We’re just about to implement some compost-powered root-zone heat systems for a small, indoor plant nursery and the new high tunnel. These are the best references I came up with on researching the implementation of compost powered root-zone heating systems for greenhouses or other closed growing environments.
Hope you find them helpful!
pb
Cornell Small Farm’s energy research compost pile.
All of this was inspired by Jean Pain:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Pain
A french site with the most complete info I’ve found on Jean Pain so far, with some good links to videos with subtitles at the bottom of the page:
http://www.pierre1911.fr/2013/11/methode-jean-pain.html
The New Alchemy Institute’s paper of a very well referenced compost powered greenhouse:
https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Sunspace/NewAlchemycompost.pdf
Here’s a local copy of the same PDF linked above just in case that site isn’t available in the future:
new alchemy (local copy) pdf
I really love this super low tech, simple, and practical method of achieving root zone heating:
http://www.plowbreakfarm.com/news/how-to-make-an-easy-compost-heated-greenhouse
And if you’re wondering how many BTU/hr/ton of compost you can get (1000) Cornell Small Farms did some research:
http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2012/10/01/compost-power/
Root zone heating can provide massive energy savings:
https://today.appstate.edu/2018/07/12/greenhouse-energy-consumption
And some practical advice for the installation of such systems:
https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/fact-sheets/root-zone-heat-installation-techniques
