Abstract
The aim of study was to investigate the effect of amendment of cow manure with natural zeolite-clinoptilolite and hydrated lime on decomposition processes over the period of 90 days. Two static piles of amended substrates were constructed consisting of cow manure with an addition of bulking material (2.5% by weight): (1) manure mixed with zeolite (S1); manure mixed with zeolite and lime (S2). Third amendment-free pile served as a control (C). During the experiment, pH level, temperature (T), dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), C/N ratio, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH4+) and total nitrogen (Nt) were determined. We also determined the counts of total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci as indicators of the hygiene level of compost. A significant increase (p < 0.001) in temperature to 53 °C was observed in S2 compared to C. In S2 we observed a significantly reduced release of N-NH4+ from the composting substrate compared to C (p < 0.05). The significant differences were in Nt content in C and S2 (p < 0.001) and between S1 and S2 (p < 0.05). The concentration of Nt increased and caused decrease in the C/N ratio. The content of Nt in the substrates with zeolite increased by 44% in S1 and 45% in S2 compared to C. The differences in counts of coliform and faecal coliform bacteria between C and S2 were significant (p < 0.001). This experiment showed that amendment with zeolite and lime decreased nitrogen losses during composting and indicated sorption effects of zeolite.
Highlights
Livestock industry is producing large quantities of organic waste in the form of animal excrements with potential serious impact on the environment
Temperature in the core of the substrates increased during the first week due to rapid degradation of organic matter
Results of this study showed that addition of zeolite and hydrated lime to dairy manure containing straw as a bulking agent affected positively the decomposition processes during 3 months of stabilisation without turning
Summary
Livestock industry is producing large quantities of organic waste in the form of animal excrements with potential serious impact on the environment. Organic wastes can be a source of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and trace elements. Due to their high nutrient content, after relevant processing they can be used as a valuable organic fertilizer [3]. Waste management must be properly managed to prevent potential environmental pollution. Effective utilization of organic wastes requires a risk assessment to prevent adverse environmental pollution effects on the air, soil and surface water [4]
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