Compost Research Articles

Evolution of Macrofauna Structure during the Composting Process of Household Waste

The fact that Morocco is an agricultural country and the large volume of biodegradable waste produced by the population make composting so important. The degradation of organic matter is facilitated by faunal and floral macro and micro-organisms that act in different stages of maturation; studies on this fauna are quite rare both nationally and internationally. On a sample of two tons of household waste, we documented invertebrates that colonized compost heaps and then assessed the changes in the structure of the invertebrate population during the different phases. Our study revealed the presence of several zoological groups colonizing the compost heaps during the different composting phases; we noted the presence of: (1) Macroscopic invertebrates, in order of number of individuals: insect larvae, ants, earthworms, sowbugs, spiders, springtails, and millipedes, and (2) Microscopic invertebrates, the most abundant in terms of individuals: mites and nematodes. As for the order of appearance, we observed that insect larvae were the first to colonize the compost heap from the very first days of installation, followed by woodlice observed during the thermophilic phase and disappearing towards the end of the process. Earthworms were observed during the end of the thermophilic phase, while springtails were observed more during the cooling and maturation phases. Our study revealed the presence of a good quality of fauna during the composting process, which are indicators of good compost quality and play a major role in the circulation of nutrients, thus ensuring the provision of essential elements for plant nutrition.

Salidroside Improves Oocyte Competence of Reproductively Old Mice by Enhancing Mitophagy.

The decline of oocyte quality with advanced maternal age has a detrimental effect on female fertility. However, there is limited knowledge of therapeutic options and their mechanisms to improve oocyte quality in reproductively older women. In this study, we demonstrated that supplementation of salidroside improves the oocyte quality of reproductively old mice. Salidroside improved the maturation, fertilization, and developmental competence of oocytes from reproductively old mice by maintaining the normal spindle/chromosome structure and mitochondrial function. Oocyte transcriptomic and micro-proteomic analysis revealed that salidroside restores oocyte quality by enhancing mitophagy in reproductively old mice. Our studies provide a new theoretical foundation for utilizing salidroside to improve oocyte quality in reproductively old females in the context of natural fertility or assisted reproduction.

Improving soil properties and Sesbania growth through combined organic amendment strategies in a coastal saline-alkali soil.

Improving the quality of degraded coastal saline-alkali soil and promoting plant growth are key challenges in the restoration of ecological functions in coastal regions. Organic ameliorants such as effective microbial (EM) agent, biochar, and organic compost have been proposed as sustainable solutions, but limited research has explored the combined effects of these amendments. This study investigates five organic improvement strategies: individual applications of EM, corn straw biochar (CSB), and sewage sludge-reed straw compost (COM), along with combined treatments of CSB+EM and COM+EM, on Sesbania growth in a pot experiment. The results demonstrated that, compared to the separate applications, the combined strategies (CSB+EM and COM+EM) exhibited a greater improvement in Sesbania growth; for instance, the plant dry weight was 4.61-12.1 times that of the control. The improved plant growth was linked to enhanced nutrient uptake and changes in soil properties. The combined strategies, particularly COM+EM, resulted in greater decreases in soil pH (decreased by 2.79%-3.49% compared to the control) and better improvements in soil nutrient content, quantity and quality of dissolved organic matter, microbial community diversity, and the abundance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), e.g., Bacillus. Spearman correlation and structural equation modeling confirmed that these soil improvements directly contributed to enhanced plant nutrient uptake. Overall, these findings suggest that combined strategies of COM+EM and CSB+EM, particularly the former, are highly effective for the remediation of coastal saline-alkali soils, offering a promising approach for improving soil fertility and plant productivity in degraded coastal ecosystems.

Heavy metal(loid)s accumulation and human health risk assessment in wheat after long-term application of various urban and rural organic fertilizers.

