Composting research at Michigan State University (MSU) emphasizes on-farm composting as a viable manure management option.  Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of criteria, such as monitoring temperature or carbon dioxide as well as using a compost turner or front-end loader, for turning compost were conducted at the MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center as well as four dairy farms.  The studies concluded that carbon dioxide monitoring is not a practical criteria for determining when to turn compost.  Also, manure turned by a loader results in a compost of poor quality as indicated by a poor volume reduction and inferior seed germination.  Farmers in these studies continue to compost, citing lack of weed seeds, decreased weight and volume, and improved alfalfa production with the use of compost compared to raw manure.

Ongoing research includes synthetic fleece blankets for covering compost, convective transfer of air through compost, and shredded postage stamps as a carbon source.  Synthetic covers are used during composting to shed water while permitting gas exchange. These coverings can also be effective in retaining heat during the winter but uncovered piles may have increased air circulation during strong winds.  Air circulation may also improve as heating during the composting process can create a “chimney effect.”  This convective air transfer can counteract the anaerobic conditions created by the generation of carbon dioxide during decomposition.  Short-term effects of adding postage stamps as a carbon source may be due to the glucose-based glue being digestible while the laminated paper is not.

In response to a 1995 Michigan law that prohibits the disposal of yard trimmings in landfills, the Michigan Composting Council developed a compost operator-training program.  As a member of the Council, MSU contributed to the program and has been involved in its implementation.  The training program, which includes composting principles, odor reduction, siting and design and daily operations, is geared to leaf/grass composting but also applies to manure.