Assessment of physicochemical changes during composting rice straw with chicken and donkey manure

Abstract

Purpose Traditional methods of composting are limited in timely production of good-quality compost due to recalcitrant nature of materials of plant origin. This study focused on evaluating the use chicken and donkey manure as starter cultures to biostimulate bioconversion of rice straw into bioorganic fertilizer. Use of starter cultures would enhance composting as a strategy for rice straw management to enhance soil fertilization and reduce environmental pollution. Methods In this study, chicken manure and donkey manure were used as starter cultures to enhance bioconversion of recalcitrant and abundant rice straw in Mwea, the main rice-producing area in Kenya. Treatments of the study included rice straw co-composted with chicken manure (T1), rice straw co-composted with donkey manure (T2) and a control (T0) consisting of untreated rice straw. Temperature, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were monitored throughout the composting period. Resultant compost types were characterized in respect to their macro-nutrient concentrations, cation exchange capacity, pH and heavy metal content. Results Levels of temperature, pH and EC among the treatments of the study revealed significant differences at 5% level of confidence using Tukey's test. The three resultant compost types obtained were also physicochemically different as revealed by analysis of variance of cation exchange capacity, phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon content. Conclusion Results indicated that use of chicken and donkey manure significantly improved the composting process and the quality of resultant compost.

Analysis of the benefits and production challenges of working donkeys in smallholder farming systems in Kenya

“…The manure was reported to improve the soil quality by reducing the occurrence of crop parasites in the soil and reducing the acidity levels in rice fields. Karanja et al [26] had previously reported that donkey manure significantly improved the composting process and the quality of the resultant compost for use as manure in crop fields. Manure yield could be increased through accumulation enabled by enclosing or housing of donkeys to increase the concentration of dung [27].…”

Food Waste Composting and Microbial Community Structure Profiling

“…The composition of microbial communities during composting is dependent on the constant change in the physicochemical parameters such as temperature, moisture, C/N ratio, oxygen rate and pH [75,76]. The role of the microbial community in the degradation of organic matter, proteins, lipids, cellulose and lignin during composting has been highlighted in several studies as well [77].…”

Duration of Composting and Changes in Temperature, pH and C/N Ratio during Composting: A Review

“…Duration of Composting and Changes in Temperature, pH and C/N Ratio during Composting: A Review Composting of Chinese medicinal herbal residue mixed with food waste and saw dust using aerated reactor was complete within a period of 60 days (Zhou et al, 2014). Rice straw mixed separately with chicken manure and donkey manure using aerated bags complete composting within 62 days (Karanja et al, 2019). Composting of municipal sewage sludge in the form of solid cake and partially dried to 80-85% carried out using bioreactor was complete within a period of 45 days (Dzulkurian et al, 2017).…”