Compost science
On-Farm Composting Handbook, Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service, 186 pages. Probably the best and most comprehensive summary of the composting process, including composting methods, raw materials, using compost, site and environmental considerations, marketing, economics and management. Also included are 55 figures, 32 tables, calculations, references, and a glossary. 1992.
The science and engineering of composting, operations and equipment, Cornell University.
Compost Production and Utilization: A Growers Guide. Mark Van Horn. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Publication 21514. 19 pages. 1995. A condensed version of the previous publication. Order from the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Price: $5.
Operations and equipment
On-Farm Composting Handbook, Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service, 186 pages. Probably the best and most comprehensive summary of the composting process, including composting methods, raw materials, using compost, site and environmental considerations, marketing, economics and management. Also included are 55 figures, 32 tables, calculations, references, and a glossary. 1992.
Whatcom Manufacturing, Lynden, Washington, builder of quality compost spreaders.
Environmental management
The Washington State Solid Waste Management Final Plan. This plan, including five areas of focus, will guide the Washington State Department of Ecology’s decision-making efforts to reduce hazardous and solid wastes and substances in Washington.
BioCycle magazine, is the leading trade magazine, published since 1960, on farm, municipal, and industrial composting. This monthly magazine covers operations, industry trends, equipment, marketing, and economics. A yearly subscription costs $74.
Trade and professional organizations
US Composting Council. The council is involved in research, public education, composting and compost standards, expansion of compost markets and the enlistment of public support.
On-farm uses
Fertilizing with Manure and Other Organic Amendments, Pacific Northwest Extension Publication PNW 533. 20 pages. Properly managed manure applications recycle nutrients to crops, improve soil quality, and protect water quality. From deciding whether manure is right for your farm to learning how to calibrate manure applications, this publication takes you through the process of fertilizing with manure and other organic amendments.
Vermicomposting
Composting with Worms. Sam Angima, Michael Noack, and Sally Noack. Oregon State University Extension publication. Short manual directed at the home vermicomposter. Covers different types of worm bins, management, and harvesting compost. 2011.
Manual of On-Farm Vermicomposting and Vermiculture. Glenn Munroe, Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada. Directed at farm-scale uses of vermicomposting systems. Highlights research done on farms in Nova Scotia.
Vermicomposting: The Basics. Richard Myers. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA). An introduction to creating and using vermicomposting bins; food and bedding for the worms; maintaining the worms through proper feeding and temperature regulation; and removing the compost from the bin. 2013.
Worms for Composting (Vermicomposting), Alice Beetz, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), excellent over-view of using red worms for composting plant and animal residues. 1999.
Clopyralid
Clopyralid in compost, Craig Cogger and Andy Bary, Washington State University Puyallup. Site has close-up color plates of the damage on beans from clopyralid.