Class Numbers: 27, 28 and 29 (JADE)

Title: Effects of different bulking agents to compost produced from food waste

Problem: Which bulking agent is most effective in producing good compost?

Hypothesis: We think that if sawdust is used as a bulking agent, then the best compost would be produced.

Experimental designVariables:

Controlled variables: type of soil, type of seed, all necessary requirements for plant growth (sunlight, water, etc.)

Manipulated variables: different bulking agents, type of compost usedResponding variables: compost produced, plant growth

Materials

Compost productionFood waste (e.g. vegetable peels)Soil or sludgeBulking agents (sawdust, rice hull briquettes, peanut shells)Animal manure (from grass-eating animals)Open-based containersScissors or knifePlastic sheet

Compost monitoringThermometer

Compost applicationMonggo seeds, tomato seedsSoilPlanting toolsPlastic cupsRuler

Procedure

Compost production1. Chop or cut food waste into smaller pieces for easier decomposition.2. Clean and prepare composting containers.3. In an open-based containers, mix together 3 parts of bulking agent, and 1 part

mixture of animal manure (75%) and food waste (25%) (source: http://www.mixph.com/2006/09/10-steps-in-compost-production.html).

4. Cover compost with plastic sheet to increase temperature and to prevent too much water into the compost heap.

5. Store compost in a shaded area.6. Turn or mix compost heap once in a while to provide aeration into the pile.7. Monitor compost temperature, pH and moisture content.8. Harvest compost after achieving stable parameters.

Compost monitoring (temperature)1. Place thermometer into compost for 10 minutes or until stable temperature

reading.2. Read temperature.

*** Samples will be sent to another lab for pH and moisture content monitoring.

Compost application1. Label cups with compost type to be used and name of seed to be planted; three

types of compost will be produced using different bulking agents (sawdust, rice hull briquettes and peanut shells), and two kinds of seeds (monggo and tomato) will be planted on each type of compost.

2. Fill plastic cups with soil halfway.3. Add specific compost to their respective cups.4. Plant seeds into the cups.5. As a control, plant seeds into a cup containing soil only.6. Monitor growth of plants everyday based on plant height and other qualitative

aspects.