Composting urban and rural wastes into organic fertilizers for land application is considered the best way to dispose of and recycle waste resources. However, there are some concerns about the long-term effects of applying various organic fertilizers on soils, food safety, and health risks derived from heavy metal(loid)s (HMs). A long-term field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of continuous application of chicken manure compost (CM), sewage sludge compost (SSC), and domestic waste compost (DWC) for wheat on the accumulation, transfer, and health risks of HMs. The results revealed that, compared with control or chemical fertilizer treatments, continuous application of CM raised the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in topsoil by 29%-38%, 15%-16%,11%-14%, and 20%-36%, respectively; SSC increased the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), Cu, and Zn by 18%-26%, 8%-9%, 310%-329%, 5%-8%, 17%-21%, and 19%-35%, respectively; and DWC elevated the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Hg, lead (Pb), and Zn by 20%-28%, 8%-9%, 118%-118%, 5%-10%, and 3%-17%. The HMs concentrations in wheat grain were almost unaffected by the application of the organic fertilizers except for Hg and Pb concentrations. However, the HMs concentrations in both soil and wheat grain remained far below the limits of regulation in China. The long-term application of organic fertilizers did not cause additional noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to HMs. In conclusion, although the long-term application of various urban and rural organic fertilizers increased the concentrations of several HMs in the soil, it almost did not cause any additional adverse effects on wheat grain or increase the health risks.

IMPROVEMENT OF METHODS AND TECHNICAL MEANS OF WATER EROSION CONTROL DURING CULTIVATING POTATOES ON A PROFILED FIELD SURFACE

BACKGROUND: Potato is a crop that requires the creation of a fine-grained structure of the upper tuber-inhabited soil layer to form tubers of the correct shape, as well as to ensure conditions for good soil separation during harvesting. For this purpose, most technologies for cultivating this crop provide for the formation of a profiled field surface. One of the results of global climate change is an increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall during the growing season. At the same time, the presence of a profiled surface on fields with even a slight slope leads to significant risks of water erosion during heavy rains due to water flowing from the ridge walls into the row spacing. This leads to annual irreparable losses of the fertile soil layer. Therefore, in order to ensure the preservation of the level of natural soil fertility and eliminate the risks of water erosion when using intensive potato production technologies in the context of global climate change, it is necessary to improve the technological methods and technical means used to form a profiled field surface. AIM: The aim of the study is to protect soil from water erosion during potato cultivation on a profiled field surface by improving technological methods and technical means used to form a profiled field surface, as well as substantiating the parameters and modes of their operation. METHODS: The object of the research is a non-powered rotary dyker mounted on a row-crop cultivator-subsoiler. To select rational parameters of the dyker's blades theoretical studies were conducted on the basis of which the rotor diameter of its blades was selected. The following assumptions were adopted as initial data for determining the technological parameters of the dyker: intensity of rainfall; depth of the loosening tines of the row-crop cultivator-subsoiler; the rate of rain absorption by capillaries on medium-loamy soils at a certain degree of field slope. The theoretical calculation of the technological parameters of thedyker was performed on the basis of the constructed trajectories of the rotor center and its blades during the work process. The calculation of the parameters of the dyker was carried out taking into account that the front and rear walls of the mini pit are formed by its blade by pushing loose soil during rolling with a step t relative to a fixed point at a certain depth h, the step of the dyker's blades t is determined by the design parameters of the rotor: diameter D and the number of blades on it. RESULTS: To determine the number of mini pits per linear meter the volume of water that gets between the rows during a downpour was calculated depending on their interrow width. The calculation results showed that with a precipitation intensity of 15 mm/h the number of mini tip per linear meter of the profiled surface of the field varies from 2.4 to 3.1 pcs/m. These data made it possible to determine the rational parameters of the dyker for protection against water erosion of the fields located on slopes when cultivating potatoes on the profiled surface. CONCLUSION: An effective method for preventing water erosion on the profiled surface of a field when cultivating potatoes is deep loosening between rows with simultaneous formation of mini pits at the bottom of the furrow. For this purpose it is proposed to use a non-powered rotary pit cultivator. When using a dyker with a rotor diameter of 600 mm the number of mini pits per linear meter varies from 2.4 pcs/m with a inter row spacing of 70 cm to 3.1 pcs/m with a inter row spacing of 90 cm. For reliable protection of soils from water erosion with a inter row spacing of 70 cm it is enough to install 4 blades on the rotor, with inter row spacing of 75 and 80 cm best result available with 5 blades per rotor and with a width of 90 cm 6 blades per rotor will be required.

