Chemical study of vermicomposted agroindustrial wastes

Lívia B Favoretto Pigatin,Oluwatoyin Abosede Obikoya,Idowu Ademola Atoloye,Maria Olímpia Oliveira Rezende,Aurélio Vinicius Borsato

doi:10.1007/s40093-016-0117-7

Abstract

The disposal of solid waste is a serious environmental problem for humanity. Vermicomposting is used as one of the methods for recycling of organic waste, resulting in a humified material of great agronomic potential which promotes carbon sequestration when applied to the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of vermicomposts from cattle manure (CM), orange peel (OP) and filter cake (FC). Three compost piles were set up, 2:1 OP + CM, 3:1 FC + CM and CM. The piles were initially composted for 60 days. Thereafter, earthworms were added to the piles to initiate the vermicomposting process. The pH and the organic carbon contents were above the minimum recommended values for organic fertilizers. The N content was below the minimum value but the C/N ratio was in the required range. The C/N values where lower in OP + CM and FC + CM than in CM. Further, the N contents of treatments were different with OP + CM having the highest value. The C/N ratios of the piles were 9.52, 9.62 and 11.03 for OP + CM, FC + CM and CM, respectively, and were lower than the maximum recommended value by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (Ministry of Agriculture 2009). Thus, co-vermicomposting of filter cake and orange peel with cattle manure has the potential for application sustainable agriculture.

Highlights

Increase in agricultural production appears to be a major threat to soil sustainability
The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of vermicomposts from cattle manure (CM), orange peel (OP) and filter cake (FC)
The pH and the organic carbon contents were above the minimum recommended values for organic fertilizers

Summary

Introduction

Increase in agricultural production appears to be a major threat to soil sustainability. This is due to increasing demand for food by the increasing human population. There is a need to sustain the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil if more food is to be produced. The use of inorganic fertilizers only supplies plant nutrients and cannot improve soil quality. Rather, it promotes soil degradation and environmental pollution. The use of organic fertilizers had been shown to be a good means of improving soil quality and promoting sustainable agriculture (Rezende et al 2014)

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