Transformation characteristics of organic matter and phosphorus in composting processes of agricultural organic waste: Research trends

Abstract

Agricultural waste is rich in organic matter and an important secondary source of phosphorus, which can be converted into valuable products through various technologies. Composting is an effective way to treat agricultural waste and further produce organic fertilizer, achieving waste minimization and stabilization. This paper reviews the current situation of agricultural waste pollution and composting technology, introduces the parameters that influence of the composting process and the optimal conditions, and presents the indicators for evaluating the decay of compost products and the evaluation criteria as well. In the composting process, small-molecule organic acids produced by the degradation of easily degradable organic matter such as sugars and lipids and various enzymes produced by microorganisms (phytase, phosphatase, etc.) can mineralize organic phosphorus such as phytate and phospholipids, promote phosphorus activation and provide phosphorus sources for microorganisms, so the conversion of organic matter and phosphorus is related to the fertilizer effect of composted products. Therefore, the clarification of the characteristics of organic matter and phosphorus transformation in the composting process is an important prerequisite for the resource utilization of agricultural organic waste. This paper provides theoretical support for the sustainable utilization of agricultural organic waste resources.