Evaluation of maturing and nutrient content of farm manure composted with chicken manure

The stage of maturity and nutrient contents of farmyard manure (FYM) composted with 0.1 % and 0.05% chicken manure (CHM) were investigated during the summer seasons of 2005-2006. The experiments were replicated thrice in a completely randomized design and the whole setup was repeated eight times for destructive sampling. Samples were collected and chemically analyzed for: crude fiber, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese contents and pH at an interval of 15 days for a period of four months. The stage of maturity of FYM was measured by the biodegradation of crude fiber contents, which decreased significantly within four months. Moreover, total viable count of bacteria and the kind of bacteria at genus different stages were observed. Results showed that nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and sodium content increased significantly in treated FYM. In 2nd week the significant increase of nitrogen was noticed in FYM treated with 0.1 % CHM. Phosphorus content increased significantly up to 8th week in the FYM treated with CHM compared to the control. Then the P content decreased significantly up to 12th and 14th week. The significant increase in calcium content was noticed in 8th weeks. Magnesium content increased up to 9th week and significantly reduced after the 10th week. Potassium content in treated FYM significantly decreased with time compared to the control. Copper content increase significantly up to 10th week in FYM treated with 0.1 % CHM compared to other treatments. The iron and manganese content increase significantly up to 8th week in treated FYM. The pH of the compost decreased slowly, then after 10th week increased due to ammonia accumulation. In the 2nd week was observed the highest total viable count of bacteria in the FYM treated with 0.1 % CHM compared to other treatments. Various genus of bacteria isolation obtained at mesophilic, thermophlic, cooling down stages such as Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Proteus, Streptococcus spp. It was observed, Compost opening time was best after three months when its volume reduced, black in color, crumbly with earthy smell and yields drops of water when tightly squeezed