Exploring the utility of different bulking agents for speeding up the composting process of household kitchen waste

Household kitchen waste (HKW) is produced in large quantity and its management is difficult due to high moisture content and complex organic matter. Aerobic composting of HKW is an easy, efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly method. This study is designed to achieve a zero-waste concept and to convert HKW. We optimized the type and size of three different bulking agents to speed up the composting process. The tested bulking agents were fallen leaves, sawdust and fly ash. The results showed a higher and longer thermophilic phase (55^oC) for 11 days in C2. Higher moisture content (69%) and higher organic matter degradation (38.4%) were also observed in C2. The pH range in all compost treatments was 7-8.5, Electrical conductivity range was 1.8-3.55 mS/cm, C/N ratio range was 15.4-18.1, water holding capacity range was 3.25-4.3 g water/g dry sample, total potassium range was 1.52-1.61%, total phosphorous range was 0.83-1.14%. The highest germination index (119.1%) was also obtained in C2. The highest chili height (16.7 cm), greater number of leaves (20), greater shoot fresh weight (4.75 g) and root fresh weight (1.2 g) was obtained in the presence of C2. Similarly, greater water WHC (2.8 g water/g DW), higher porosity (55.49%) and higher aggregate stability (54.14%) of soil was also obtained by C2. This research effectively reduced the maturation time to 32 days and converted kitchen waste into compost (resource). This is a very practical idea for home composting and kitchen gardening to combat food security issues in developing countries.