Bokashi-Based Home Composter for Fertigation System

Organic waste management is a huge problem coming from residential homes throughout the country. Improper decomposition of waste generates methane, which contributes significantly to the environment in terms of greenhouse effects. The proposed solution is the Bokashi-Based Home Composter for Fertigation System as a medium of Internet of Things (IoT). This system is designed to help users initiate composting through Bokashi composting and automated fertigation. Bokashi composting involves using airtight containers, Bokashi bran, and organic waste, which undergoes anaerobic fermentation to produce Bokashi Tea - a liquid by-product used as a fertilizer. The system architecture features an ESP32 microcontroller, soil moisture, humidity, and temperature sensors, as well as pumps for dosing and irrigation, all controlled through an application dashboard. The final product assembly successfully achieved its objectives to produce Bokashi Tea in less than 14 days and utilize it by dosing it to water with ratio of 1:100 with flow a flow rate of 1.6 ml/s and main pump flow rate of 32.5 ml/s for fertigation purposes in residential homes. The system is complemented by an application dashboard that provides IoT functionality, where the hardware parameters can be monitored and controlled by the application through Wi-Fi connectivity. This paper explores the process of product design.

POTENTIAL USE OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS ON THE GROWTH OF Brachionus sp.

Brachionus sp. is a zooplankton that is widely used by farmers as natural feed for fish larvae stages. In the process of cultivating Brachionus sp. it is necessary to fulfill the nutritional needs for its growth by providing fertilizer. The use of natural fertilizer as a culture medium for Brachionus sp. using fertilizers such as chicken manure, Urea, NPK, TSP, and POC. This study aims to determine the potential use of different fertilizers in the growth of Brachionus sp. The method used is a literature study. The results obtained from the potential use of different fertilizers in the culture of Brachionus sp. namely the concentration of 300 mg of chicken manure; 7.5 mg TSP; 6 mg Urea; 0.45 gr of Bread Yeast per 3 L of water enriched with 0.30 gr Extrajoss produced the highest population density of 5.01 ind/mL. In addition, the concentration of chicken manure fertilizer between broiler chickens and kampung chickens was 2 L of water; 4 mg urea; 3 mg TSP; 400 mg of broiler chicken manure produced the highest productivity of 89,639 ind/2 L.

Variability of new self-pollinated maize lines’ response to CMS depending on the sterility source and weather conditions of the year

