title: An evaluation of aerobic and anaerobic composting of banana peels treated with different inoculums for soil nutrient replenishment.
abstract: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of aerobic and anaerobic composting of inoculated banana peels, and assess the agronomic value of banana peel-based compost. Changes in the chemical composition under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were examined for four formulations of banana peel-based wastes over a period of 12 weeks. The formulations i.e. plain banana peel (B), and a mixture with either cow dung (BC), poultry litter (BP) or earthworm (BE) were separately composted under aerobic and anaerobic conditions under laboratory conditions. Inoculation with either cow dung or poultry litter significantly facilitated mineralization in the order: BP>BC>B. The rate of decomposition was significantly faster under aerobic than in anaerobic composting conditions. The final composts contained high K (>100 g kg(-1)) and TN (>2%), indicating high potential as a source of K and N fertilizer.
authors.affiliation: The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University, Koyama-minami 4-101, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kalemelawa
authors.forename: Eiji
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nishihara
authors.forename: Tsuneyoshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: Zahoor
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Rumana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yeasmin
authors.forename: Moses M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Tenywa
authors.forename: Sadahiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
mesh_terms: D000332:Aerobiosis; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D028521:Musa / Q000737:chemistry*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D062611:Solid Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D062611:Solid Waste; D010758:Phosphorus; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen; D011188:Potassium