Co-composting of kitchen and garden waste using microbial inoculants
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Date
2021-10
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Publisher
CCSHAU,HiSAR
Abstract
Composting is a preferred and environmental sound method in which organic waste is reduced
to organic fertilizer and soil conditioners through biological processes. Microorganisms are able to
convert organic waste into micro and macro nutrients to be utilized by plants and reduce C:N ratio to
support soil productivity and to minimize ecological imbalance. The parameters including C:N ratio,
composting temperature, pH of the finished product and moisture content are used to assess the quality
and stability of the compost. In the present investigation, the isolated microbes were assessed for their
composting abilities using kitchen and garden wastes. About 42 morphologically distinct bacteria and
fungi were isolated from different sources using serial dilution method on Nutrient Agar and Potato
Dextrose Agar media, respectively. These isolates were further screened for cellulase, pectinase and
amylase activities. The composting was carried out for a period of 90 days using various kitchen waste,
garden wastes and cattle dung. The composting resulted in reduction of total organic carbon from
41.50% to 29.6% after 90 days. Similarly, the C:N ratio of compost was reduced from 41.50 to 26.42.
On the other hand, the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium contents of compost were found to be
increased significantly during the progression of composting process. The treatment T8 was found to
be the best for compost formation with a significant advantage compared to the other treatments with
the maximum humic substance content and germination percentage of 115.51 mg/g and 91.14%,
respectively.