Efficiency of cattle manure composting at farms in one of the Delta villages, Egypt

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical stabilization and the pathogenic and entomolyic destruction of the composted manure. A representative sample of fifteen piles representing different durations was selected. Most of the studied pile dimensions were not optimum, time allowed for fermentation was not enough to stabilize it and none of the piles surveyed had undergone turning. The presence of poor conditions of fermentation would not allow the temperature to build up and hasten the decomposition. The slightly alkaline medium is extremely useful in the application on acidic soils. The high values proved the ineffectiveness of the fermentation process. Heavy metals were present in very small concentrations. The presence of high values of total and fecal coliforms indicated that none of the piles was stabilized. The presence of larvae house and blow flies indicated that the materials undergone fermentation were a good media for flies breeding. The isolation of parasites in 90% of the piles means that the temperature did not increase to a degree enough to kill various parasitic stages. For proper manure management, local farmers should be instructed to follow systematic operating practices with emphasis on producing a high quality and pathogen free compost