The wide introduction of new maize hybrids into production is possible only if they are transferred to a sterile basis. This requires data on the lines’ response to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). The purpose of the current study was to classify new self-pollinated maize lines according to their ability to fix and restore based on various sources of sterility and contrasting weather conditions during the conducted estimation. The study was carried out at the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2022–2024. The conditions during the study were contrasting (HTC = 0.49 – 2022, HTC = 0.83 – 2023, HTC = 0.22 – 2024). As the sterility sources there were used the forms М1 and М2 with different sterilizing capacity of the Moldavian (‘M’) type, and the forms С1, С2 with different sterilizing capacity of the Bolivian (‘C’) type of CMS. The objects of the study were 15 new constant (I6) self-pollinated maize lines and 60 test-cross hybrids obtained from analyzed crossings. The response of the self-pollinated lines depended on the source of sterility and the weather conditions of the year of study. The fertility level of testers with the participation of the sources M2 and C2 was higher than that of testers of the sources C1 and M1. In the arid year of 2024, the selfpollinated lines SK 7, SK 9 and SK 11 reduced the fertility level according to the ‘C’ type from partial fertility (class 2) to complete sterility (class 0), or from complete fertility (class 5) to partial fertility (class 3). According to the ‘M’ type, there was a fertility decrease in the lines SK 11 and SK 12. There have been identified such new self-pollinated maize lines as SK 1, SK 6, SK 7, SK 8, SK 14 and SK 15, which are sterility fixers of the ‘M’ type of CMS. These lines are valuable as maternal forms when transferring maize hybrids developed with their participation to a sterile basis. There have been identified the lines SK 5 and SK 9 as the natural fertility restorers of the ‘M’ type, which are valuable for use as paternal forms of hybrids. According to the ‘C’ type of CMS, the sterility fixers SK 5, SK 12, SK 14 and the constant fertility restorers SK 2, SK 3, SK 6, SK 10 and SK 13 are of the greatest interest.

Soil Health: Concepts, Principles and Road Maps for Management in Regenerative Agriculture

Soil is a crucial nonrenewable resource for agriculture and has a direct impact on food security. However, the decline in crop yield post-Green Revolution suggested soil health deterioration due to soil degradation through harmful chemicals and anthropogenic activities. Therefore, restoring the health of the land and the environment is very important. In the last ten years, there has been a large increase in interest in soil health around the world. Many government, nongovernmental, and private sector groups are working on developing monitoring and assessment techniques. The concept of soil health is defined as the continuous capacity of soil to function as a vital ecosystem service supporting plants, animals, and humans. Biofertilizers, vermicompost, farmyard and green manure, and biopesticides are natural fertilizers that can be used instead of chemical fertilizers. This can help crops grow well while also being good for the land and climate. This brief study focused on soil health indicators such as soil biological, chemical, and physical properties and the urgent need for soil health restoration through the adoption of regenerative agriculture management practices.

Sustainable alternative to manage the organic fraction of household solid waste: optimized composting in organomineral production

More than 50% of household solid waste is organic; thus, composting has emerged as alternative to extend landfills’ useful life and to reduce costs and minimize environmental impacts resulting from organic-fraction landfilling. The aims of the present study are to develop a domestic compost bin, optimize the main composting-process parameters set for household organic solid waste, generating an organomineral composite as final product from synthetic fertilizer application and featuring this matured biofertilizer. Rotatable central composite design was the method of choice to define the experimental matrix for variable optimization purpose. The following parameters were monitored throughout the experiments: moisture content, temperature, pH and C:N ratio. The mathematical model returned values close to 99% for optimum stabilization point and approximately 98% experimental data. This finding points out the efficiency of the generated optimization model. Temperature was not a compromising factor to achieve a proper composting process progress. According to the C:N ratio recorded throughout the experiments, the equipment mineralized the waste without reaching high temperatures, with small amounts of organic mass. The optimal conditions to maximize the stability of organic-mineral materials were reached when the process was carried out within 18 days, after 15-time compost revolving and the addition of 6.5% synthetic fertilizer (NPK). The equipment developed under the optimized composting parameters emerged as promising alternative to treat the organic fraction of urban solid waste, besides contributing to sustainable and environmental development, as well as to economic and social gains.

A Framework for Detecting and Managing Non-Point-Source Pollution in Agricultural Areas Using GeoAI and UAVs

This study proposes a novel framework for detecting and managing non-point-source (NPS) pollution in agricultural areas using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI). High-resolution UAV imagery, combined with the YOLOv8 instance segmentation model, was employed to accurately detect and classify various NPS sources, such as livestock barns, compost heaps, greenhouses, and mulching films. The spatial information, including the area and volume of detected objects, was analyzed to track temporal changes and evaluate management strategies. The framework integrates remote sensing, deep learning, and geographic information system (GIS) analysis to enhance decision-making processes, providing detailed insight into NPS pollution dynamics over time. This approach not only improves the efficiency of NPS monitoring but also facilitates proactive management by offering precise location and environmental impact data. The results indicate that this framework can significantly improve resource allocation and environmental management practices, particularly in agriculture-dominated regions susceptible to NPS pollution, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of these areas.

