IJEP 41(6): 642-648 : Vol. 41 Issue. 6 (June 2021)
1. Andhra University, Centre for Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering, AUCE, Visakhapatnam – 530 003, India
2. University Kuala Lumpur, Department of Bio-Process Engineering, Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract
Solid waste management is a major problem in India, where population growth, urbanization and industrialization have resulted in increased municipal solid waste generation. The main objectives of the research are to produce a compost fertilizer that can be used to support plant growth and as a soil amendment. Secondly, to compare the three recipes of the compost A, B and C which comprises of kitchen waste with goat manure, kitchen waste with groundwater and kitchen waste with rice cleaned water, respectively. Finally, to evaluate the compost produced in terms of temperature, pH, moisture content, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N:P:K), C:N, rate of degradation, soil porosity, water retention and growth of Alternanthera sessilis. Temperature of 54.7°C for compost-C at week-4 was highest due to the high microbial activity, N:P:K and C:N of compost-C were 4:1:3 and 15.89:1, respectively. End results of all the parameters, good soil porosity, fast and healthy plant growth indicated were effectively fulfilled with compost-C proving to be the best compost fertilizer recipe than composts A and B; demonstrating the compost-C may replace the harmful chemical fertilizers in the market leading to a greener nation.
Keywords
Soil waste management, Compost fertilizer, Kitchen waste, Soil amendment, Rate of degradation, NPK, A. sessilis
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