Phosphate buffer‐driven precursor polycondensation to promote fermentative humification

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDAerobic fermentation always suffers from nitrogen loss and low humification degree. The objective of this study was to investigate the promotion of phosphate buffer on organic matter degradation and precursor polymerization into humus (HS) in aerobic fermentation, and to analyze the key roles played by different precursors. In order to achieve this, sludge aerobic fermentation tests were conducted on control (CK), phosphate buffer addition treatment (KP) and potassium chloride addition treatment (K).RESULTSThe HS content of KP treatment exhibited a notable increase compared to the CK and K treatments, with a maximum increase of 38.29%. In addition, phosphate addition improved the nitrogen retention capacity and the complexity of the HS structure. Phosphate buffer enhanced both the polyphenol and Maillard humification pathways by promoting the condensation of precursors (polysaccharides, reducing sugars, polyphenols, amino acids and proteins). Among these precursors, reducing sugars, amino acids and proteins were identified as the key driving precursors of phosphate.CONCLUSIONSPhosphate, as an exogenous additive to the fermentation system, reduces nitrogen loss while promoting precursor polymerization to form HS, which benefits the improvement of soil fertility and crop growth upon organic fertilizer application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).