Influencia de los sistemas de compostaje en las características físico químicas del compost elaborado a partir de residuos agrícolas.

Abstract

The research was carried out at the hacienda Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, located in the Bella María Parish, Santa Rosa canton, with a duration of 13 weeks. The main purpose was to analyze how different composting systems affect the physicochemical characteristics and performance of compost made from agricultural waste. Four different treatments were established: T1 (A1B1) banana residues and open system, T2 (A1B2) banana residues and closed system, T3 (A2B1) cocoa residues and open system, and T4 (A2B2) cocoa residues and closed system., each with two repetitions. To produce the organic fertilizer, 50 kg of banana and cocoa residues were used, along with 12.5 kg of chicken manure, in a proportion of 80% and 20% respectively. During the study, various physical-chemical characteristics of the compost were evaluated. It will be noted that the pH was maintained at 7.6 in all treatments, while the humidity varied between 40% and 50%. The electrical conductivity showed values lower than 4 ds/m in treatments A1B1 and A1B2. Regarding the percentage of phosphorus and potassium, all treatments met the specifications, as did the percentage of carbon in treatments A2B1 and A2B2. However, none of the treatments reached the minimum percentage of organic matter of 20%, presenting lower values. On the other hand, the C/N ratio indicated that all treatments produced mature fertilizers, since their values were less than 13%. The analyzed parameters were compared with the NTE INEN 233:2013 standard. It is essential to explore different types of waste using varied approaches, including the addition of microorganisms.