Enhancing Nutrient-Enriched Compost through Optimized Co-Composting of Sugarcane Bagasse in Tropical Environments

Purpose: Improper sugarcane trash management, like burning or haphazard disposal, causes environmental pollution. Composting offers a sustainable solution in tropical environments, but challenges arise from its high C/N ratio and lignocellulose content, leading to longer processing times and nutrient deficiencies. This study evaluates co-composting sugarcane trash with indigenous materials to enhance efficiency and nutrient content, aiming to improve compost quality. Methods: The research focuses on co-composting sugarcane bagasse with food waste, cow dung, and amritjal under optimal conditions. Material proportions were adjusted (Trial-1-3 and Control), and small bins were utilized to determine the ideal mix ratio. Monitoring over 56 days evaluated composting efficiency. Results: Trial-2 peaked at 56ºC on day 11, while Trial-3 reached 51ºC on day 7. Control maintained lower temperatures. Ammoniacal nitrogen concentration varied, consistently higher in Trial-2. Total volatile solids decreased, indicating efficient decomposition, particularly in Trial-2. Composting resulted in a decrease in total organic carbon with an increase in ash content, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. pH varied, with Trial-2 maintaining the highest. Electrical conductivity rose, while CO2 production decreased over time. Moisture content exhibited variability, and germination indices improved in all trials, indicating compost maturity. C/N ratio decreased, and significant reductions in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin demonstrated effective decomposition. Conclusion: Co-composting with food waste, cow dung, and amritjal, under optimized conditions, successfully transforms waste into a valuable agricultural resource, offering a sustainable solution for its management.   Highlights  Sugarcane trash, a global agricultural waste, is transformed into high-quality compost. Co-composting with food waste, cow dung, and amritjal is studied for optimal conditions. Higher temperatures positively impact composting efficiency. Composting results in increased organic carbon, ash content, potassium, and phosphorus. Co-composting provides a sustainable solution for managing waste