Influencia de la frecuencia de volteo en la calidad del compost de residuos vegetales de la ep- emmpa

Abstract

The current research was carried out at Porlón Landfill, located in Riobamba. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the turning process frequency in the quality of compost from vegetable waste generated by the EP- EMMPA company from Riobamba County. The first stage of the experiment had to do with the implementation of a 30-ton initial pile (IP), which contained vegetable and pruning waste, the initial C/N ratio was according to the established norms; the composting process was carried out in an open system with a mechanical turning in which humidity and temperature were monitored twice a week. Two months later, when the thermophilic phase had increased, two piles were accumulated from the initial pile, in which the turning frequency was different. Pile 1 (PI) was turned twice a week and pile 2 (P2) once a fortnight. Before the turning process, it was necessary to take samples from each pile in order to analyze the most important parameters. The temperature evolution in the piles was adequate and it was possible to evidence the mesophilic and thermophilic phases with temperatures above 55 °C, which guarantees appropriate sanitization levels. The results revealed that the increase in the turning frequency reduced humidity and macronutrient contents and favored the reduction of phytotoxic substances, presenting acceptable germination indices and lower electrical conductivity values. To obtain vegetable waste without the presence of improper substances, it is necessary to carry out a correct separation of waste at the EP- EMMPA company by traders and cleaning personnel.