Evaluation of Physio-Chemical Characteristics of Bio Fertilizer Produced from Organic Solid Waste Using Composting Bins

Abstract

Background: The possibility of converting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste to mature compost using the composting bin method was studied. Nine distinct treatments were created by combining municipal solid waste (MSW) with animal waste (3:1, 2:1), poultry manure (3:1, 2:1), mixed waste (2:1:1), agricultural waste (dry leaves), biocont (Trichoderm hazarium), and humic acid. Weekly monitoring of temperature, pH, EC, organic matter (OM percent), and the C/N ratio was performed, and macronutrients (N, P, K) were measured. Trace elements, including heavy metals (Cd and Pb), were tested in the first and final weeks of maturity. Results: Temperatures in the first days of composting reached the thermophilic phase in MSW compost with animal and poultry manure between 55–60 °C, pH and EC (mS/cm) increased during the composting period in most composting bin treatments. Overall, organic matter (OM percent) and the C/N ratio decreased (10.27 to 18.9) as result of microbial activity during composting. Organic matter loss percent was less in treatments containing additives (biocont l humic acid) as well agricultural waste treatment. Composting bin treatments with animals and poultry showed higher K and P at the mature stage with an increase in micronutrients. Finally heavy metals were (2.25–4.20) mg/kg and (139–202) mg/kg for Cd and Pb respectively at maturation stage. Conclusion: Therefore, the results suggested that MSW could be composted in the compost bin method with animal and poultry manure. The physio-chemical parameters pH, Ec and C/N were within the acceptable standards. Heavy metals and micronutrients were under the limits of the USA standards. The significance of this study is that the compost bin may be used as a quick check to guarantee that the outputs of long-term public projects fulfill general sustainability requirements, increase ecosystem services, and mitigate the effect of municipal waste disposal on climate change particularly the hot climate regions.

Application of Black Soldier Fly Frass, <i>Hermetia illucens</i> (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) as Sustainable Organic Fertilizer for Lettuce, <i>Lactuca sativa</i> Production

“…The C:N ratio was higher compared to that obtained by Gajalakshmi [37] with compost from solid urban Open Journal of Applied Sciences waste. Indeed, Ajaweed [38] characterized compostable urban waste and reported that the nature of the latter could influence the C:N ratio, as well as other nutrient elements in the compost. The BSFF mineral element concentrations obtained in this study were different from those obtained by Anyega et al [38] with larvae fed on brewers' spent grain, and Gärttling et al [15] with larvae fed with a mixture of urban waste.…”

“…Indeed, Ajaweed [38] characterized compostable urban waste and reported that the nature of the latter could influence the C:N ratio, as well as other nutrient elements in the compost. The BSFF mineral element concentrations obtained in this study were different from those obtained by Anyega et al [38] with larvae fed on brewers' spent grain, and Gärttling et al [15] with larvae fed with a mixture of urban waste. However, all values were within the suitable range for organic fertilizers.…”

Enhancing Common Bean Tolerance to Short-term Droughts at the Reproductive Stage using a Soil Fertility Management Approach

“…According to a [63], the compost applied belongs to category 3 of organic amendments (because its total N was below 2.5% but C: N ratio was below 25) which implies that it should be mixed with inorganic fertilizer for application, just as practiced in our experiment. However, studies on composting municipal solid waste compost (as used in our study) often report C:N ratios between 10 to 18 [64][65][66] when compost is completely decomposed. The high carbon percentage (38%) in our compost, organic matter content above 65% (calculated from C%) and C:N ratio of 23 suggest that the compost may not have been properly cured and continued decomposition after application [64,67,68].…”

“…However, studies on composting municipal solid waste compost (as used in our study) often report C:N ratios between 10 to 18 [64][65][66] when compost is completely decomposed. The high carbon percentage (38%) in our compost, organic matter content above 65% (calculated from C%) and C:N ratio of 23 suggest that the compost may not have been properly cured and continued decomposition after application [64,67,68]. In such cases, continuous decomposition leads to the loss of organic matter through microbial respiration and immobilization of N during the decomposition process [66][67][68].…”

Winter Wheat Performance Following One-time High Rates of Compost and Annual Cover Crop Planting in Wheat-fallow Rotations

“…The heat of composting kills most weed seeds and plant pathogens [7] and makes the amendment relatively safe to apply. Moreover, compost has more stable organic nitrogen forms [8] that decreases the risk of nitrogen runoff and leaching into groundwater.…”