The course aims to present and familiarise students with modern techniques for processing the various organic residues and liquid wastes produced by agricultural and livestock production, as well as by related agro-industrial units. It also aims to highlight the optimal way in which non-agricultural wastes (urban effluent) can be utilised in agricultural production. The technologies and processes taught aim at: a) addressing the environmental impacts and problems caused by these wastes and effluents, and b) the ways in which the products of their treatment can be utilised in agriculture. After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

For composting

• How to compost an organic solid residue or mixtures of residues
• All the required preparations of the residues (shredding, moisture, C/N ratio, etc.)
• Assessment of the progress of composting on the basis of temperature and other parameters
• Laboratory and agronomic evaluation of the compost produced
• The design, organisation, costing and operation of a composting unit for one or more organic residues of known quantities

For anaerobic digestion

• Which materials are suitable for biogas production
• Assessment of the progress of the process on the basis of specific parameters (biogas, pH, VFAs, etc.)
• The initial design, organisation and operation of an anaerobic digestion unit for one or more organic residues

For the treatment and reuse of wastewater for irrigation

• The degree of treatment required for water reuse
• Evaluation of the quality characteristics of the reclaimed water in relation to its effects on crops
• The possibilities of utilising reclaimed water as supplementary fertilisation of crops

• Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technologies
• Decision-making
• Adaptation to new situations
• Project planning and management
• Teamwork
• Promotion of free, creative and inductive thinking
• Respect for the natural environment

For composting
The theory is taught in the form of lectures using audiovisual teaching aids, while the laboratory is conducted through demonstration and practical application of the entire composting process and of the laboratory methods for determining the various composting parameters.

For anaerobic digestion
The theory is taught in the form of lectures using audiovisual teaching aids, while the laboratory is conducted through demonstration and practical application of the entire anaerobic digestion process and of the laboratory methods for determining the various parameters.

For the treatment and reuse of liquid wastes
The theory is taught in the form of lectures using audiovisual teaching aids, while the laboratory is conducted through demonstration and practical application of the entire treatment and reuse process and of the laboratory methods for determining its various parameters.