Influence of Organic Waste on Nutrient Composition of Compost and the Impact of Sawdust on Composting Process

Abstract

To improve soil health and fertility use of compost is a better idea than chemical fertilizers. Compost is a product of the degradation of waste organic matter. The choice of organic waste to get a good quality of compost is needed for the proper recycling of organic waste. So, the present study was to identify the effect of the type of organic waste on the physical properties and nutrient content of compost. The experiment was conducted with four types of organic waste (Fruit waste, vegetable waste, cooked leftovers, and farm waste). The analysis shows that type of organic waste in composting influences the nutrient content of compost but the physical properties of compost are not much affected by the type of organic waste. It was observed that waste from cooked leftover food contains more nutrient content than other waste. So this waste is more suitable for composting. During the study effect of sawdust as a bulking agent was also observed. Sawdust significantly affects the composting process as it accelerates composting and also affects the quality of compost.