Composting is a process through which organic materials are transformed into a stable, dark brown, soil-like material called compost. This process occurs by ways of microbial activity under aerobic conditions (i.e. in the presence of oxygen) or by digesting through insects. In Amalia Farm we operate 3 different way of biowaste treatment:
Winrow Composting
Biodegradable waste is piled up in long heaps (winrows). During the process of material degradation, temperatures as high as 70°C can be reached in the centre of the piles. This high temperature contributes to the hygienisation of the piles by partially eliminating pathogens and weed seeds. Controlling the process implies that the predominant parameters are managed, steered and adjusted to achieve fast degradation and good compost quality.z
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is defined as the aerobic degradation and stabilisation of organic material by microorganisms and earthworms under controlled conditions.
Black Soldier Fly Farming
Black soldier fly (BSF) processing is an emerging technology in organic waste treatment. It involves the use of the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, to biologically transform the biowaste into insect larvae biomass and a treated organic waste residue. Larvae consist of ±35% protein and ±30% crude fat. This insect protein is a potential feed resource for chicken and fish farmers. Waste reduction of up to 80% (on a wet weight basis) . The residue, a substance similar to compost, contains nutrients and organic matter. High waste-to-biomass conversion rate of up to 25% (on wet weight basis) is possible. No need for sophisticated high-end technology to operate such a facility.