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A Literature Review on Rapid Composting Techniques
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A Literature Review on Rapid Composting
Techniques
Santosh S More
PG Student
Department of Technology,
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Pune, India
more.antosh@tatamotors.com
Abstract: India attained a significant growth in agriculture as scientists have played a
pioneering role in leading Green Revolution. There is a visible impact on the national food and
nutritional security. Now we are observing the second-generation problems due to rigorous
cultivation and imbalanced use of fertilizers and hardly any application of organic manure.
There is a decline in organic carbon content in soil. In fact, scientists have found out that less
organic carbon in soil system is the main cause of decline in the response ratio of added
chemical fertilizers, which follows the law of diminishing returns.
Thus, a sound technology is required to improve the quality of manures in the shortest
possible time, where farmers can prepare the compost easily and improve its nutritional
quality by the addition of cheap amendments such as rock phosphate and pyrites, micas etc.
Therefore appropriate composting technology which is economically viable, eco-friendly and
socially acceptable is essential. Development of Rapid composting techniques to produce
organic fertilizers will help to minimize soil pollution due to chemical fertilizers and will help in
Agricultural and Industrial organic solid waste management.
I am doing few experiments on accelerating composting processes. In this paper review
of various rapid composting techniques is carried out, this will help for further research
direction.
Keywords: Organic Manure, Rapid Composting.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
I
ndia achieved a remarkable growth in
agriculture as scientists from ICAR and
Agricultural Universities have played a
pioneering role in ushering Green Revolution by
increasing food grains by 4 times, horticulture by
6 times, milk by 6 times and eggs by 27 times
since 1950-51. Thereby making a visible impact
on the national food and nutritional security. Now
we are witnessing the second-generation
problems due to intensive cultivation and
imbalanced use of fertilizers and hardly any
application of organic manure. There is a sharp
decline in soil organic carbon content, lowering of
water table, climate change. A decline in yield
and productivity of rice and wheat In fact,
scientists have found out that less organic carbon
in soil system is the main cause of decline in the
response ratio of added chemical fertilizers, which
follows the law of diminishing returns.
In September 2000, India framed its first
Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling)
Rules 2000, which lets both cities and their
citizens know their duties and responsibilities for
hygienic waste management. Therefore, a city
without street bins will ultimately become clean
and stay clean. Hence, they advocate daily
doorstep collection of “wet” (food) wastes for
composting, which is the best option for India.
This is because not only composting is a costeffective process practiced since Vedic times, but
also because India’s soils need organic manures
to prevent loss of fertility through unbalanced use
of chemical fertilizers.
Thus, a sound technology is required to
improve the quality of manures in the shortest
possible time, where farmers can prepare the
compost easily and improve its nutritional quality
by the addition of cheap amendments such as
rock phosphate and pyrites, micas etc. Therefore,
rapid composting techniques are essential for
recycling or organic wastes available from
different sources. This paper reviews the literature
about existing technologies.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 The Art and Science of Composting: A
resource for farmers and
compost
producers.
Leslie Cooperband University of Madison.
[2] This is nice book, which describes the
Composting Process, Explains how to decide
various compost mixes. General guidelines for
pile management, managing foul odours.
Various technological options and management
techniques.
Guidelines
for
choosing
a
composting method from available materials.
Various parameters are given to determine
qualities of the finished compost and compost
quality standards.
To begin composting operation, following
points must be considered:
 Choose
equipment
and
management
methods based on your location and the
intended use of the finished product.
 Determine the right mix of ingredients to
optimize C:N ratio, moisture content and
porosity.
 Monitor
the
composting
process:
temperature, oxygen, moisture and odours.
 Test the finished compost to ensure it has the
qualities you need for the intended use.
