Vegetable Waste Compost Research Articles

Application of municipal solid waste (MSW) char during rotary drum co-composting (RDC) of vegetable waste and its characterization.

Composting, a sustainable method for handling biodegradable waste constituting nearly 50% of municipal solid waste (MSW), can be enhanced by incorporating char produced from MSW pyrolysis. This study investigates the impact of MSW char (0% char-Control, 2.5% char-Trial 1, 5% char-Trial 2) on the physicochemical properties of vegetable waste compost. A thermophilic temperature range of 53.8°C was detected in Trial 2, 50.8°C in Trial 1, and 46.8°C in Control. The pH of the mixes increased at day 20 to 7.5, 7.87, and 8.2 in Control, Trial 1, and Trial 2, respectively. The highest drop of total organic carbon (TOC) and volatile solids in Trial 2 is about 21.18% and 21.02%, respectively. Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) increased, particularly in Trial 2 (2.35%), while NH4-N concentrations decreased, and phosphorus levels rose notably to 23.48mg/kg, with 2.49mg/kg available phosphorus in Trial 2. The C/N was reduced to 10 in Trial 2. Total potassium increase was highest for Trial 1 (6.9g/kg). Trial 2 had the highest overall macronutrient concentration and correspondingly showed the greatest decrease in volatile solids. Furthermore, Trial 1 demonstrated a reduction in heavy metal concentration in comparison to Control and Trial 2. Consequently, the utilization of MSW char during rotary drum composting enhances the process of composting and significantly improves compost quality, making it a sustainable waste management solution.

Exploitation of cellulose degrading bacteria in bioconversion of agro-wastes

The issue of solid waste management has become worse as a result of rapid demographic growth and rising urbanisation. Therefore economical, efficient and quick yielding techniques are essential. In this study, composting of agro-wastes i.e., paddy straw, maize stover and vegetable waste with three strains of cellulolytic bacteria (CBC9, CBD4 and CBG2) was performed. The results showed that the C:N ratio of matured compost produced from bacterial inoculation ranged from 14–17:1, nitrification index (NI) ranged from 0.35 to 0.45, Cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged from 76 to 88 cmol (P+) kg−1, whereas, total N, P and K content of composts increased by 75–127 %, 20–175% and 42–94%, respectively. The recovery of compost was highest in case of paddy straw compost (39%) produced from CBG2 inoculation which was followed by vegetable waste (38%) and maize stover compost (36%) produced from same bacterial inoculation. FT-IR, SEM and EDS studies suggested that final compost produced from inoculation of bacterial strain was more stabilized as compared to un-inoculated control, characterized by a decrease in aliphatic materials and an increase in aromatic groups, presumably related to bio-synthesis of humic substance.

Effect of different multichannel ventilation methods on aerobic composting and vegetable waste gas emissions.

Aerobic composting, especially semipermeable membrane-covered aerobic fermentation, is known to be an effective method for recycling and reducing vegetable waste. However, this approach has rarely been applied to the aerobic composting of vegetable waste; in addition, the product characteristics and GHG emissions of the composting process have not been studied in-depth. This study investigated the effect of using different structural ventilation systems on composting efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in a semipermeable membrane-covered vegetable waste compost. The results for the groups (MV1, MV2, and MV3) with bottom ventilation plus multichannel ventilation and the group (BV) with single bottom ventilation were compared here. The MV2 group effectively increased the average temperature by 19.06% whilst also increasing the degradation rate of organic matter by 30.81%. Additionally, the germination index value reached more than 80%, 3 days in advance. Compared to those of the BV group, the CH4, N2O, and NH3 emissions of MV2 were reduced by 32.67%, 21.52%, and 22.57%, respectively, with the total greenhouse gas emissions decreasing by 24.17%. Overall, this study demonstrated a multichannel ventilation system as a new method for improving the composting efficiency of vegetable waste whilst reducing gas emissions.

