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Optimized Date Palm Waste Composting: Accelerating Maturity via C: N Ratio and Moisture Adjustments using a Rotary Drum System
 
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1
Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture in Arid Regions Laboratory
 
2
Diversity of Ecosystems and Dynamics of Agricultural Production Systems in Arid Zones Laboratory, Department of Agronomic Sciences, Mohamed Khider University, BP 145 RP, 7000, Biskra, Algeria.
 
3
Mohamed Boudiaf University of M'Sila
 
 
Corresponding author
Abdelouahad Ouali   

Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture in Arid Regions Laboratory
 
 
J. Ecol. Eng. 2025; 26(8)
 
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ABSTRACT
Date palm waste (DPW) compost poses several challenges attributed to its lignocellulosic composition, which restricts biodegradability. This study used DPW, chicken litter (CkL), and water to achieve 60% moisture and 30 C:N ratio, following a compost recipe calculator. Using a rotary drum bioreactor over 20 days, the thermophilic phase lasted 12 days, achieving a biodegradation rate of 0.51. During this process, bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH increased with 0.21 g/l, 1.84 dS/m, and 0.86, respectively. In contrast, free airspace (FAS) and moisture content (MC) decreased by 16.18% and 34.74%, respectively. Most nutrient content increased due to the mass loss. Ultimately, the C:N ratio dropped from 32.58 to 21.82, indicating maturity; however, the germination index was 57.56 ± 9.43%, suggesting immaturity and moderate phytotoxicity. Although adjustments to the C:N ratio promoted early maturation, further modifications or time are required for complete maturation of the compost within the 20-day timeframe.
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