Editing Windrow composting (section)

[[Image:CVRD7windrow.turner.jpg|thumb|right|Windrow turner used on maturing piles at a biosolids composting facility in Canada.]]
[[Image:CVRD6windrow.matureing.jpg|thumb|right|Maturing windrows at an [[in-vessel composting]] facility.]]
In [[agriculture]], '''windrow composting''' is the production of [[compost]] by piling [[organic matter]] or [[biodegradable waste]], such as animal manure and crop residues, in long rows – [[windrow]].

As the process is aerobic, it is also known as '''Open Windrow Composting''' (OWC) or '''Open Air Windrow Composting''' (OAWC).<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-09/tan21-practice-guidance.pdf |title=Open Windrow composting (OWC)  |page=46 |work=Waste Planning Practice Guide}}</ref> 

This method is suited to producing large volumes of compost. These rows are generally turned to improve porosity and oxygen content, mix in or remove moisture, and redistribute cooler and hotter portions of the pile. Windrow composting is a commonly used farm scale [[composting]] method. Composting process control parameters include the initial ratios of [[carbon]] and [[nitrogen]] rich materials, the amount of bulking agent added to assure air porosity, the pile size, moisture content, and turning frequency.  The temperature of the windrows must be measured and logged constantly to determine the optimum time to turn them for quicker compost production.