Value-Added Composting of Corn Cobs for Environmental Solutions in Ban Kha Subdistrict, Lampang Province

Abstract

This research was a participatory community-based action research (CBPAR) study. The objectives were to evaluate the efficiency of compost production from corn cob residues using the non-turned Maejo Engineering Method 1 recipe in three aspects: (1) carbon sequestration and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; (2) compost quality from different types of corn cob residues; and (3) compost production cost. The sample group included five volunteer corn farmers from Ban Kha         sub-district, Mueang district, Lampang province, as well as twelve representatives from the sub-district Administrative Organization, including community development staff, village leaders, and headmen. Three types of research instruments were used: focus group record forms, experimental record forms, and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The results demonstrated that compost production was highly efficient in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing from 2,914.82 kg carbon equivalent (baseline) to only 556.59 kg carbon equivalent, a reduction of 2,358.23 kg, or 80.9%. For compost quality, pile 1 (shredded corn cobs) provided the best results, with 40.4% organic matter, meeting Grade 1 standards for most parameters, except phosphorus (P₂O₅), which was 0.23%, lower than the standard. Cost analysis showed a total production cost of 8,102 THB, or 1.69 THB per kilogram of raw material, with major cost components consisting of raw material (51.8%), labor and fuel (26.3%), equipment rental (12.3%), and additives (9.5%). Farmers expressed a high level of satisfaction with the research findings and publication manual, with overall satisfaction rated as high.