Work

Introducing Ferrous Sulfate to Cattle Manure and Corn Straw Composting Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Ammonia Volatilization

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Composting is a well-known method for waste management but causes greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce composting time and gas emissions along with improving the nutritional value of compost, FeSO4 was used as an additive to cattle manure and corn straw composting. Seven treatments were established including control (CK) without FeSO4 and six levels of FeSO4 (0.25%, 0.50%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8%). The results revealed that FeSO4 reduced the CH4 (36.1-36.7%), H2S (10.7-34.5%), N2O (17.2-48.5%), and NH3 (18.3-69.0%) emissions compared to CK. In addition, the total N (8.4-40.0%) content in compost products was also improved. The composting time and duration of gas emissions were also reduced to 38 days indicating FeSO4 as a safer approach towards composting. FeSO4 has an inhibitory action of decomposition that mitigates the gas emissions as well as prepares an N-enriched compost. The study suggests an 8% FeSO4 additive to composting for a sustainable eco-friendly composting technique.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy14122867