Maturation of primary stabilized compost from rotary drum composter

Information on maturation process of primary stabilized compost from rotary drum composter for the mixed organic wastes is rather limited. Thus, seven different maturation methods namely windrow (L/W = 6, T1), windrow (L/W = 2.5, T2), vermicomposting (Eisenia foetida) (T3), packing in jute bags (T4), pile with longitudinal pipe for aeration (L/W = 6) (T5), pile with longitudinal pipe for aeration (L/W = 2.5, T6) and pile with lateral pipe for aeration (L/W = 6, T7) have been tried to optimize the maturation period. In addition, seasonal variation (ambient temperature and relative humidity) effects on maturation were also taken into account. The quality of matured compost was assessed by analyzing moisture content, pH, organic matter and stability parameters such as CO2 evolution rate and oxygen uptake rate (OUR). By examining these parameters, it is suggested that methods T3 (vermicomposting) and T1 (windrow, L/W = 6) were found suitable in delivering better quality matured compost within 20 days. A new relationship has been worked out between easily measurable parameters such as moisture content, pH, organic matter and the principal maturation parameter i.e., CO2 evolution rate and found to be satisfactorily applicable to check compost stability and maturity.