An Evaluation of the Effect of Takakura and Effective Microorganisms (EM) as Bio Activators on the Final Compost Quality

Abstract

Abstract Composting is an organic waste management option, where suitable microorganisms are used to accelerate the rate and the decomposition process and improve the final compost quality. In this study, a commercial bio-activator EM4 (EM) and a traditional bio-activator prepared according to the Takakura method (Tak) were investigated. The bio-activators were mixed with a fermenting bed (fb) material consisting of rice husk and rice bran mixed in a ratio of 1:1. The inoculated fb was then used in concentrations of 0%, 20%, and 40% in a composting process of food waste. The composting process was monitored daily for 48 days, and the quality of the final compost based on its physical and chemical characteristics was measured and compared. The result revealed that all samples containing 40% fb material with both Tak and EM bio- activator contained lower moisture content in the final compost compared to samples with 20% fb material. The C/N ratio of the samples with 20% fb material for all samples decreased to 20:1, while 40% fb material increased above 20:1, compared to its initial level. Furthermore, the nitrogen level for all samples with 20% fb material increased while samples with 40% fb material decreased from the initial level. The phosphorus and potassium content also increased for all samples with both 20% and 40% fb material from the initial level. Additionally, no significant difference could be found for the final compost quality between the two bio-activators.