Converting waste to resource: Utilisation of elemental S and consortia of halo–alkaliphilic S–oxidisers for preparation of acidified compost from organic wastes

Abstract

Utilising the acidulated manures is a reliable option for plant nutrition and managing alkalinity stress. This study characterizes the common wastes and their acidulation potential through consortia of microbes like Priestia aryabhattai, Stutzerimonas stutzeri and Pseudomonas chloritidismutans and elemental sulphur (S°). The poultry manure (PM) and pressmud (Pmud) were rich in N, P, and phenol with a narrow C/N ratio. The water–soluble total N (TNsol), dissolved organic N (DON), NO3−–N was greater in cattle manure. Acidulation of manure declined pH by 0.5–2.5 units and increased titratable acidity (TA) and equivalent alkalinity neutralisation potential (EANP) by 5034.8 and 2,805,732.3 me kg−1, respectively. The incubation for 28 days was optimum for acidulation. The water–soluble SO42−, Mg2+, and DOC were the key variables explaining variability in EANP. The rapid acidulation of manure using microbial consortia and S° could be a pragmatic approach for recycling and reusing the waste.