Production and Properties of Compost from Organic Waste in Foam Box

Abstract

This research investigated production and properties of compost from organic waste in foam box. The objectives were determined the properties of raw materials and compost. Researchers especially focus on domestic organic waste such as coffee ground, decanter cake from palm oil industry and residue from rubber processing plant. This experiment investigated 7 different ratios of coffee ground: decanter cake: residue from rubber processing plant as 3:0:0 0:3:0 0:0:3 1.5:1.5:0 0:1.5:1.5 1.5:0:1.5 and 1:1:1. The results of raw materials properties showed that coffee ground, decanter cake and residue from rubber processing plant have the major nutrient for plant growth. Then, they are possible to use as raw material for composting. Aerobic composting process achieved maturing at approximately 30 days observed from temperature pH and EC. The major nutrients for plantation namely; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 0.42-3.20% (w/v), 0.26-1.20% (w/v) and 0.07-2.17% (w/v), respectively. The optimal ratio of 0:3:0 because this ratio has the highest major nutrient for plantation. The characterization of the compost produced in this research was found to be within the acceptable limit of standard from Department Agriculture of Thailand. In addition, researchers were tested Germination Index. It found that the compost is non-toxic for seeds. Then, the compost from coffee ground, decanter cake and residue from rubber processing plant fermented in foam box can produce compost could be used as a soil amendment.