Preliminary testing for utilising oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre in home compost making and its usability in planting medium towards growth of bird’s-eye chili (Capsicum annum)

In this preliminary study, a home-based composting routine utilising waste oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre, garden and kitchen waste, and home-made effective microorganism (EM) solution was carried out. The purpose of this research was to explore potential waste utilisation practice which can start from home. The 9 compost premix samples prepared with different amounts (7%, 14%, 50%, 100%) of OPEFB fibre displayed varying durations of composting time from 4 to 8 weeks. It was observed that compost containing higher amounts of OPEFB fibre took a longer time to mature. The addition of the EM solution to the compost premix samples aided the decomposition of the OPEFB fibre. The compost sample made of 100% OPEFB fibre took 8 weeks of composting period while its replicate sample which was treated with EM took 7 weeks to compost. The usableness of the home-made compost in a planting medium consisting of soil, compost and cocopeat with a ratio of 3:1:1 was tested to grow bird’s-eye chili seeds. Based on the results, soil treated with compost containing OPEFB fibres showed better results for plant growth compared to soil having no compost and with control compost sample (0% OPEFB fibre). It was also observed that compost treated with EM containing 14% OPEFB fibre and 86% vegetable scraps with an initial C: N ratio of 29.9:1 showed the best result towards the plants growth. Based on this finding, home-made compost utilising OPEFB fibre can be included as part of planting medium to support plant growth.

The Effect of doses of Natural Super Phospate Fertilizer and Potassium on the Growth and Yield of Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The purpose of the study was to determine the proper dosage of natural phosphate and potash fertilizers for peanut growth and yield. This research was conducted in Tanjung Village, Darul Hasanah District, Southeast Aceh Regency from October to December 2020. This study used 3x3 factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 3 repeats. The results showed that the dose of Natural Super Phosphat fertilizer had a significant effect on the weight of 100 dry seeds of peanut plants. The highest growth and soaking of dried peanut seeds tends to be obtained at a dose of Natural Super Phospat 100 kg P205 I ha. The dose of potash fertilizer had no significant effect on plant height at the age of 15, 30 and 45 watersheds, the number of well-fused pods per clump, the number of empty pods per clump, the weight of dry pods per clump, the weight of 100 dry seeds, the weight of dry seeds per net plot and the weight of dry seeds per hectare. Better growth and yield of dry seeds in peanut plants tend to be obtained with a dose of potash fertilizer of 75 kg K20 I ha. There is an insignificant interaction between the dose treatment of Natural Super Phosphate fertilizer and the dose of potassium fertilizer.

Increasing Household Economic Income Based on Local Wisdom through Booster Compost Technology

Pengabdian masyarakat ini membahas masalah keterbatasan pengetahuan dan keterampilan dalam produksi kompos booster di antara kelompok PKK di Kampung Gembira Gembrong. Fokusnya adalah pada pemberdayaan perempuan ini dengan memberikan pelatihan dan dukungan yang komprehensif. Tujuan dari pengabdian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman dan kemampuan praktis mereka dalam membuat dan memasarkan kompos booster. Pengabdian ini menggunakan pendekatan terstruktur, termasuk sosialisasi awal, pelatihan teori, lokakarya praktis, bantuan produksi, pelatihan pemasaran, dan evaluasi menyeluruh. Metode ini merupakan perpaduan antara pendidikan teoritis dan pengalaman langsung, serta didukung oleh pemantauan dan bimbingan berkelanjutan. Hasilnya menunjukkan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam pengetahuan dan keterampilan peserta, sebagaimana dibuktikan oleh hasil post test. Hal ini tidak hanya membekali peserta dengan keahlian teknis tetapi juga menumbuhkan kepercayaan diri dan kemandirian, yang berkontribusi pada pembangunan masyarakat yang berkelanjutan. Hendaknya implementasi antara kampus dan pemangku kebijakan akan selalu beriringan demi kesejahteraan masyarakat.

