Two methods of composting gin trash

The ginning of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) results in the accumulation o f approximately 90 kg of gin trash per bale of cotton ginned. In the past, disposal of raw gin trash was by burning, land application and feeding to l ivestock, but problems with clean air standards, weed seeds and diseases, a nd chemical residues, respectively, make each of these methods unacceptable . Composting the gin trash would alleviate certain problems associated with land application on farm fields. Experiments were conducted to investigate windrow composting. A split plot experiment with five reps was initiated t o evaluate turning times, nitrogen (N) fertilization and bacterial inoculat ion. Composite samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients and select ed chemicals. Another experiment was established to compare timing and phys ical methods of turning windrows. The Lipsey((R))-gin-trash-composting syst em was investigated by sampling three compost piles at three different cott on gins. The chemical composition and weed seed germination were investigat ed. Results indicate that windrow composting does not solve the weed seed o r plant disease problem; otherwise, the product was satisfactory. The Lipse y((R))-gin-trash-composting system resulted in a pile of material whose out side 0 to 15 cm depths contained viable weed seeds and disease organisms, b ut none survived below this exterior. This system resulted in an incomplete composting material with offensive odors.