Evaluation of Compost Making from Sesame Stalks Residues with Different Microbial Consortia

Abstract

Waste Decomposer is a liquid formulation containing a consortium of beneficial microorganisms, primarily cellulolytic and lignolytic fungi and bacteria that enhance organic matter degradation. Beyond speeding up decomposition, the inoculant promotes improved nutrient availability, enhanced humus formation and contributes to soil health restoration when the finished compost is applied to agricultural field. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Waste Decomposer in composting sesame stalk residues by monitoring physical, chemical and biological changes throughout the composting process. The present experiment was conducted during rabi-2020-21 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jagtial, PJTAU, India. Sesame stalks were collected and made heaps of 10 kg with 2 X 1 m length and width and treatments were imposed. Compost samples were drawn at 30m 60, 90 and 120 days after inoculation.  The collected samples were analysed for total N, P and K content, C:N was measured using standard procedures. Overall, the PJTSAU microbial consortium consistently outperformed Waste Decomposer in nutrient release. It's diverse microbial composition—including cellulolytic, ligninolytic and nutrient-mobilizing strains—enhances the breakdown of complex lignocellulosic materials such as sesame stalks. Such synergistic microbial interactions have been shown to improve organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization. Microbial inoculation, especially with the PJTSAU consortium, significantly boosts carbon mineralization from sesame stalk residues. Such treatments accelerate compost maturity, reduce residue persistence and promote more efficient nutrient cycling, thereby supporting sustainable residue management and improving soil health in semi-arid cropping systems.