Title: Conversion of solid organic waste into compost using Trichoderma spp. and its application on some selected vegetables

Authors: M. Aminul Islam; M.G. Mostafa; M.R. Rahman

Addresses: Institute of Environmental Science, 4th Science Building, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh ' Institute of Environmental Science, 4th Science Building, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh ' Institute of Environmental Science, 4th Science Building, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the potentiality of Trichoderma species as a bio-conversion agent for composting of solid organic waste and examine the effects of produced composts on the growth of two types of vegetables. The experiments were conducted both in vitro and in vivo processes. In vitro conversion of solid organic waste, the highest height and weight losses were found 42.64 and 31.45%, respectively using Trichoderma harzianum (IES-103) after 30 days of composting. In vivo conversion of solid organic waste for the same strain under aerobic condition, the highest height and weight losses were 33.22 and 61.25%, respectively. In the field application, the highest plant height of Amaranthus lividus (Amaranth Red Leaf) and Basella alba (Malabar spinach) were found 74 and 136 cm after 33 and 45 days, respectively of composting obtained using the strain of Trichoderma harzianum (IES-103). In this study, the results showed that Trichoderma harzianum (IES-103) was the most effective strain on the basis of height and weight loss (%) for the degradation of solid organic waste. It also illustrates that the compost obtained from the fungi Trichoderma harzianum could be used as an effective soil amendment and nutrient source (fertiliser) to improve growth and yields of vegetables.

Keywords: bioconversion; compost; solid waste; Trichoderma; vegetables; organic waste; waste conversion; composting; soil nutrients; fertiliser.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2014.064570

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2014 Vol.14 No.3, pp.211 - 221

Accepted: 05 Oct 2013
Published online: 06 Sep 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article