Isolation And Characterization Of Nitrogen Fixing Fungi From Fruit And Vegetable Waste Compost

Nitrogen fixing fungi are fungi capable of fixing free nitrogen into ammonium or nitrate, so that it can be absorbed by plants. Many species of microbes/fungi have the ability to fix nitrogen, but very few are able to excrete nitrogen in the form of ammonia so that their contribution in providing nitrogen for plants is also still low. This study aims to determine the characteristics and type of nitrogen fixing fungi in fruit and vegetable waste compost. The method used in this research was descriptive method. Identification of nitrogen-fixing fungi was carried out macroscopically by looking at the color of the colonies, the shape of the colonies, and the diameter of the fungal colonies, an then identified by molecularly. There were 4 isolates of nitrogen-fixing fungi capable of forming clear zones on Jensen's media with different morphological characteristics and nitrogen-fixing abilities. The largest diameter of the clear zone was shown in isolate A3 of 3.2 cm which is the fungus Aspergillus niger strain SG1.

The Effect of Vegetable Waste Compost on The Growth of Robusta Coffee Seeds (Coffea canephora)

Vegetable compost is an organic fertilizer derived from vegetable waste which can be used as a source of nutrients for plants. This study aims to determine the effect of vegetable waste compost on the growth of robusta coffee seedlings. This study used a non-factorial completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 4 replications to obtain 24 experimental units. The treatment given was a dose of vegetable waste compost consisting of 6 levels, namely: K0 = without adding vegetable waste compost K1 = 100 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K2 = 200 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K3 = 300 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K4 = 400 gram dose of vegetable waste compost, K5 = 500 gram dose of vegetable waste compost. The results showed that the application of vegetable waste compost with different doses had a very significant effect on the parameters of seedling height, number of leaves and stem diameter of robusta coffee plant seedlings. The best treatment was obtained in the K5 treatment, namely 50 grams/plant of vegetable waste compost.

Isolation And Characterization Of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi From Fruit And Vegetable Peel Waste Compost Fertilizer

Phosphate solubilizing fungi are fungi that can convert phosphate in soil from compound form (almost insoluble) into ionic form (easily soluble) so that it can be utilized by plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the isolation and characteristics of phosphate solubilizing fungi isolates found in fruit and vegetable peel waste compost. This research was conducted in January 2023 until completion in the Laboratory of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Labuhanbatu University. This research was carried out by isolating fungi from municipal waste compost, characterizing morphology and the ability to dissolve phosphate and molecular identification. Furthermore, the data were analyzed descriptively based on the research results obtained. There were 4 isolates of phosphate solubilizing fungi that were able to form clear zones on Pikovskaya media with different morphological characteristics and ability to dissolve phosphate. The largest clear zone diameter was shown in isolate A3 of 3 cm which is Aspergillus niger fungus.

Microbial Inoculation Influencing Physical Properties of Composts Produced from Different Agro-wastes

A laboratory experiment was carried out on composting of three organic substrates viz; paddy straw, vegetable waste and maize stover by using three isolated cellulose degrading bacteria viz; CBG2, CBD4 and CBC9. The physical properties after final products were examined. Irrespective of the strains inoculation the bulk density (BD) of paddy straw was highest (0.82 Mg m-3) followed by maize stover compost (0.74 Mg m-3) and vegetable waste compost (0.73 Mg m-3). Irrespective of the substrates, the PD of the composts, was highest (1.55 Mg m-3) in uninoculated control followed by CBC9 (1.02 Mg m-3), CBD4 (0.97 Mg m-3) and CBG2 (0.91 Mg m-3). The porosity of the compost was highest (39 %) where CBG2 was inoculated followed by CBD4 (36%), CBC9 (35%) and uninoculated control (23%). The highest angle of repose (420) was in CBG2 treated compost followed by CBD4 (390), CBC9 (360), and lowest (340) was in uninoculated control. The tab density of compost from control was highest (1.15 Mg m-3) followed by CBC9 (0.63 Mg m-3), CBD4 (0.59 Mg m-3) and lowest was in CBG2 (0.52 Mg m-3). The highest (0.96) Husners ratio (HR) was estimated in the uninoculated- control followed by CBC9 and CBD4 (0.95). The lowest (0.94) HR was in CBG2 inoculated compost.