In this paper/research, study effects of
additives are well explained. The reactions and
overall effect of additives on composting
enhancement is useful and will lead to
innovative idea for future research works. The
effect of various additives such as fly ash,
phosphogypsum,
jaggery,
lime,
and
polyethylene glycol on green waste composting
was investigated through assessing their
influence on microbial growth, enzymatic
activities, organic matter degradation, bulk
density, quality of finished compost including
gradation test, heavy metal analysis, etc. A
perusal of results showed that addition of
jaggery and polyethylene glycol were helpful to
facilitate
composting
process
as
they
significantly influenced the growth of microbes
and cellulase activity. The quality of finished
compost
prepared
from
jaggery
and
polyethylene glycol added treatments were
superior to other composts, wherein reduction in
C/N ratio was more than 8% in jaggery
treatment. All other parameters of compost
quality including gradation test also favored
jaggery and polyethylene glycol as the best
additives for green waste composting.
After reading this paper one thing is found
and that is use of sugar as an additive in
composting process has not been explored so
far. Sugar as a carbon source can promote the
growth of degrading microbes and will
accelerate composting process.
in
2.4 Rapid composting technology in the
Philippinesits role in producing goodquality organic fertilizers
Daniel Hoornweg, Laura Thomas, Lambert Otten
Published for the Urban Development Division
the World Bank, Washington DC [3]
Virginia C. Cuevas, Institute of Biological
Sciences (IBS), College of Arts and Sciences,
University of the Philippines [5].
Composting is simply the enhancement of
the natural biological degradation of organic
matter. Microorganisms convert the organic
matter into a humus-like material; the product
being more commonly known as compost. The
following general formula illustrate the inputs
and outputs for the conversion of organic matter
in the presence of oxygen
This is innovative paper focuses on Rapid
composting
technology
developed
with
inoculating the plant substrates used for
composting with cultures of Trichoderma
harziamum, a cellulose decomposer fungus. The
fungus, grown in a medium of sawdust mixed
with the leaves of ipil, is called compost fungus
activator (CFA). There must be favorable
conditions for the decay process, such as
adequate moisture, an appropriate initial C:N
ratio of substrates, and aeration. The
composting period is shortened to just four
weeks. The transfer of this technology to Filipino
farmers through a National Program is
described. Constraints in technology transfer,
economic benefits from the use of compost
processed through this technology, and other
benefits attributed to the technology are
explained.
2.2 Composting and Its
Developing Countries
Applicability
Organic + 02 + nutrients-------> new cells +
organic + CO2 + H2O + NH3 + SO4 +...+ heat
matter matter
2.3 Additives aided composting of green
waste: Effects on organic matter,
degradation, compost maturity, and
quality of the finished compost
Jagdish Gabhane, National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute [4].
2.5 Comparative Evaluation of Compost
Quality, Process Convenience and Cost
under Different Composting Methods to
assess their Large Scale Adoptability
Potentials
also
Complemented
by
Compost Quality Index
Bera, R, Inhana Organic Research Foundation,
Kolkata, India [6].
In this paper Comparative evaluation of four
different types of compost viz. Vermi compost,
Biodynamic compost, Indigenous compost or
Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Novcom compost
is made. Study indicates that they were of more
or
less
similar
quality
in
terms
of
physicochemical properties However, a major
difference was noted in case of nutrient content
(N+P+K), where Novcom compost recorded
about 19 to 29 percent and 13 to 37 percent
higher value in terms of total N and total
nutrients (N+P+K) respectively; when compared
with the rest other types of studied compost. The
higher nutrient/ N content in Novcom compost
along with about 104 to 106 times higher
microbial population status (total bacteria, fungi
and actinomycetes), reflected its comparatively
higher potential towards mineralization of plant
nutrients
as
well
as
restoration
and
enhancement of the native soil microflora, post
soil application. Biodynamic and Indigenous
(FYM) compost represented similar microbial
potential but when compared in terms of nutrient
content, the former definitely scored higher.
