새 페이지 1
Written by Mario Ritter
28 February 2006
I’m Steve Ember with the VOA Special English
Agriculture Report.
Farmers usually have to destroy all of their
chickens and other birds if a case of bird flu is found. Then they face
another difficult decision: What to do with the remains?
Some farmers choose composting. They
avoid the danger of transporting infected birds, the cost of burning them and
the risk that burial could pollute ground water.
Composting uses the natural action of
microorganisms to break down organic materials. Many agricultural
extension services explain ways to compost animal remains.
Composting must be carefully controlled.
The balance of carbon and nitrogen is very important. A correct nutrient
balance requires extra material like dry grass or pieces of wood. These
materials are called bulking agents.
Also, the compost must hold the right amount of
water. Too little, and bacteria cannot do their job; too much, and air
will not reach all the compost. The mixture should reach temperatures
between fifty-seven and about sixty-three degrees Celsius.
If the pile begins to smell bad, this could be
a sign that ammonia is building up. Adding the chemical ferrous sulfate
can help solve this problem.
Experts say a simple way to compost farm birds
is to create a windrow. A windrow is simply a mass of material. It
should be three to four meters wide and about two meters high. It can be
as long as space permits.
A windrow this size should contain three levels
of birds, placed between layers of bulking agent.
Windrows should not be near be homes, animal
shelters or water resources.
Experts say one thousand birds weighing a
little over one kilogram each would need about ten cubic meters of bulking
material. The material should be placed loosely so air can pass through
it.
The windrow should take about one week to reach
a high temperature. After another week to ten days, the temperature will
begin to drop. At this point, the windrow must be turned.
Turn all the material completely. If it
is too dry, add water. If it is too wet, add more bulking agent.
Completely bury any bird remains that might be uncovered.
Experts say that after about three to four
weeks more, the compost should be ready to use as fertilizer.
This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was
written by Mario Ritter. Read and hear our reports at
voaspecialenglish.com. We also have a link to detailed information from
the University of Maryland on composting poultry. I'm Steve Ember.