Influence of compost Amendments on the germination and Growth performance of Zea mays L.

Maize is a highly consumed staple food in developing countries and the demand is predicted to double in the coming years. Therefore, there is a need to improve production through the use of compost amendments for sustainability. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of three compost amendments (lemon peels, vegetable waste, and cooked food waste) on the germination and growth of maize (Zea mays). The results showed that the application of 17% (116 t/ha) of vegetable waste or lemon peel composts supported maximum maize growth. However, vegetable waste compost had the highest potassium content, which supported maximum root growth and biomass yield. Although the addition of 17% cooked food waste compost resulted in excess nitrogen supply, reducing its application to 7% (50t/ha) supplied the required level for maize germination.

Effect of Bamboo Vinegar and Microbial Inoculant Addition on Physicochemical Properties and Bacterial Community Composition of a Vegetable Waste Compost

Effect of Bamboo Vinegar and Microbial Inoculant Addition on Physicochemical Properties and Bacterial Community Composition of a Vegetable Waste Compost

Application of locally available microbial inoculant to accelerate green waste composting at a community level

The present study investigates application of locally available microbial inoculants to accelerate green waste composting and selection of best inoculant based upon selected physico-chemical and biological parameters for 45 days composting duration. Five inoculants were prepared using cow-dung, cow-urine, jaggery, processed food waste, vegetable waste, and mature compost, each prepared in different ways named as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C0 (control) and sprayed over 500 kg green waste and fed into aerated in-vessels. The blades of reactors provided adequate aeration to diverse microbial populations in different inoculants to degrade recalcitrant compounds resulting in high thermophilic phase duration (3–8 days), high volatile solid reduction (13–29%), high germination index (85–97%), fecal population < 1000, NPK value in range of N (1.6–2.4%) P (2.8–5.2 mg/kg) and K (6.2–9.3 mg/kg) and low C/N ratio (14.5–20.2). Performance of C1 inoculant (processed food waste) was most effective followed by C5 inoculant (vegetable waste).

A comprehensive insight into ecological risk assessment and remediation of metal contaminated coal mine soil: Towards a cleaner and sustainable environment

The current study directs attention towards investigating the Mobility Factor, Risk Assessment Code and Potential Ecological Risk Index of non-carcinogenic heavy metals in coal mine waste contaminated soil and its remediation with organic waste amendment. Coal mining has adverse impact on the environment and leads to major degradation of soil quality. Degradation due to anthropogenic activities led to complete loss of vegetation in two inactive coal mining sites in Assam, India. An immediate restoration of the land and its natural habitat is of dire need and the current work aims to align with the sustainable development goal (SDG) 15. Mine waste soil (MWS) was collected from Ledo and Tikak sites and mesocosm study was conducted with vegetable waste compost (VWC) enrichment at different ratios. Soil physico-chemical properties, soil fertility, metal bioavailability, leachability and chemical speciation were observed up to a period of 120 days. 20% and 35% VWC (w/w) showed improved pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium levels as compared to 5% VWC addition. The sustainable approach of VWC enrichment to the soil matrix reduced metal bioavailability, leachability and speciation. Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, and Cr concentration in the control (MWS) and amendments were checked. Cr showed a 100% reduction in water soluble, plant available and leachable fractions. Cr was found to be present in the residual fraction in the sequential extraction of metals. The response of one of the soil pollution indicator crop viz., Phaseolus vulgaris was studied in the control and compost enriched MWS. MWS enriched with 20% VWC (w/w) showed the best results for all the studied ratios and aspects thus, it can be used for ameliorating coal mine waste contaminated soil.

Kombinasi Pupuk Kompos dan Pupuk Kimia terhadap Produksi Kedelai (Glycine max L.)

