Application of Highly Efficient Lignocellulolytic Fungi In Cocomposting of Paddy Straw Amended Poultry Droppings for the Production of Humus Rich Compost

Abstract

A two-step composting process for the generation of humus-rich manure from paddy straw amended with poultry droppings was investigated in this study. The composting technique consists of two distinct steps. The first step is decomposition of lignocellulosic constituent of paddy straw by white rot fungi Poly-porus versicolor (Pv), Phanerochaete chrysosporium (Pc) and Pleurotus sajor caju (Psc) for five weeks. The second step is the intensive humus synthetic stage of another five weeks. Fresh poultry droppings and decomposing paddy straw at 1:1 ratio (W/W) was incorporated in the second step instead of incorporating at the beginning like in the traditional composting. Analytical results showed maximum degradation of lignin and cellulose was in Pc inoculated composts (13.9%) followed by those of Psc (11.3%), Pv (8.9%) inoculation and uninoculated control (Uc-5.4%) at the end of first step in two-step composting. Similar pattern of decomposition of lignin and cellulose but in lower magnitude was also observed during the end of first 5 weeks in traditional composting. The content of humic substances (both humic and fulvic acids) in both two-step and traditional composting, was in agreement with the lignin/cellulose degradation rate of those composting systems by respective inoculation. However, the cation-exchange-capacity (CEC) and the content of humic substances were much higher in composts produced in two-step composting than traditional composting. Carbon turnover was remarkable in traditional composting in all inoculated compost series. Two-step composting as compared to traditional composting maintained the C: N ratio of matured compost in a suitable limit. In this regard Pc inoculated composted series proved to be better. Higher loss in lignin and cellulose and increase in CEC and humic substances as well as better nitrogen conservation in two-step composting, especially with Pc inoculation, were attained. Thus, in this study the effectiveness of this biotechnology in accelerating decomposition as well as humification of lignocellulosic resources was established.