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sys1=[[Waterless System with Alternating Pits|2]]|
sys2=[[ Pour Flush Pit System without Sludge Production|3]]|
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pic=Application_of_compost_eco_humus.png|
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Input1=Compost/EcoHumus |Input2= Pit Humus |Input3= | Input4= |Input5=|Output1=- Biomass |Output2= | Output3= | Output4= | Output5=
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[[Image:Icon_application_of_compost_eco_humus.png |right|95px80px]]'''Decomposed excreta is rich in nutrients (NPK nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) and organic material. The organic material in compost acts as soil conditioner. It also improves the structure and water holding capacity of sandy soils and adds structure and permeability to clay soils. Composted excreta, on its own or combined with other biodegradable material, enhances the fertility of topsoil.'''
The process of thermophilic composting generates heat (50 to 80 °C) which kills the majority of pathogens present. The composting process requires adequate carbon, nitrogen, moisture, and air. The [[Image:Compost_as_soil_conditionerDouble Ventilated Improved Pit|Double VIP]] (S.PNG|thumb|right|150px4), [[Fossa Alterna|Fossa Alterna]] (S.5) or [[Compost as soil conditioner Twin Pits for Pour Flush|Compost as soil conditionerTwin Pits for Pour Flush]](S.6) are ambient-temperature variations of high-temperature composting. In these technologies, there is almost no increase in temperature because the conditions in Malawi the pit (oxygen, moisture, C:N ratio) are not optimized for creditscomposting processes to take place. Because of this, click the picturematerial is not actually ‘compost’ and is, therefore, referred to as ‘pit humus’. The texture and quality of the pit humus depends on the materials which have been added to the excreta (e.g., soil added to a Fossa Alterna)]]and the storage conditions.
{{procontable | pro=
- Potential Can improve the structure and water-holding capacity of soil and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers <br>- May encourage income generation (improved yield and productivity of plants). <br> - Low risk of pathogen transmission. <br> - Can improve soil conditions such as the structure and water-holding capacity of soil. <br>Compost reduces the need for artificial fertilizer.<br> - Simple technique for all users. <br> - Low cost. costs | con=- Requires May require a year or more of maturation. <br> - Does not replace fertilizer (N, P, K).Social acceptance may be low in some areas <br>-Cultural taboos could hinder use. <br>-Health precautions always need to be considered when applying compost enriched with excreta.
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===Appropriateness===
Compost and pit humus can be beneficially used to improve the quality of soil. They add nutrients and organics and improve the soil’s ability to store air and water. They can be mixed into the soil before crops are planted, used to start seedlings or indoor plants, or simply mixed into an existing compost pile for further treatment. Vegetable gardens filled with pit humus from the Fossa Alterna have shown dramatic improvements over gardens planted without soil conditioner. The use of pit humus has even made agriculture possible in areas which otherwise would not have supported crops.
===Health Aspects/Acceptance===
A small risk of pathogen transmission exists, but, if in doubt, any material removed from the pit or vault can be further composted in a regular compost heap before being used or mixed with additional soil and put into a ‘tree pit’, i.e., a nutrient-filled pit used for planting a tree. Compost and pit humus should not be applied to crops less than one month before they are harvested. This waiting period is especially important for crops that are consumed raw. As opposed to sludge, which can originate from a variety of domestic, chemical and industrial sources, compost and pit humus have very few chemical inputs. The only chemical sources that could contaminate compost or pit humus might originate from contaminated organic material (e.g., pesticides) or from chemicals that are excreted by humans (e.g., pharmaceutical residues).
Compared to the chemicals that may find their way into wastewater sludge, compost and pit humus can be considered as less contaminated. Compost and pit humus are inoffensive, earth-like products. Regardless, people might refrain from handling and using them. Conducting demonstration activities that promote hands-on experience can effectively show their non-offensive nature and their beneficial use.
===Operation & Maintenance===
The material must be allowed to adequately mature before being removed from the system. Then, it can be used without further
treatment. Workers should wear appropriate protective clothing.
==Adequacy=Field experiences===Compost/EcoHumus can be mixed into the soil before crops are planted, used to start seedlings or indoor plants or simply mixed into an existing compost pile for further treatment.
===Manuals, videos, and links===* General information about Compost containing excreta should be applied in such a way that the upper layer of the as soil covers the materialconditioner [http://www.ecosanres.org www. Note; compost from excreta should not be applied as fertilizer to vegetables eaten rawecosanres.org]
* Del PortoMorgan, DP. and Steinfeld, CR. (19992009). The Composting Toilet System Book[https://www.susana. A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning org/en/knowledge-hub/resources-and-publications/library/details/989 Ecological Toilets. Start Simple and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems, an Alternative Upgrade from Arborloo to Sewer and Septic SystemsVIP]. The Center for Ecological Pollution Prevention (CEPP)Stockholm Environment Institute, MassachusettsStockholm, USASE.
* Jenkins, J. NWP (19992006). The Humanure Handbook[https: a Guide to Composting Human Manure//www. (2nd edsusana.)org/en/knowledge-hub/resources-and-publications/library/details/989 Smart Sanitation Solutions. Jenkins PublishingExamples of Innovative, Low-Cost Technologies for Toilets, Grove CityCollection, PaTransportation, USATreatment and Use of Sanitation Products]. Available: http://www.jenkinspublishingNetherlands Water Partnership, The Hague, NL.com
* MorganStrande, PL., Ronteltap, M. and Brdjanovic, D. (2004Eds.) (2014). An Ecological Approach to Sanitation in Africa[https: A Compilation of Experiences//www. Aquamor, Harare, Zimbabwesusana. Available: http:org/en/knowledge-hub/resources-and-publications/library/details/www3591 Faecal Sludge Management. Systems Approach for Implementation and Operation].ecosanresIWA Publishing, London, UK.org(Detailed book compiling the current state of knowledge on all aspects related to FSM)
* Morgan, P. WHO (20072006). Toilets that make compost[https://www.who. Stockholm Environment Instituteint/water_sanitation_health/publications/gsuweg4/en/ Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Stockholm, SwedenExcreta and Greywater. pp 81–90. Available: httpVolume 4://wwwExcreta and Greywater Use in Agriculture].ecosanresWorld Health Organization, Geneva, CH.org