Role of sawdust and cow dung on compost maturity during rotary drum composting of flower waste

Abstract

Flower waste is the good source of organic matter which is beneficial for the growth of plants. It can be extracted from the abundant flower waste resources. The present study was carried out to examine the role of sawdust and cow dung on the compost maturity from six different combinations of waste mixture. Role of cow dung was significant, however, saw dust played a critical role to arrest the leachate and also to maintain the aerobic condition. Addition of sawdust is crucial as flower waste may get converted into a lump (ball like structure) without adding the bulking agent. At the completion of composting period, the concentration of macro and micronutrients, CO₂ evolution and C/N ratio showed the stable matured compost which is useful for the purpose of agriculture.

Keywords: Flower waste C:N ratio; Rotary drum composting; Total organic carbon.