2.6 Rapid production of organic fertilizer
from
degradable
waste
by
thermochemical processing
C. R. Sudharmaidev [10]
In this paper and research article, Chemical
decomposition was studied as a potential
method for the rapid conversion of waste to
organic fertilizer. Experiments were done.
Chemicals were screened, and process
parameters
were
optimized.
The
physicochemical properties, phytotoxicity, and
manurial efficiency of the product were
assessed. A prototype machine was fabricated
for the operation. Chemical treatment of ground
fresh waste with HCl (0.25 N, 50 ml kg-1) for 30
min followed by KOH (0.5 N,100 ml kg-1) for 30
min at 100 _C, and ambient pressure yielded a
product that could be used in place of
conventional organic manure. Only 8–14 h was
required to complete the entire process. No byproduct or leachate was produced. The quality of
the product was comparable to that of
conventional composts, except for the absence
of microorganisms. The fortified organic fertilizer
enhanced the yield of vegetables in pot trials.
The process and the prototype machine were
found beneficial by a public evaluation.
2.7 Characterization
and
Recycling
Organic Waste after Co-Composting
of
Z. Anwar, M. Irshad, Institute of Information
Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan [11]
Certain
physical
and
chemical
characteristics of animals manure are not
adequate for composting and may limit the
efficiency of composting process. Several
modifications in the process of composting has
been suggested such as the addition of
biodegradable waste, bulking agents etc to
reach the optimal C:N ratio, degradation rate
and compost quality. One of the most negative
effects of composting animal manures is the loss
of N through NH3volatilization, which reduces the
fertilizer value of the manure and constitutes an
important economic loss. The key to the
development of compost technology is to control
the changes and N losses. Addition of lime
during composting process, natural zeolite and
bamboo charcoal amendments tend to
immobilize metals and reduced heavy metals
availability and leachibility.
2.8 Rapid Composting Methods-IISC
2.8.1Phospho-Sulpho-Nitro-Compost (PSNC)
In this method, use of suitable minerals,
fertilizers and microbial cultures to fortify the
compost so that the end product contains more
nutrients per unit volume or weight. It also
makes use of compost accelerating culture and
bio fertilisers for further nutrient enrichment. This
reduced the bulk which has to be transported
and applied per unit of nutrients delivered. In this
respect, this method employs both the
fortification and the acceleration strategy. Like
conventional compost, PSNC can be prepared
by the heap or pit method for which a bright
sunny site is selected.
To accelerate the decomposition process,
fungal culture is added at the rate of 500g
mycelial mat/tonne of material 8 whereas
bacterial culture having 10 viable cells/ml is
added (50 ml/kg of material). To further
accelerate the process, the multi-bio-inoculum
containing
cellulose
decomposers
(Paecilomyces fusisporus and Aspergillus
awamori), P-solubilizers (Bacillus polymyxa and
Pseudomonas striata) and N-fixer (Azotobacter
chroococcum) etc. were added at 5 and 30 days
of decomposition @ 500 g mycelial mat/1000 kg
material on dry weight basis. After 3-4 weeks of
decomposition, the first turning is done which is
followed by a second turning two weeks later.
Moisture is to be maintained at 60-70% of
materials on dry weight basis. Finally, the upper
side and all boundaries of the heap are covered
with cow dung slurry to maintain optimum
moisture content inside the heap. To avoid rain,
wind, and to maintain the moisture and
temperature the heap should be covered with a
polythene sheet.
2.8.2Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS)
Rapid Composting Technology
This technology involves inoculating the
plant substrates with cultures of a cellulose
decomposing fungus (Trichoderma harzianum),
for composting. Sawdust mixed with the leaves
of subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), a
leguminous tree, is used as the medium of
growth for compost fungus activator. The
composting time, using this procedure, ranges
from 21 to 45 days, depending on the plant
substrates used. The procedure consists of two
parts: the production of the compost fungus
activator and the composting process.
