The Added Substrates Effect On Quality Of Composting Product Through C: N And Ph

Abstract

Waste is produced in huge quantum in urban as well as rural areas of country and its mismanagement is polluting the environment badly. There is dire need to manage wisely and convert this waste into some valuable commodity. The composting is considered a way out to control this menace and turn it into beneficial product to improve soil health resulting in enhanced crop production. A study was conducted at Soil and Water Conservation Research Institute Chakwal over the period of three years to compare various substrates i.e. sugar, gypsum, urea and rock phosphate against the control (without any substrate addition). The results revealed that the pH increased to slightly alkaline range from acidic maximum with rock phosphate followed by with urea. The C:N was significantly decreased by all substrates against control. The maximum decrease was observed with rock phosphate followed by gypsum. Conclusively, it was found effective to add substrates during composting process to enhance its quality and early production.