The principles of treatment for agricultural waste are presented from the basics. The microbial life in the waste is presented with the microbial metabolisms and the degradation done on organic matter and other compounds, with the potential for pollution and also the potential for waste treatment given specific conditions. The properties of the farm wastes are also discussed related to animal housing, waste production and disposal. Different processes for the prevention of the microbial growth (steam sterilization, incineration, wet-air oxidation, pyrolysis and hydrogenation) are presented along with systems designed for product recovery (such as manure drying, chemical extraction methods, composting). Aerobic and anaerobic methods are also discussed with the specific treatment and control of the degradation conditions.

This book contains all the basic and simplified information to well understand the processes occurring in agricultural waste treatment, processes that are basic biological reactions between the bacteria and the manure components. Most publication presenting the specific aspects of treatment equipment or procedures don’t present those processes.