Novel slow‐release fertilizer promotes nitrogen circularity while increasing soil organic carbon

AbstractIn the coming decades, humanity will be faced with the challenge of feeding 10 billion people and managing large quantities of solid waste. These issues can be mitigated through the development of sustainable fertilizers derived from electrochemically treated waste activated sludge (EWAS) while promoting a nitrogen circular economy. This study investigates the chemistry of novel fertilizers to determine their soil chemistry dynamics. Untreated waste activated sludge (WAS) and EWAS were applied to agricultural soil and potting mix, and the resulting aqueous samples were analyzed to determine nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon adsorption and release behaviors. Commercial inorganic and natural fertilizers were utilized for comparison. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was performed to characterize phosphorus speciation in the solid phases of the novel fertilizers. Results indicated that EWAS and WAS samples released less total nitrogen into solution than other treatments due to organoclay complexation of biomolecules and differences in the solubility of the nitrogen species. Samples containing EWAS released a higher percentage of organic and total carbon into solution due to the deformation of the structure of the organic matter by the alkaline electrolysis process. The solubility of nitrogen and carbon in the sludge was increased by the electrochemical process. Solid‐phase phosphorus in EWAS and WAS was characterized by XANES analysis as struvite, which is a novel finding with important implications for P management from waste‐based fertilizers. These experimental findings suggest that fertilizing with EWAS could result in reduced runoff and improved soil health while facilitating domestic fertilizer production.

Study on the effect of surface organic acid treatment on inhibiting nitrogen loss in trough composting

ABSTRACT To reduce the ammonia loss during the trough composting process and the problem of low initial pH of the compost due to one-time addition of organic acids. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of buffering the pH of the compost and controlling the ammonia emission through the addition of dilute acetic acid sprayed on the surface of the compost pile after several pile-turnings in the trough composting process. The results showed that the spraying of acetic acid did not have a significant difference in the effect on the initial pH and maintained a slightly alkaline environment throughout the composting process, which led to an increase in the degradation rate of 58.38% at the end of the composting process. Compared with natural composting, the pile-turning of trough compost increased the ammonia volatilisation by 125.53% and nitrogen loss by 10.75% during the composting process, but the spraying of 0.005 mol/L dilute acetic acid solution and water on the surface layer of the heap could reduce the ammonia emission of the heap, which was reduced by 36.31% and 17.81%, and the rate of nitrogen loss was reduced by 12.63% and 3.59%, respectively. This study suggests that acetic acid is a suitable additive for composting. Spraying acetic acid after compost turning not only stabilises compost pH, but also reduces ammonia volatilisation loss. It provides a reference for the efficient ammonia reduction technology of compost.

FERTILIZAÇÃO IN VITRO POST MORTEM E SEUS REFLEXOS NO DIREITO SUCESSÓRIO

The present work aims to present posthumous in vitro fertilization, its specificities, and its effects on inheritance law. It seeks to address the aspects inherent to its characteristics and its influence by family law, focusing on the principle of saisine and the constitutional right to inheritance. Initially, a brief explanation and conceptualization of inheritance law, the right to inheritance, inheritance as a fundamental right, necessary and testamentary heirs, and succession were provided. Subsequently, an examination of filiation in Brazilian legal order was conducted, comparing natural fertilization and assisted reproduction techniques, including posthumous in vitro fertilization, as well as the legal presumption of paternity found in the Civil Code of 2002. Finally, the impact of posthumous in vitro fertilization on inheritance law was discussed. The necessity for prior and written authorization from the parent for the use of their genetic material after death was explained, along with the exception to the principle of coexistence, guaranteeing the posthumous child the rightful inheritance. The methodology used was the hypothetical-deductive analysis, based on a literature review and consultation of national legislation and jurisprudence. In conclusion, it was inferred that posthumous in vitro fertilization is possible according to the stipulation of infra-legal norms, and children conceived posthumously by the parent have the right to inheritance on equal footing with other heirs. However, it still raises numerous questions and uncertainties, making it a subject that should be regulated by specific law.

