Wong, Jonathan W.C., Selvam, Ammaiyappan, Zhao, Zhenyong, Karthikeyan, Obuli. P., Man Yu, Shuk, Law, Alex C.W., and Chung, Patricia C.P. (2012) In-vessel co-composting of horse stable bedding waste and blood meal at different C/N ratios: process evaluation. Environmental Technology, 33 (22). pp. 2561-2567.

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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 of composting, the ammoniacal-N, CO 2 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.

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