Small-Scale Turned Windrow to Manage Residue Waste of Curcuma Nursery

AbstractA small-scale of turned windrow system was applied to recycle the residue waste from curcuma nursery as compostmaterial. The mixture was piled with cow manure, pig manure, residue waste, and used sawdust at the ratio of 1:0.1:0.9:0.6 (wet weight basis), and adjusted to the initial C/N ratio of 30 and moisture content between 50-60%. The performance of two replicates of composting piles (width 1.5m, length 2 m and height 1.5m) was investigated by measuring physical and chemical parameters including temperature, moisture content, pH, C, and C/N. The effect of composting ages to plant toxicity includingseed germination, root length, and germination index of three plant species (Canton lettuce, Chinese spinach, and Cucumber) wasexamined. The result indicated that both piles achieved thermophile phase (50-60oC) within 3 days and remained at this level for 20 days, thus satisfying the PFRPs (Process to Further Reduce Pathogens). The rate constant (k rate) for organic C decomposition which follows first-order kinetic model and the dry mass loss of both piles were about 0.013 day-1 and 24-33%, respectively. The phytotoxicity test indicated that the inhibitory effects of compost on seed germination, root length, and germination index (GI) of three plant species were observed in the first 20 days of composting and decreased with the age of compost onwards. The qualities of final compost of replicates were acceptable and similar to the recommended criteria regulated by Department of Agriculture of Thailand (2548 B.E.). It is also recommended that two months is suitable composting period for this investigation and turning every 15 days should be adopted for an effective process

Control of Air Pollution from Biomass Burning of Pa-Dad Community

AbstractThe research purposes are to investigate the status of air pollution problem and biomass burning in Padad community. Proper model for controlling air pollution from biomass burning which is related to the community-based context were also examined. The methodology used in this research was a mix of qualitative and quantitative method. A bottom-up approach was also emphasized in this study. The collection of data for this research was done by using document inspection, field survey, structured questionnaires, focus groups, participatory and non-participatory observations, in-depth interviews, workshopseminars, etc. The collected data were analyzed in order to get some descriptive conclusions. The results showed that land clearing by burning the Mimosa Pigra L. (61.3%) and open burning both of plant residues and solid waste (38.7%) were major sources of air pollution. The emission of polluted air not only adversely affected human health (31.9-42.6%) but the welfare and properties (33.3%) were also damaged. In overall perspective, the study proposed 6 master projects to control the biomass burning as follows; 1) driving the law enforcement, 2) developing the advanced tax system, 3) promoting the participation andawareness, 4) promoting an alternative method for utilization of biomass and plant residues, 5) performing the solid waste separation, and 6) implementing the community-based monitoring network. Proper indices of community-based air pollution control were 1) a reduction of burning frequency, 2) an increase in visibility, 3) an access to information on burning impact, and 4) a reduction of the complaint. Meanwhile, the Pa-Dad sub-district municipality and local leaders were assigned as a major rolein driving all master projects. Other parties in the community such as public health volunteers, youth council and local people were also participated