Enhancing Nutrient-Enriched Compost through Optimized Co-Composting of Sugarcane Bagasse in Tropical Environments
Authors
Abstract
Purpose: Improper sugarcane trash management, like burning or haphazard disposal, causes environmental pollution. Composting offers a sustainable solution in tropical environments, but challenges arise from its high C/N ratio and lignocellulose content, leading to longer processing times and nutrient deficiencies. This study evaluates co-composting sugarcane trash with indigenous materials to enhance efficiency and nutrient content, aiming to improve compost quality.
Methods: The research focuses on co-composting sugarcane bagasse with food waste, cow dung, and amritjal under optimal conditions. Material proportions were adjusted (Trial-1-3 and Control), and small bins were utilized to determine the ideal mix ratio. Monitoring over 56 days evaluated composting efficiency.
Results: Trial-2 peaked at 56ºC on day 11, while Trial-3 reached 51ºC on day 7. Control maintained lower temperatures. Ammoniacal nitrogen concentration varied, consistently higher in Trial-2. Total volatile solids decreased, indicating efficient decomposition, particularly in Trial-2. Composting resulted in a decrease in total organic carbon with an increase in ash content, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. pH varied, with Trial-2 maintaining the highest. Electrical conductivity rose, while CO2 production decreased over time. Moisture content exhibited variability, and germination indices improved in all trials, indicating compost maturity. C/N ratio decreased, and significant reductions in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin demonstrated effective decomposition.
Conclusion: Co-composting with food waste, cow dung, and amritjal, under optimized conditions, successfully transforms waste into a valuable agricultural resource, offering a sustainable solution for its management.
Highlights
- Sugarcane trash, a global agricultural waste, is transformed into high-quality compost.
- Co-composting with food waste, cow dung, and amritjal is studied for optimal conditions.
- Higher temperatures positively impact composting efficiency.
- Composting results in increased organic carbon, ash content, potassium, and phosphorus.
- Co-composting provides a sustainable solution for managing waste
Keywords
References
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