Changes in Chemical Properties of Banana Pseudostem, Mushroom Media Waste, and Chicken Manure through the Co-Composting Process

Abstract

Co-composting is an effective approach to biowaste management. The co-composting potential of banana pseudostem (BPS) and mushroom media waste (MMW) with chicken manure (CM) has not been explored, let alone their suitable ratios of co-composting being determined. Meanwhile, the imbalance ratios of the feedstocks used in the process severely restrict the physicochemical properties and quality of the finished product. For this reason, six different ratios of BPS, MMW, and CM, viz. 1:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:3:1, 2:1:1, 2:2:1, and 2:3:1, respectively (T1–T6), were composted together in aerobic conditions to identify the suitable ratio by evaluating the changes in the physicochemical properties in the composting process. According to the ratio of treatments, the feedstocks were mixed on fresh weight basis. The turning process of co-composting piles was repeated at seven-day intervals to maintain the uniform aeration throughout the composting period. The piles having BPS, MMW, and CM at ratios of 1:2:1, 1:3:1, and 2:3:1, respectively, demonstrated a longer thermophilic phase, indicating more complete decomposition and earlier maturity compared to piles with higher amount of BPS. Of the ratios, BPS:MMW:CM at 1:2:1 ratio (T2) resulted in the highest total nitrogen (1.53%), lowest C:N ratio (12.4), organic matter loss (54.5%), and increased CEC (41.3 cmol/kg). The highest germination index (129%) was also recorded in the T2 compost, indicating that it was toxic-free and safe for seed germination. The nutrient-rich compost with high alkaline pH (≥10) can effectively ameliorate soils of an acidic nature, for example, the acidity of Ultisols and Oxisols.

The Efficacy of Functional Composts Manufactured Using Spent Coffee Ground, Rice Bran, Biochar, and Functional Microorganisms

“…Rice bran addition in Tr_4 and Tr_5 (50%, w/w) generally enhanced the germination index and the growth of radish and pepper. Islam et al [58] reported that the GI of radish seeds for compost with the chicken manure was 130%. The GI of radish seeds for Tr_5 in this study was much higher (297%).…”

The Utilization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches for Growth of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Biodelignification Process During Planting Cycle

“…Research on the utlilization of EFB has been widely carried out includes cellulose extraction (Nazir et al, 2013), composite production (Khalid et al, 2008), and bioplastic production (Isroi et al, 2017). EFB was also employed as a base catalyst in biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil (Yaakob et al, 2012) a raw material of compost fertilizer (Islam et al, 2021), and bioethanol production (Kim & Kim, 2013;Muryanto et al, 2012;Sudiyani & Hermiati, 2010). In oil palm plantations, many white rot fungi was found in EFB.…”