Study of Organic Matter Evolution in Citrus Compost by Isoelectrofocusing Technique

Abstract

Three composts from citrus-processing industry wastes, sampled at prefixed times during the composting process, were studied with the aim to follow the organic matter evolution by using the isoelectrofocusing (IEF) technique. Results indicated that IEF qualitative analyses allowed evaluation of the organic matter transformation during composting process, showing a decrease of IEF peaks focused at lower values of pH (less stabilized organic matter) and a corresponding increase of peaks focused at higher value of pH (more humified material). The parameter A %, defined as the areas sum of IEF peaks focused at pH>4.7, could be considered particularly effective as a “threshold value” to evaluate the level of organic matter evolution for the considered composts.