PREPARATION OF ENRICHED COMPOST

COMPOSTING: Composting is the natural process of decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms under controlled conditions.

COMPOST: A mass of rotted organic matter made from waste is called compost.

RAW MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Organic/Vegetable wastes/straw : 1900kg
Cow dung(dry weight basis) : 200kg
Rock phosphate : 250kg
Bio-inoculants : 400ml liquid cultures

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

• In the base of the heap,some hard,woody materials such as sticks,bamboo sticks etc.can be given. This base should be 15 cm thick and 3 cm width and 3 cm length.
• Different organic wastes are to be placed over the base made above. The layer should be around 30 cm thick.
• Then the slurry prepared by mixing cow dung and rock phosphate should be sprinkled over the crop residues to moisten the material.
• Another layer of crop residue can be given after and moistened it with slurry.
• Heaping of crop residue(30 cm) and slurry will be continued until the heap is 1.5 m high. water can be added to the heap so that moisture remains about 60-70%.
• Then the heap should be covered soil or polythene sheet and mixed the materials after 15 days. Generally,two turnings are given after 30 and 45 days. Sufficient water can be added at each turning to maintain the moisture content about 60-70%.
• Ultimately the compost become ready for field application within 90-100 days period.