Journal Article

FZJ-2022-01880

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Nutrient dynamics during composting of human excreta, cattle manure, and organic waste affected by biochar

Castro-Herrera, D. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Prost, K.FZJ* ; Schäfer, Y. ; Kim, D.-G. ; Yimer, F. ; Tadesse, M. ; Gebrehiwot, M. ; Brüggemann, N.FZJ*

2022
Wiley Hoboken, NJ

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/31074  doi:10.1002/jeq2.20312

Abstract: Ecological sanitation via thermophilic composting could be a promising solution to the lack of sanitation and limited access to fertilizers, particularly in developing countries. Here, we conducted a 185-d thermophilic composting experiment with human excreta, and separately with cattle manure, mixed with kitchen scraps, teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter] straw, sawdust, and biochar (BC) by using an appropriate-technology approach. We followed the dynamics of the most important macronutrients (N, P, K), temperature, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, as well as content of organic matter, organic C, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients throughout the process. Low N (<47%), P (<9%), K (<11%), Ca (<18%), and Mg (<21%) losses and the temperature profile indicated a well-functioning thermophilic composting process. Compost temperature was >60 °C for 7, 6, 5, and 8 consecutive days for treatments containing human excreta, human excreta amended with BC, cattle manure, and cattle manure amended with BC, respectively, suggesting a final compost product free of pathogens. The compost mixture with cattle manure and BC reached a significantly higher temperature than the same variant without BC, with a maximum value of 65.9 °C on Day 6. For all treatments, final germination index values >100% indicated compost maturity and the absence of phytotoxic substances. Biochar addition reduced losses of organic matter (18−23%), C (33−42%), and N (49−100%) and decreased the amount of extractable NO3− (32−36%) in the final compost. The tested ecological sanitation concept via thermophilic composting is thus a promising strategy to improve access to cheap fertilizer by safe and sustainable sanitation and waste management.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Agrosphäre (IBG-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 2173 - Agro-biogeosystems: controls, feedbacks and impact (POF4-217) (POF4-217)

Appears in the scientific report 2022

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Agriculture, Biology and Environmental Sciences ; DEAL Wiley ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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