Evaluation of the Compost’s Maturity of Different Mixtures of Olive Pomace and Poultry Manure

Abstract

The environmental menace presented by olive pomace, a solid residue generated in the course of olive oil production, has been firmly established. Numerous investigations have underscored the efficacy of olive pomace as a soil enhancement. As a result, our examination centres on amplifying its agricultural advantages by means of composting and amalgamating it with other refuse materials. This strategy is designed to alleviate the environmental repercussions of olive pomace and trim down restoration expenses, thereby contributing to the transition toward a circular economy. Combinations for composting, comprising 15% to 50% olive pomace serving as a carbon input and 50% to 85% poultry manure as a nitrogen source, successfully underwent a 120-day composting procedure in barrels. The aim is to juxtapose the physic-chemical and microbiological traits of the composted olive pomace (Gr) and poultry manure (F), along with their amalgamations. This scrutiny endeavours to ascertain which treatment proves more efficacious as a plant fertilizer and soil amendment. The investigation also assesses the feasibility of reusing these two waste substances and gauges the maturity of the resultant compost. Throughout the composting progression, diverse microbiological and physic-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), moisture levels, organic matter, and the evolution of the C/N ratio were systematically observed. The initial stages of the treatment disclosed heightened microbial activity in the blends, accompanied by a subsequent reduction in pathogen content towards the culmination of the composting course. The inquiry deduces that employing composts derived from olive pomace and poultry manure as sustainable substitutes for chemical fertilizers exemplifies the viability and potential for ecologically sound agricultural practices.