title: In-vessel co-composting of horse stable bedding waste and blood meal at different C/N ratios: process evaluation.
abstract: Abattoir blood meal is rich in nitrogen and its potential as a co-composting material for horse stable bedding waste was evaluated at two C/N ratios -32 (LBM, low blood meal) and 16 (HBM, high blood meal) - to improve the nutrient contents of the final compost. The mix was composted for 7 days in a 10 tonne/day in-vessel composter and cured aerobically. After 56 days ofcomposting, the ammoniacal-N, CO2 evolution rate and C/N ratio of both LBM and HBM were within the guideline values; however, delayed decomposition and lower seed germination index were observed with HBM. In addition, HBM resulted in 84% loss of the initial ammoniacal-N. Almost similar organic decompositions, 62.4% and 59.6% with LBM and HBM, respectively, were achieved. However, a stable compost product can be obtained within 6-7 weeks with LBM, whereas >8 weeks were required for HBM composting. Therefore, co-composting at the C/N ratio of 32 is recommended to achieve odour-free and faster composting.
authors: Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China. jwcwong@hkbu.edu.hk
authors: Jonathan W C
authors: JW
authors: Wong
authors: Ammaiyappan
authors: A
authors: Selvam
authors: Zhenyong
authors: Z
authors: Zhao
authors: Obuli P
authors: OP
authors: Karthikeyana
authors: Shuk Man
authors: SM
authors: Yu
authors: Alex C W
authors: AC
authors: Law
authors: Patricia C P
authors: PC
authors: Chung
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001769:Blood; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006736:Horses; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D012987:Soil; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen