Effect of Crop Residue Mixtures and Decomposing Cultures on Physical and Biological Properties of Compost

Abstract

Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also improves soil health, enhances plant growth and supports sustainable agriculture. This eco-friendly practice plays a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability and managing organic waste efficiently. The study aims to evaluate the effect of crop residue mixtures and decomposing cultures on physical and biological properties of compost, aiming to optimize composting process and improve compost quality. An experiment was conducted at farm, Centre for Organic Agriculture Research and Training (COART), Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola during the year 2024. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 12 treatment (4 main and 3 subfactors) with 3 replications. During composting process, temperature initial rose up to 35 Days After Filling (DAF) and thereafter declined after reaching maximum temperature till maturity of compost. Treatment CR1 - Soybean straw (40%) + weed biomass (20%) + leaf litter (8%) + soil (2%) + cowdung slurry (30%) recorded the highest temperature (55.17°C) at 35 DAF and thereafter declined till maturity of compost. Among decomposing cultures, PDKV decomposing culture recorded the highest temperature during composting process. Significantly the highest final yield (26.28 kg) and early maturity of compost (106 days) was obtained by application of soybean straw (40%) + weed biomass (20%) + leaf litter (8%) + soil (2%) + cow dung slurry (30%) mixture, while use of PDKV culture resulted in the highest yield (26.36 kg) and early maturity (109 days) at maturity of compost. This composted mixture contained higher consortium of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes than other treatments. Similar trend was observed with PDKV culture during composting intervals.