Progress report for ONE24-433
Project Information
Our project has 3 main objectives to enhance composting practices and improve the quality of compost produced.
Objective 1: Measure the time (in days or hours) for compost piles to reach critical temperatures with pathogen reduction and weed seed elimination. Remote monitoring using digital sensors allows for live-stream tracking of compost piles by visualizing compost temperatures across a line graph. Data is taken every 8 hours. We will record the number of days each pile takes to reach PFRP (Process to Further Reduce Pathogens) thresholds of 131°F and 151°F. We can set alerts and notifications when temperatures reach set thresholds. This data will be crucial for ensuring the effective reduction of pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, as well as the elimination of weed seeds. Each compost pile will be equipped with one smart sensor to collect temperature data throughout the duration of its lifespan providing precise insights into temperature fluctuations and heating patterns. We determine which C:N ratio proves most valuable for use. Materials: Smart-sensors for temperature tracking and an online dashboard for viewing results.
Objective 2: Evaluate the nutritional quality of the final compost product by analyzing samples from each test run pile. At the end of each 3-month testing period, one sample per pile will be sent to Midwest Laboratories for nutrient analysis. These measurements will help determine which feedstock ratio (C:N) will produce compost that best supports onsite vegetable growth. Note: Crop planting research using compost will not occur during this experiment; the focus is solely on identifying feedstock ratios that yield high-quality compost for farm use. Materials: Hand trowel to collect samples in-field, Plastic Ziplock bags (8oz)
Objective 3: Repetition of the composting process to investigate the influence of seasonality and ambient conditions, including time-temperature relationships and nutrient dynamics. Compost piles will be created quarterly to correspond with seasonal variations, representing fall, winter, spring, and summer conditions in Philadelphia. This analysis will provide valuable insights into how environmental factors impact composting efficiency and nutrient composition, aiding in the development of seasonal composting strategies. Materials for processing: shovel, pitchfork, and hand trowel
Taken together, this information will empower Urban Creators to become experts in their operations, thereby optimizing value to make the farm more efficient and productive, and create the most beneficial soil amendment across their farm.
Problem Statement
Food insecurity is a significant issue in Philadelphia, PA, with approximately 23% of the 1.5 million population experience low access to healthy food according to the U.S. Census. The focus area of our project is in North Philadelphia, and as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a census tract where residents have difficulty accessing nutritious and affordable food, a food desert. North Philadelphia is a food dessert that prevents individuals and families from accessing healthy fresh food. When comparing life expectancy across zip codes, children born in North Philadelphia have approximately 20-year shorter life expectancies than those born in wealthier parts of the city. This problem disproportionately affects historically resouce-limited farming communities, exacerbating poverty and contributing to poor health outcomes. The lack of access to nutritious food can lead to chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, impacting the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
Importance: Addressing food insecurity is crucial for promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability in Philadelphia, particularly North Philadelphia where our farming partner is located. Improving access to nutritious food enhances the health and quality of life for residents, and strengthens the local agriculture and food systems. Urban Creators serves as a local source for fresh foods. Our project will address soil health, a foundational component to grow healthier food, which in-turn leads to an equitable food system and stronger communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Urban Creators stepped up their efforts to support the community by hosting markets and distributing essential items such as produce, meals, books, and PPE. They hosted 198 markets at 8 locations in N. Philadelphia distributing 67,000 lbs of produce, 104,135 fresh meals and 1,178 books. This demonstrates their adaptability in addressing community needs during crises.
Proposed Solution
Our project, in collaboration with Urban Creators, aims to enhance composting practices to improve the quality of compost produced. By optimizing composting practices, techniques and nutrient management through data collection and laboratory analysis, the project seeks to empower farm staff with the knowledge and skills needed to produce high-quality compost for agricultural use.
Contribution to Northeast SARE's Outcome Statement
Environmental Sustainability: By measuring compost pile temperatures and evaluating nutrient dynamics, the project will contribute to improved soil quality and health. Effective composting practices will enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy agriculture practices in urban farming settings. From laboratory nutrient analysis we can determine which soil amendments work best with the majority of crops grown onsite. These crops include: radish, carrots, leafy greens, lettuces, peppers, and tomatoes.
Production Efficiency: Through the evaluation of nutritional quality and seasonal variations in composting processes, the project will identify optimal feedstock ratios and seasonal composting strategies. This knowledge will enhance production efficiency and crop yields, ultimately supporting the economic viability of urban farming operations. We are aiming for a 50% increase in compost produced from 20 to 30 cubic yards produced annually.
Social Sustainability: The project will provide training and resources to Urban Creators, empowering them to become experts in composting practices. By improving infrastructure and knowledge-sharing within the farming community, the project will enhance the quality of life for residents.
Expected Impact
The proposed approach will result in improved composting practices and enhanced soil fertility, leading to increased crop production and profitability for urban farmers. The knowledge gained from this project can be shared with other farmers and community gardeners, leading to broader adoption of sustainable practices in the local food system. The concept: if we have healthier soil --> this allows for an increase in micronutrient uptake in plant root systems --> enabling crops to have more vitamins and minerals and contributing to positive health outcomes in North Philadelphia.
Cooperators
- - Producer (Educator)
Research
Objective 1: Measure the time length (hours) in which three compost piles reach critical temperatures for pathogen reduction and weed seed elimination.
