Aerobic composting of poultry excreta using saw dust: Effect of C:N ratio during winter season

The aim of this study was to standardize C:N ratio and to formulate a suitable recipe for composting of poultry excreta during winter season of India. Meshed iron wire made bins (1.2·1.2·1.2 cum) were used for composting. The C:N ratio at 15:1 (T₁); 20:1 (T₂); 25:1 (T₃) and 30:1 (T₄) was maintained using proper ratio of poultry excreta: saw dust: water with moisture level of 45–50%. Crude poultry excreta without sawdust acted as control (T₀) with C:N ratio of 10:1. Parameters recorded were bin temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), proximate composition, C:N ratio, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, microbial profile, germination potential, input- output costs etc. The bin temperature, thermophilic phase duration, moisture level, pH, EC, ash, total organic matter, nitrogen, E.coli reduction, manure equivalent etc. were more favourable in T₃ and T₄ groups. Furthermore, twice to thrice value addition was also calculated from aerobic composting of poultry excreta. Therefore, It was concluded that composting of poultry excreta with C/N ratio between 25:1 to 30:1 with poultry excreta: saw dust: water in the ratio of 1.0: 0.50: 0.30 may be adopted for better manure production, more income generation and bio-safety from poultry establishments. This technology can also be helpful in accomplishing the Sawachch Bharata Mission of India.