C and N Turnover and Lignocellulose Degradation During Composting of MiscanthusStraw And Liquid Pig Manure

To obtain a peat substitute for pot plants, Miscanthusstraw and liquid pig manure were composted in two different systems (open box and closed reactor) and examined for changes in pH, water content and chemical composition (nitrogen, carbon, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin). Temperature maxima of 65-70°C were achieved within a few days in both systems. Composting and sampling were continued for 190 days in the box system and 150 days in the reactor. Major loss of nitrogen was found in a period of eight days after temperature maximum followed by stabilization. Accumulation of nitrate was observed during final weeks of composting in both systems. A marked decrease in content of hemicellulose was seen just after temperature maximum followed by slow, constant decrease throughout remaining composting period. The same pattern was observed for degradation of cellulose, though degradation was initiated later in the experiment. Degradation of hemicellulose was nearly 100% in both systems, whereas the cellulose decrease was 64 and 70% in the box and reactor, respectively. Lignin was not degraded during the experiments. Though initial C/N ratio was different in the two systems (25 in box and 16 in reactor), final ratios were the same (C/N=13). In spite of the similarities, the more complicated closed system is preferred if removal of ammonia from exit gas is considered.