Influence of composting conditions on gaseous emission and compost quality during composting of cow manure and wheat straw

Abstract

Purpose The composting of manure is the common practice for the feedlots of cattle, but emission of gasses during composting was poorly understood. So, there is need to enhance nutrient contents in composting material, reduce odor and other impurities by various amendment in composting material. This study was planned to find best composting condition for quality compost production. Method Experiment was performed under completely randomized design (CRD) with three factors. First factor (treatment) comprised of three levels e.g.: T1: CM + WS (25% + 75%), T2: CM+WS (50%+50%) and T3: CM +WS (75% +25%). Second factor was composting conditions consisted of two levels e.g., aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Third factor was duration of composting (days). Results Composting conditions significantly influenced emission of greenhouse gasses and compost quality. Maximum gas volume (658 ml) and methane production (58.89%) were produced under anaerobic decomposition of cow manure and wheat straw 3:1, respectively. Maximum carbon dioxide (18.56%) was produced under the aerobic decomposition of cow manure and wheat straw mixed in 1:3 ratio. Nutrient analysis of compost revealed that high-quality compost with maximum total organic carbon (20.1%), total nitrogen (2.47%), phosphorus (0.76%) and potassium (1.49%) was observed from compost produced from anaerobic decomposition of cow manure and wheat straw mixture  @ 3:1.Conclusion This work highlights that the anaerobic composting of cow manure and wheat straw has potential to produce the biogas as well as best quality compost