Valorization of domestic composting for organic fertilizer production and pollution reduction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51247/st.v9i1.679Keywords:
Environmental sustainability, home composting, organic fertilizer, soil pollution, waste managementAbstract
The inadequate management of organic waste represents a significant challenge for environmental sustainability, especially in urban areas. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of home composting in producing organic fertilizer and reducing soil and environmental pollution. The adopted methodology comprised three main stages: a literature review to theoretically support home composting and its environmental benefits; an experimental research, where a home composter was built and adapted for the treatment of organic waste such as fruits, vegetables, and grains; and a quantitative analysis, with monitoring of the composting process over 45 days, including measurements of temperature, humidity, and analysis of the physical characteristics of the compost. The final compost presented desirable characteristics, such as dark color, earthy smell, and loose texture, resulting in significant plant growth after applying the fertilizer in a home garden. Based on the results, it is concluded that home composting is an effective practice for managing organic waste, contributing to the reduction of waste in landfills and promoting more sustainable agriculture.
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