Aerobic composting of poultry excreta using saw dust: Effect of C: N ratio during winter season

Abstract

The aim of this study was to standardize C:N ratio and to formulate a suitable recipe for composting of poultry excreta during winter season of India. Meshed iron wire made bins (1.2·1.2·1.2 cum) were used for composting. The C:N ratio at 15:1 (T1); 20:1 (T2); 25:1 (T3) and 30:1 (T4) was maintained using proper ratio of poultry excreta: saw dust: water with moisture level of 45–50%. Crude poultry excreta without sawdust acted as control (T0) with C:N ratio of 10:1. Parameters recorded were bin temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), proximate composition, C:N ratio, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, microbial profile, germination potential, input- output costs etc. The bin temperature, thermophilic phase duration, moisture level, pH, EC, ash, total organic matter, nitrogen, E.coli reduction, manure equivalent etc. were more favourable in T3 and T4 groups. Furthermore, twice to thrice value addition was also calculated from aerobic composting of poultry excreta. Therefore, It was concluded that composting of poultry excreta with C/N ratio between 25:1 to 30:1 with poultry excreta: saw dust: water in the ratio of 1.0: 0.50: 0.30 may be adopted for better manure production, more income generation and bio-safety from poultry establishments. This technology can also be helpful in accomplishing the Sawachch Bharata Mission of India.