Production of compost from concentrated latex sludge as a soil amendment

Abstract

     This research investigated the production of compost from concentrated latex sludge as a conditioner and studied the properties of the compost in four different experiments using different ratios of composting ingredients: concentrated latex sludge, urea, and cow manure. The different ratios were used were: 3.0:0:0, 2.0:0.5:0.5, 2.0:1.0:0, and 2.0:0:1.0, respectively. All compost formulations were analyzed for their properties, specifically the average of: temperature, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter. It was shown that a suitable compost fermentation period lasted for 50 days. The properties of the compost derived from concentrated latex sludge included an average temperature range of 29.80-38.06 °C, the percentage of moisture content ranged from 78.92% to 81.82%, pH was between 8.34 – 8.48, electrical conductivity (EC) was 3.18 – 6.13 decisiemens/meter, and quantity of organic matter ranged from 38.51%-42.71%. Among treatments, the compost in the second treatment with the ratio 2.0:0.5:0.5 was found to be the most suitable, showing the greatest economic value and investment return due to its superior N: P: K content which was the highest in the experiment. Specifically, the percentage contents of N, P, K were 4, 0.95%, and 0.39% respectively. In analysis of economical value, the compost yielded a return on investment 48.47% and a net profit of 1,537.80 Baht per production cycle. In conclusion, the production of compost from concentrated latex sludge contained primary micronutrients and had potential for promoting plant growth as a soil conditioner.