Influência da granulometria no processo de compostagem de resíduos sólidos vegetais

Abstract

The composting process continues to be a promising technological alternative for the treatment of organic solid residues susceptible to fermentation, from the point of view technical, economic, social and environmental point of view, in order to allow the generation of by-product of aggregate value in the field of nutrient cycling for incorporation in soils And recovery of degraded areas. The efficiency of the composting process depends on the action and interaction of the microorganisms, which depend on favorable conditions such as temperature, humidity, aeration, pH, types of organic waste used, carbon / nitrogen ratio and granulometry. Among these parameters, it is possible to cite the granulometry, because the smaller the particle size, the larger the area available for the microorganisms. In some studies the interference of granulometry in the acceleration of biodegradation was observed, with the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of granulometry in the process of composting of solid plant residues. As a methodology for this research, the experimental system consisted of six reactors with a unit capacity of 20 liters, with an experimental design of two treatments and three replicates. The solid wastes used in the composting process were ground and dried to 60% moisture and subsequently macerated, one for Treatment 1 and Treatment 2, with diameters of 7 mm and 5.5 mm, respectively. The parameters monitored were temperature, total volatile solids, moisture content, pH and total organic carbon. At the end of the composting the quality of the organic compounds for the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn). The treatments with different granulometry presented significant differences (p <0.05) for the parameters of STV, pH and COT. Macronutrients (N, K, Ca and Mg) presented significant differences (p <0.05) in T1 and T2, except for P that did not present a significant difference (p> 0.05). Which presented values above the minimum value established for organic fertilizers that is 10 g kg -1. Among the micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn), only Cu presented a significant difference (p <0.05) in T1 and T2, however, Fe was the only one that presented values above the minimum value recommended for organic fertilizers , According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply.