattle
No of cattle Length (m) Breadth (m) Depth (m)
2 – 5 6.5 1 1
6 – 10 8 1.2 1
11 – 20 10 1.4 1
>20 10 1.6 1

9. MERITS:
• Turning not required.
• Simple and easy to manipulate.
• Efficient use of moisture.
• High manure recovery.
• Pathogen and weed free manure.
DEMERITS:
• Long duration.
• Low nutrient recovery.

11.  Coimbatore method:
• Dig the pit of 1.2m width, 0.9m depth and 5 -7m length in a
shady place.
• Farm waste are spread on bottom of the pit.
• Apply the cow dung slurry and 1 kg of powdered bone meal
uniformly over it.
• Fill the trench in the same way until material rises 50 cm
above the ground level.
• Sprinkle the water at regular intervals.
• The material is taken out of the pit after 2 months.
• Water is sprinkled and thoroughly mixed.

12. • Then it is heaped under the shade and left undisturbed.
• Occasionally sprinkle the water over it.
• The compost will be ready in 6 – 7 months.
• Rate of decomposition is faster as the turnings are given.
• Nutrient content is high.
• Here anaerobic decomposition is followed by aerobic
fermentation.

13.  Chinese pit method:
• Here composting is carried out in corner of the field in circular
or rectangular pits.
• The pits are filled layer by layer each layer being 15cm thick.
• First layer is of Green manure.
• Second later is of Straw.
• Third layer is of Animal dung.
• These layers are alternated until pit is full.
• Then it is plastered with the mud.

14. • The water layer of 4cm depth is maintained on suface.
• This creates anaerobic condition.
• First turning is given 1 month after filling and Superphosphate
is added.
• Second turning is given after second month.
• Third turning is given 2-3 weeks after second turning.
• The material is allowed to decompose for three months.
• It produces about 8 tonnes of compost per pit.

15. CONCLUSION
• Composting helps in the bioremediation of wastes.
• It provides inputs for Sustainable agriculture.
• Anaerobic composting helps in eliminating the weed seeds
and pathogens.
• The nutritive value is less compared to synthetic fertilizers.
• Compared to Aerobic decomposition the energy and CO2
released in Anaerobic decomposition is less.

16. COMPOST IS LIKE INFORMATION...
IT DOES NO GOOD UNLESS YOU SPREAD IT

17. REFERENCES
• TNAU Agri portal
• Composting techniques –
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