Mineralization of carbon from composted and raw organic wastes and its consequences on environment

Abstract

For measurement of the rate of organic matter decomposition , carbon dioxide evolution is a good indicator and it also helps to evaluate the nutrient release pattern and optimal time for the organic material application. In the current study, mineralization rates of the N-enriched compost and un -composted fruit and vegetable waste along with equal quantity of N as in enhanced compost were assessed by exploration of carbon dioxide evolution under laboratory conditions. Accumulative CO2 evolved from diverse treatments was also determined. The study showed that CO2 discharge from N-enriched compost-amended soils was considerably slower than that docum ented in fresh organic waste and fresh organic waste along with urea-enriched material observed in standardized homogeneous conditions. The material modified with fresh (un- composted) organic waste exhibited extra accumulative CO2 evolution than that documented in case of raw organic waste plus urea and urea -enriched composted organic waste . This study results suggest that the composted organic wastes had more constancy over un -composted organic waste which may possibly be useful towards sustainable agriculture and environment. Key Words: CO2 evolution, organic matter, composting, C: N ratio Introduction

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