This study aims to determine the effect of a combination of compost and chemical fertilizers on soybean (Glycine max L.) production. The research method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) using four treatments and six replications. The combination treatment of compost and chemical fertilizers, namely NPK fertilizer (control) (P0), straw compost + NPK (P1), coffee husk compost + NPK (P2) and vegetable waste compost + NPK (P3). The research data were analyzed by one factor ANOVA using SPSS 16 and continued by using the LSD test at the 5% real level. The results showed that the best treatment to increase the number of pods and dry weight of seeds was the P1 treatment (straw compost + NPK), but it was not significantly different from the P3 treatment (vegetable compost + NPK). In conclusion, there is an effect of a combination of compost and chemical fertilizers on soybean production (Glycine max L.).&#x0D; Keywords: Straw Compost, Coffee Husks, Vegetable Waste, NPK, Soybean Production

Enhancement of soil physico-chemical properties post compost application: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology comprehending Central Composite Design

The application of compost has been recognized as one of the most promising approaches for preserving soil quality and crop production. The present study exhaustively investigates the impact of Water Hyacinth Compost (WHC), Hydrilla verticillata Compost (HVC) and Vegetable Waste Compost (VWC) on soil nutrient quality and engineering properties [Bulk Density (BD), water retention and specific gravity]. For the study, six different proportions constituting 5, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 45% of the composts by weight of the soil were taken. The soil compost mixtures were evaluated at different periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 days) for various nutrients [Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)], BD, water retention capacity, change in specific gravity and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) values. It was observed that when the percentage of compost was increased to 15–45%, it resulted in enhanced nutrient value of the soil. Also, for WHC, HVC and VWC 60 days was sufficient to improve the soil quality to its maximum extend. Based on the optimized physico-chemical properties generated from the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model, it was found that compared to WHC and HVC, the VWC performed better results viz., generating low BD (0.87 g/cm3), high water retention capacity (45.63%) and degree of saturation (77.49%) of the soil. While WHC, HVC and VWC can be used to improve soil nutrient content and overall physico-chemical parameters in long terms, VWC could be more efficient and beneficial to degraded soil for restoring soil health.

Obtaining more benefits from crop residues as soil amendments by application as chemically heterogeneous mixtures

Abstract. Crop residues are valuable soil amendments in terms of the carbon and other nutrients they contain, but the incorporation of residues does not always translate into increases in nutrient availability, soil organic matter (SOM), soil structure, and overall soil fertility. Studies have demonstrated accelerated decomposition rates of chemically heterogeneous litter mixtures, compared to the decomposition of individual litters, in forest and grassland systems. Mixing high C:N ratio with low C:N ratio amendments may result in greater carbon use efficiency (CUE) and nonadditive benefits in soil properties. We hypothesised that nonadditive benefits would accrue from mixtures of low-quality (straw or woodchips) and high-quality (vegetable waste compost) residues applied before lettuce planting in a full factorial field experiment. Properties indicative of soil structure and nutrient cycling were used to assess the benefits from residue mixtures, including soil respiration, aggregate stability, bulk density, SOM, available N, potentially mineralisable N, available P, K, and Mg, and crop yield. Soil organic matter and mineral N levels were significantly and nonadditively greater in the straw–compost mixture compared to individual residues, which mitigated the N immobilisation occurring with straw-only applications. The addition of compost significantly increased available N, K, and Mg levels. Together, these observations suggest that greater nutrient availability improved the ability of decomposer organisms to degrade straw in the straw–compost mixture. We demonstrate that mixtures of crop residues can influence soil properties nonadditively. Thus, greater benefits may be achieved by removing, mixing, and reapplying crop residues than by simply returning them to the soils in situ.

