Improving Compost Quality by Combining Pineapple Waste and Poultry Litter

Jenn Hoskins
27th July, 2024

Improving Compost Quality by Combining Pineapple Waste and Poultry Litter

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the University of Abomey-Calavi evaluated compost quality from pineapple residues mixed with poultry litter
  • The composting process increased temperature, pH, CO2 release, and nitrogen content, while reducing electrical conductivity and organic carbon
  • The C4 compost (75% pineapple harvest residue + 25% poultry litter) had the best chemical properties for crop fertilization
The production of pineapple generates substantial quantities of harvest and processing residues, which are often underutilized. A recent study conducted by the University of Abomey-Calavi[1] sought to evaluate the quality of compost derived from these residues when mixed with poultry litter. The study aimed to determine the optimal composting formulation for agricultural use, thereby addressing the problem of waste management in pineapple production. The researchers tested five different composting treatments, each varying in the proportions of pineapple crown, pineapple processing wastes (PPW), pineapple harvest residue (PHR), and poultry litter (PL). Various parameters were analyzed to assess compost quality, including pH, electrical conductivity, CO2 evolution rate, water content, organic carbon, nitrogen compounds, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Additionally, the study gathered perceptions from producers and processors regarding the quality of the compost produced. The composting process led to microbial decomposition, which increased temperature, pH, CO2 release, and nitrogen content, while reducing electrical conductivity and organic carbon. The results indicated that the composts had favorable characteristics for crop fertilization. Among the different formulations tested, the C4 compost (75% PHR + 25% PL) showed the best chemical properties, making it particularly suitable for agricultural use. Producers and processors also preferred the color, odor, and structure of the C4 and C5 (56.25% crown + 18.75% PPW + 25% PL) composts. This study ties into earlier research on composting and its benefits for soil and plant health. For instance, previous studies have highlighted the environmental and agricultural benefits of on-farm composting and compost-based tea applications[2]. These methods improve soil quality and plant health by recycling residual biomass into high-value products. The current study builds on this by demonstrating that pineapple residues, when mixed with poultry litter, can produce high-quality compost suitable for crop fertilization. Moreover, the study's findings align with earlier research on the impact of composting on greenhouse gas emissions and bacterial diversity. For example, adding cornstalk to immature fertilizers has been shown to reduce emissions of harmful gases like N2O, CH4, and NH3, while increasing CO2 emissions[3]. Similarly, the current study observed an increase in CO2 release during the composting process, which is a common indicator of microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. The study also resonates with research on the broader applications of composting in waste management. The acceleration of urbanization and industrialization has led to increased waste generation, posing significant environmental challenges[4]. Composting offers a sustainable solution by converting biowaste into valuable products like fertilizers and soil amendments. The current study contributes to this field by demonstrating the potential of pineapple residues and poultry litter to produce high-quality compost, thereby promoting sustainable waste valorization in agriculture. In conclusion, the study conducted by the University of Abomey-Calavi provides valuable insights into the potential of composting pineapple residues with poultry litter to produce high-quality compost suitable for agricultural use. By addressing the problem of waste management in pineapple production, this research contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and waste valorization. The findings align with and expand upon earlier studies, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of composting in improving soil quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

AgricultureEnvironmentSustainability

References

Main Study

1) Dynamics of co-composting of pineapple harvest and processing residues with poultry litter and compost quality.

Published 26th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66335-z

Related Studies

2) Agricultural waste recycling in horticultural intensive farming systems by on-farm composting and compost-based tea application improves soil quality and plant health: A review under the perspective of a circular economy.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139840

3) Evaluation of cornstalk as bulking agent on greenhouse gases emission and bacterial community during further composting.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125713

4) Sustainable utilization of biowaste compost for renewable energy and soil amendments.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115662


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