To achieve this objective, we will conduct composting trials using three specific Carbon: Nitrogen (C:N) feedstock ratios: 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1.
Experimental Design: We will set up three composting windrows, each representing a different feedstock ratio (1:1, 3:1, and 1:3) based on volume. Two windrows will serve as our experimental units those representing 3:1 and 1:3 C:N ratios. The control windrow will consist of a 1:1 ratio of C:N, which represents a balanced feedstock mixture. The other two windrows will have varying ratios to assess their impact on composting efficiency and pathogen reduction.
Estimating C:N ratios using volume
a. Identified Samples: Gathered representative samples of vegetarian materials include carbon-rich materials (such as cardboard, dried leaves, mulch, and wood chips) and nitrogen-rich materials (such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and green plant material).
b. Estimate Volume: We will be using a 5-gallon bucket and wheelbarrow which is readily available on-site to measure and record the volume of each type of material in the sample. We will estimate the density of each material if required referring to the Environmental Protection Agency Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors for Solid Waste, a resource readily available online for different types of compostable materials.
c. Calculate C:N Ratio: After estimating the carbon and nitrogen content of each material, you can calculate the C:N ratio for the entire compost sample by summing the carbon and nitrogen content for all materials and then dividing the total carbon content by the total nitrogen content.
d. C:N Ratio = Total Carbon Content / Total Nitrogen Content
This calculation provides an estimate of the C:N ratio based on volume measurements and composition of materials. For the three unique bays, we have evaluated these C/N ratios.
Bay 1 (Control, C:N, 1:1) = 2 Wheelbarrows (Carbon) + 2 Wheelbarrows (Nitrogen) = 4 Wheelbarrows (subtotal)
Bay 2 (Experiment 1, C:N, 1:3) = 1 Wheelbarrow (Carbon) + 3 Wheelbarrows (Nitrogen) = 4 Wheelbarrows (subtotal)
Bay 3 (Experiment 2, C:N, 3:1) = 3 Wheelbarrows (Carbon) + 1 Wheelbarrow (Nitrogen) = 4 Wheelbarrows (subtotal)
TOTAL = 12 Wheelbarrows
Measurement Protocols: In each windrow, we will install one smart sensor in each compost pile to monitor temperature changes continuously. These sensors will record temperature data every 8 hours, allowing us to track heat patterns and fluctuations over time. This equates to 3 data points daily / per pile. Over the life of a 3-month compost pile, it will provide 270 unique data points which is a sufficient sample size. If required, we will manually measure the temperature of each compost pile daily using a digital thermometer to cross-validate sensor data.
Data Collection: We will record the number of days each pile takes to reach Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP) thresholds of 131°F and 151°F. This data will provide insights into the effectiveness of composting in reducing pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella and eliminating weed seeds. Data collection and analysis will repeat each quarter for 4 quarters.
The bay has dimensions of 12' x 5' x 4', we believe one smart-sensor per compost pile is sufficient for data collection. Data analysis will be completed in-house as the project leader has experience with statistical analysis and previously bio-statistics.
Due to staffing challenges and variable farm hours, we were unable to collect temperature data for the Fall 2024 quarter.
Data analysis currently in progress.
Education & outreach activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
Our outreach plan includes a combination of an on-farm demonstration, workshops, and applying for related conferences such as urban grower conferences and U.S. Composting Council Conference to share results at a national scale.
Our target audience includes: small-scale farmers, agricultural educators, community composters and gardeners within the greater Philadelphia metro. We expect to reach approximately 100 farmers and community members in this community. Outreach Activities will include:
- On-Farm Demonstration: Conduct one on-farm demonstration showcasing composting techniques and soil health management practices.
- Webinar: Host one online training session focusing on the benefits of composting for soil health improvement.
- Workshops: Organize two workshops in collaboration with local agricultural organizations to educate farmers and community members about composting and soil health.
Through the in-network connections of Urban Creators, we will partner with the Philadelphia County Penn State extension office, community organizations, and urban farms to co-host outreach events and disseminate project information effectively. Residing in this community, Urban Creators has successfully led targeted outreach campaigns by hosting events in accessible locations and promoting them through print, word of mouth, and digital communication across the neighborhood. These communication channels specifically include social media using Instagram and Linked-In, email newsletters, and community bulletin boards, to promote outreach events and disseminate project details.
Our educational focus will provide practical knowledge and hands-on training opportunities through on-farm demonstrations, webinars, and workshops to empower farmers and community members to implement composting and soil health practices. The Project Leader, Sashti Balasundaram, has previously led the NYC Master Composter program for several years and has taught hundreds of students and adults these themes through an engaging hands-on approach. Sashti has also been a speaker and moderator at conferences including the U.S. Composting Council, NYS Organics Summit, and Vermont Organics Recycling Summit.
We will measure effectiveness of outreach efforts by tracking attendance at events, collecting feedback from participants, and evaluating the uptake of composting and soil health practices among target audiences. We expect to reach approximately 100 farmers and community members through these educational sessions, acknowledging potential challenges in engaging these communities. We plan to foster long-term impact by providing support to farmers and community members, with potential follow-up workshops and access to technical assistance. We will also create educational videos that will be uploaded to YouTube allowing the community to learn at their convenience. Here is an example from the WeRadiate channel of Research Trends in Community Composting.
Project Outcomes
In progress as we continue to analyze data over the previous 4 quarters. Here are initial findings: