Agroindustrial residue composting

Abstract

In general, every kind of vegetal and animal wastes can be used to produce organic fertilizers. The process is characterized by the biologic decomposition of the gross material re-sulting in richer products than the original ones. In this work, sugarcane bagasse, filter cake, cow manure and natural phosphate (Araxá) have been utilized due to their availability from Santa Cruz Sugar Mill, Campos - RJ, Brazil. The purpose of this work have been reached after 100 days, when the whole material showed similar characteristics to the inoculante (filter cake and cow manure). The volume of the material was reduced in 36 to 52% according to the inoculant, and the mineral content was increased enough to consider the final product in good conditions to improve soil fertility and the yield of the cultivations.