Bioaugmentation of Compost and Vermicompost with Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria for Improved Plant Nutrient Supply
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Abstract
This study aimed to enhance the properties of compost and vermicompost by transforming them into biofertilizers. Four types of fertilizers were evaluated: (1) compost prepared from fruit and vegetable scraps mixed with manure, fermented in a rotating tumbler for 42 days, then dried and sieved; (2) vermicompost produced from fruit and vegetable scraps decomposed by Eudrilus eugeniae earthworms for 10 days, then dried and sieved; (3) compost from (1) supplemented with Azotobacter vinelandii, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium; and (4) vermicompost from (2) enriched with A. vinelandii. All fertilizers were assessed for maturity using both physical and chemical analyses, and their performance was compared to Thai organic fertilizer standards. All formulations contained granules smaller than 5×5 mm, moisture and volatile matter below 30%, and organic matter (OM) content above 3.5%. Rock and gravel content was under 1%, and all samples were free from contaminants such as plastic, glass, metals, and sharp materials. The pH ranged from 8.00 to 8.55, with electrical conductivity (EC) between 1.97 and 2.55 dS/m. More than 90% of the material was decomposed, and all fertilizer types exceeded the 2005 standards set by the Department of Agriculture. Bioaugmentation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria significantly improved nutrient composition. OM increased from 17.33% to 22.33% in compost, and from 27.61% to 28.66% in vermicompost. Nitrogen content increased from 0.87% to 1.12% in compost and from 1.38% to 1.43% in vermicompost. Phosphorus content increased from 0.068% to 0.108% in compost and from 0.188% to 0.240% in vermicompost. Potassium content increased from 0.16% to 0.21% in compost and from 1.39% to 2.13% in vermicompost. In conclusion, this study provides a valuable framework for improving composting efficiency and converting organic waste into high-quality biofertilizers. The findings highlight the potential of microbial enrichment in enhancing the quality and nutrient composition of compost for agricultural applications.
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