Intramural myomas and fertility: To operate or not?

Intramural uterine myomas are very common among women of reproductive age, but their impact on natural and assisted fertility remains controversial. Although international federation of gynecology and obstretrics type 3 myomas may have the most negative impact on receptivity, available data are still not convincing. Surgical removal of these myomas is encouraged when they are symptomatic, but myomectomy for fertility-only reasons cannot be offered in daily clinical practice before in vitro fertilization treatment, as data are still inconclusive. Moreover, myomectomy is strongly associated with short and long-term complications, some of which may also affect the fertility outcome. A better understanding of the association between intramural myomas and fertility may open up new perspectives for the individualized management of infertile women with uterine myomatous masses.

Synthesis of nanocellulose from Acalypha hispida leaves through enzymatic hydrolysis

The enzyme-hydrolysis of Acalypha hispida plant leaves for the synthesis of nanocellulose remains underexplored, yet it holds significant potential due to its biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and the exceptional physical and biochemical properties. This innovative method employed the enzyme xylanase, produced by an indigenous strain of Bacillus pumilus, isolated from a compost pile sample and identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. The xylanolytic activity of the isolate was confirmed by the clear hydrolysis zones around bacterial colonies on xylan agar. The enzyme was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis, with a molecular weight of 45 kDa determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified xylanase was then utilized for enzyme-hydrolyzed nanocellulose (EHNC) synthesis. EHNC stands out for its green processing, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low production cost. The resulting EHNC exhibited particle diameters ranging from 15 to 40 nm, with a zeta potential of −22.3 mV. The minimal enzyme concentrations and short incubation periods suggest significant potential for enzymatic applications in the production of nanofibrillated cellulose, offering an efficient and sustainable approach to manufacturing advanced nanocellulose-based materials.

Evaluating Black Soldier FLY (Hermetia illucens) Frass and Larval Sheddings in the Production of a Quality Compost

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) is well-known for having a high protein and lipid content during its larval stage and is cultivated for animal feed. Rearing Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) produces byproducts known as frass and larval sheddings in large volumes with limited applications. Therefore, there is a need to identify viable sustainable management strategies to prevent potential environmental issues associated with their accumulation. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate BSFL frass and larval sheddings as viable ingredients in composts that utilize additional nitrogen feedstocks. Four experimental compost piles (22.7 m3) with different ratios of BSFL frass and sheddings were developed based on previous research; two piles included 25% frass, whereas the other two included 30% frass. Across these piles, the inclusion of wood chips, food waste, and livestock manure varied to determine the best proportions for compost. The compost piles were maintained for five months, including a curing phase. After curing, samples from each pile were collected to analyze their pH, macro- and micro-nutrients, particle size, stability, and maturity. The findings indicated that the pH levels (7.1–8.1) and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios (10.40–13.20) were within the optimal ranges for all piles. The phosphorus levels (0.75–1.30%) of each pile exceeded typical ranges, likely due to the high phosphorus content of the frass itself. The moisture content varied widely (24.5–51.7%), with some piles falling below optimal levels. Stability and maturity tests yielded mixed results, with some piles demonstrating continued decomposition activity. Overall, the findings indicated that inclusion rates of 25–30% of BSFL frass and sheddings produced compost with generally favorable characteristics when high nitrogen feedstocks were also incorporated into the compost piles. These findings align with those from previous research and highlight both the potential and challenges of incorporating BSFL frass into compost production.