A comparative study on sterilized and non-sterilized compost using Trichoderma harzianum Rifai as activator

• Main Author: Zabala, Charibel P.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1996
• Subjects: Compost; Organic fertilizer; Trichoderma; Soil fungi
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/1396
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study was aimed to test the efficiency of the compost fungus activator Trichoderma harzianum Rifai in hastening the decomposition process of fruit and vegetable refuse and to compare the effectiveness of sterilized and non-sterilized compost as a fertilizer. The duration of the composting period was monitored as well as the changes in appearance, color, odor, temperature and pH of the compost. The pH of the compost ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline, 6-8. The temperature for the first composting was highest during the first day having a value of 33 degree centigrade and gradually decreased to 24 degree centigrade as the composting process proceeded. In the second composting, the temperature was also high during the first day (33 degree centigrade) and gradually dropped to 28.5 degree centigrade. Five combinations of soil and compost was used and they are as follows: Pure garden soil, pure sterilized compost, 1/2 sterilized compost + 1/2 pure garden soil, 1/2 non-sterilized compost + pure garden soil, 1/4 sterilized compost + 3/4 pure garden soil, 1/4 non-sterilized compost + 3/4 garden soil. The plant used was Brassica chinensis L. (pechay). The total organic carbon (percent) and the total nitrogen (percent) content of the different soil-compost as well as the ripe compost were determined. The pure sterilized and non-sterilized compost showed a higher carbon and nitrogen content compared to those which were soil-compost combinations. No significant differences were observed on the effect of sterilized compost on the growth of Brassica chinensis L. (pechay).