Effects of zeolite addition on ammonia volatilization in chicken manure composting

An outdoor pilot scale experiment of high-temperature composting using chicken manure and corn straw as composting materials was carried out to study the effects of zeolite on ammonia volatilization reduction. The results indicated that a certain amount of zeolite addition in composting decreased the ammonia volatilization compared to the control treatment, especially in the first two weeks. In the early 12 days, the total ammonia emissions decreased 44.2% compared with the control, and totally there was 26.9% reduction in 7 weeks. It was supposed that zeolite decreased the ammonia volatilization in composting mainly by the adsorption of ammonium nitrogen. The temperature and electric conductivity dynamic showed that zeolite as an additive in chicken manure composting can also improve the quality of compost.