Effects of microbial additive on the physiochemical and biological properties of oil palm empty fruit bunches compost

Abstract

This study was focused on the effects of microbialadditive on oil palm emptyfruit bunches (EFB) compost. The physical, chemicaland biological propertiesof the compost during composting were investigated.Significantly, microbialinoculated compost decreased the total organic carbon and carbon2to2nitrogenratio, as well as increased the pH and microbial population during composting.Interestingly, the pH of compost increased to 5 forthe first week of composting,and then it gradually increased to pH around 8 at the end of the process. Theresults indicated the degradation of organic acidsduring composting. Theneutral to alkaline pH value of compost was reported as an indicator for goodaeration of compost pile. The temperature of compost could reach up to 50255oC during thermophilic phase. At the end of composting, the inoculatedcompost increased in the total microbial population, especially actinomycetesand total bacteria. The microbial inoculated compost was likely to speed up thecomposting process of oil palm EFB from 64 days to50 days.