Decomposition will continue until the substrate is
finely fragmented, so that the finished product
has a powdery texture. Once decomposition is
complete, the compost should be sun dried
again until its moisture content is 10 - 20%. If
mature compost is needed at once, it should be
sun dried for one day, or as soon as its
temperature drops to 30°C. Drying removes
excess moisture, and makes the compost much
easier to handle.
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
Following line of action is decided in
proposed research project
3.1 Data collection and comparative study of
National, International paper publications,
Government websites, books.
3.2 Comparative
parameters.
study
of
various
process
3.3 Conducting
experiments
of
various
optimized combinations of process and
testing of samples in Lab.
3.4 Rapid composting production process
design and financial evaluation of project.
3.5 Plantation Experiments on various samples
of compost.
4.0 CONCLUSION
4.1 Development
of
Rapid
composting
techniques is prime need for today’s
Agricultural and Industrial organic solid
waste management.
4.2 Organic fertilizers production is required to
minimize soil pollution due to chemical
fertilizers.
4.3 After literature review, it is concluded to use
additives in proposed experiment like
Jaggery, Single Super Phosphate, Activated
sludge, Grain Powder and biological culture.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my appreciation to
Dr. Ashok More, for his valuable support, advice
and guidance during this study work. My special
appreciation goes to all staff of construction &
environment division of Tata Motors for their
support and help. I would like to thank
administrative and technical staff members of
SPPU. Finally, I thank the almighty God, without
blessings of whose, nothing would be possible.
References
[1] The science of composting – eBook.
[2] The Art and Science of Composting: A
resource for farmers and
compost
producers. Leslie Cooper band University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Centre for Integrated
Agricultural Systems, March 29, 2002
[3] Composting and Its Applicability in
Developing Countries - Daniel Hoornweg,
Laura Thomas, Lambert Otten Published for
the Urban Development Division The World
Bank, Washington DC
[4] Additives aided composting of green waste:
Effects on organic matter, degradation,
compost maturity, and quality of the finished
compost - Jagdish Gabhane, National
Environmental
Engineering
Research
Institute.
[5] Rapid composting technology in the
Philippines its role in producing good-quality
organic fertilizers - Virginia C. Cuevas,
Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS),
College of Arts and Sciences, University of
the Philippines
[6] Comparative Evaluation of Compost Quality,
Process Convenience and Cost under
Different Composting Methods to assess
their Large Scale Adoptability Potentials also
Complemented by Compost Quality Index Bera, R, Inhana Organic Research
Foundation, Kolkata, India
[7] International Journal of Scientific and
Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 6,
June 2013 9 ISSN 2250-3153
[8] A Literature Review on the Composting
[14] http://compostingcouncil.org/
[9] Saleh Ali Tweib, Dept
Engineering,
University
Malaysia.
[15] IJSE – May 2014, vol 5, issue 5.
of Chemical
Kebangsaan
[10] Rapid production of organic fertilizer from
degradable waste by thermochemical
processing
C. R. Sudharmaidev, Int J
Recycl Org Waste Agricult
[11] Characterization and Recycling of Organic
Waste after Co-Composting − A ReviewZ.
Anwar, M. Irshad, Institute of Information
Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan
[12] Rapid Composting Methods-IISC, Indian
Institute of Soil Science (Indian Council of
Agricultural Research) Nabibagh, Berasia
Road, Bhopal-462038 (M.P.)
[13] Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) Rapid
Composting Technology
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[16] Journal of Agricultural science: Vol 7, 2015.
[17] IJSR – Vol. 3, issue 6, June 2013.
[18] IJCR – Vo. 3, Issue 12, Dec 2011
Author’s Biography
Santosh S More studying
M.Tech.in
Civil
and
Environmental Technology in
Savitribai
Phule
Pune
University. He is working
professional in Tata Motors
Ltd. having experience of 12
years in project execution. He has Published 1
research paper in International Journals &
conferences. In addition, he is a Consulting
Engineer & Life member of Indian Concrete
Institute.