Microclimate condition monitoring system for the prevention of methane contamination in the methane contamination in compost production in Microfarms

Abstract

This work focuses on the development and implementation of a microclimate variable control system to prevent microbial contaminants in compost production, with the objective of investigating composting methods and how they can help reduce the production of methane, a greenhouse gas, and thus contribute to environmental care. The Action-Research methodology is used with the use of sensors that monitor data on environmental variables of ambient temperature, relative humidity and soil moisture, which are sent to an IoT platform where the necessary data are processed and generated. A specific infrastructure is designed for compost production, which includes a closed box lined with greenhouse plastic, a container for the compost, a piping system to maintain humidity, a heater to raise the temperature and a protective box for the sensors. Also included is the development and training of a neural network model that predicts methane production based on the above variables. The data show that composting at temperatures between 55-65 degrees Celsius, using aerobic biological methods, significantly reduces methane production by eliminating bacteria responsible for methane generation. The data collected and model predictions can be monitored remotely through the IoT platform. At the conclusion of the work, the compost generated was found to be suitable for micronization.