Effect of Adding Biomass Fly Ash to Co-Composting of Tree Pruning Waste and Cow Dung

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding biomass fly ash to co-composting of tree pruning waste and cow dung. Shredded tree pruning waste and cow dung were used as compost mix. Biomass fly ash was added to achieve the following proportions: 0% (control), 4%, 8% and 12% (wt/wt). The mixtures, turned once a week, were composted in 120-L perforated polyethylene bins for 150 days. The temperature in the middle of the waste layer in each bin was recorded daily, and averaged 32.1-33.3°C. Compost was taken randomly from each bin once a week during turning and its characteristics analysed. The pH of the compost mixes gradually increased from 6.96-8.41 to 8.51-8.95. The EC of the compost mixes increased from 0.69-0.88 dS/cm to 0.97-1.21 dS/cm. The C/N ratio of the compost mixes decreased continuously from around 30 to stability at 12.96-14.04. The volatile solids of the compost mixes decreased continuously from 79.8-87.8% to stability at 55.4-68.5%. The initial NH₃-N and NO₃-N in the compost mixes were 9.1-11.5 and 1.75-3.03 mg/kg, respectively. The NH₃-N contents decreased to 5.41-7.31 mg/kg, while the NO₃-N increased to 6.45-7.84 mg/kg. We investigated more than half of the organic portion of each compost mix. Adding fly ash up to 12% (wt/wt) did not affect the composting process or resulting compost, and there was no indication that its high pH increased ammonia volatilization during composting.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 931-932)
• Pages: 635-639
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.931-932.635
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: Somjai Karnchanawong*, Yaravee Najarut, Teerapong Sawangpanyangkura
• Keywords: Biomass Fly Ash, Composting, Cow Dung, Tree Pruning Waste

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