Evaluation of laboratory-scale composting reactors to simulate compost barn bedding dynamics.

Abstract

Efficient management of compost bedding is essential for sustainability and animal welfare in Compost Barns (CBs). This study evaluated laboratory-scale bioreactors as tools to simulate CB composting dynamics, focusing on temperature control, aeration, and wood shaving supplementation. Three sequential experiments were conducted. Test 1 used a 50:50 mix of shavings and compost bedding for three months. Test 2 operated 1-week cycles with 100% compost bedding without temperature control. Test 3, also lasting 1 week, applied active temperature regulation at 39◦C with 100%bedding. Aeration wasset at15 mL/min in Tests 2 and 3. All experiments included initial and final measurements of pH, total solids (TS), and microbiological indicators. Results indicated that temperature control in Test 3 improved organic matter degradation and suggested enhanced pathogen reduction. These findings demonstrate that laboratory-scale bioreactors are effective for simulating CB composting and underscore the importance of temperature and aeration management. Future studies should further optimize temperature control and reactor design to enhance microbial activity and compost stabilization. To our knowledge, this is the first study to validate 3‑L laboratory-scale bioreactors specifically for simulating CB bedding dynamics