Accumulation of Sulphur in Atriplex nummularia Cultivated in Mine Tailings and Effect of Organic Amendments Addition

In several countries, mining generates a high volume of tailing deposits, significantly impacting on soils. One of the non-metallic elements found in high concentrations in mine tailings is sulphur (S), in the form of sulphide minerals, whose oxidation causes acid drainage and metal mobility. The absorption of S in plants cultivated in mine tailings has been scarcely investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which a commercial humic substances and a vegetable waste compost can enhance the phytoremediation capacity of Atriplex nummularia for S and metals (Cu, Mo) in mine tailings. The plants were cultivated for 120 days under greenhouse conditions in pots with mine tailings (MT), with the addition of vegetable waste compost (VC) and a commercial humic substance (HS) in a 5% dose (W/W). At the end of the assay, the concentration of S in the aerial parts of plants cultivated in mine tailings, without amendments, reached 19,538 ± 4554 mg kg−1, indicating a potential thiophore plant. In MT in which HS were applied, S and Cu concentration decreased significantly in aerial parts, while VC significantly increased Mo. The addition of HS generated significantly greater dry weight, reaching 11.55 ± 1.92 g in the aerial parts versus 2.08 ± 0.52 g in MT, which increased significantly S and Cu content in plant root and therefore favourable to phytostabilization. Regarding organic amendments, their chemical characteristics, availability, cost and quality in relation to organic matter are very important aspects for phytoremediation of mine tailings.

Evaluation of Phytochemicals from Malbranchea cinnamomea, a thermophilic fungi isolated from compost (vegetable waste compost)

Evaluation of Phytochemicals from Malbranchea cinnamomea, a thermophilic fungi isolated from compost (vegetable waste compost)

Evaluation of compost, vegetable and food waste as amendments to improve the composting of NaOH/NaClO-contaminated poultry manure.

Regular usage of NaOH/NaClO disinfectants results in high sodium salt and alkalinity of poultry manure. This study compared three amendments: vegetable waste (V), food waste (F) and mature compost (C) for their ability to improve the composting of NaOH/NaClO-contaminated poultry manure. C compost resulted in the highest compost temperatures (p<0.001) and greatest reduction in OM, TC, TN and NH4-N (p<0.05). C and V composts were more efficient at lowering extractable-Na (ext-Na) and electrical conductivity (EC) than F (p<0.05). Maturity was primarily indicated by NH4-N, EC and ext-Na. Bacterial dynamics was profoundly influenced by NH4-N, EC and TC, with the decrease leading to discriminate genera shift from Sinibacillus and Thiopseudomonas to Brevbacterium, Brachybacterium, and Microbacterium. These findings suggest that mature compost was more desirable amendment than vegetable and food waste in the composting of NaOH/NaClO-contaminated poultry manure, and the decrease of ext-Na indicated compost maturity but did not influence bacterial dynamics.

Characteristics of Odor Emissions from Fresh Compost During Storage and Application

The direct application of fresh compost is frequent in practice and might cause odor pollution. The present study investigated the characteristics of odor emissions and aimed to estimate the environmental effect of odor over the course of storage and application. An odors emission potential test lasting 21 days was conducted using primarily fermented fruit and vegetable waste compost. The results showed that the fresh compost primarily emitted ammonia, as well as sulfur compounds, benzenes, and terpenes throughout the experiment. Alcohol and aldehyde emissions decreased over time, whereas ketone emissions were consistently low. By simulating two scenarios-one in an enclosed space and one in open air-the quantity of fresh compost could be applied or stored, and the protective distance was calculated from the point of odor potential.

Effect of different ventilation frequencies on vegetable waste compost

Effect of different ventilation frequencies on vegetable waste compost

Effect of bulking agents and cow dung as inoculant on vegetable waste compost quality

The source segregated vegetable waste (VW) was used as main feedstock and locally available organic wastes, such as water hyacinth (WH), garden prune (GP) and sawdust (SD) were used as bulking agents (BAs) to make the compost stable and mature in combination with cow dung (CD) as a source of inoculant. Three trials (T1, T2 & T3) were performed with a compost ratio of 6:3:1 (VW:BA:CD) using different BAs. The initial C/N ratio of all the trials was maintained lesser than 23 and composted for 30 days (7 days in rotary drum reactor + 23 days windrowing). The ANOVA analysis indicated that the physico-chemical parameters varied significantly (p < .05) with the time of composting. It was also indicated that SD is the most performing BA for North-eastern region of India due to optimum germination index of 110% along with leachate management.