Dynamics of physicochemical and biological parameters during the co‐composting of chestnut burr/leaf litter with solid poultry manure

Abstract

Abstract Dynamic parameters of the transformation of chestnut burr/leaf litter with solid poultry manure (ratio 1:3) into a fertiliser using a co‐composting process are reported in this work. Determinations of temperature, granulometric composition, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, nitrogen content and available potassium and phosphorus as well as biological germination tests on ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ), barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) seeds were performed. The loss of organic matter was only 6.27% (w/w dry weight) and the available potassium changed from 2820 to 3265 mg kg −1 in the co‐compost studied. Germination tests showed that the co‐compost was mature in 103 days. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry