Enhancing nutrient content in compost from agricultural waste using Rhizobium microorganisms

Leejeumaiteng, Phengdy and Chanthakhoun, Vongpasith and Phomlasaboud, Khantavanh and Vanaphon, Anousith and Phovisay, Somsay (2025) Enhancing nutrient content in compost from agricultural waste using Rhizobium microorganisms. Malaysian Journal of Soil Science (MJSS) (Malaysia), 29. pp. 12-18. ISSN 1394-7990

In Laos, where chemical fertilizers are costly and organic matter is underutilized, agricultural waste compost often lacks the nutrients needed for effective soil enrichment. Teak wood sawdust, a byproduct of expanding smallholder teak plantations, is abundant yet remains largely untapped as a compost component. This study evaluated the effectiveness of agricultural waste, specifically sawdust (S) and manure (M), fermented with Rhizobium microorganisms (RM) to enhance compost quality. The objective was to compare the chemical composition of compost arranged in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments evaluated were: T1) S and M (50:50); T2) S and M (50:50) + RM soybean; T3) S and M (50:50) + RM mung bean; T4) S and M (50:50) + RM sunn hemp; T5) S and M (50:50) + RM liquid culture of mung bean. Sawdust and manure were mixed and fermented with 2% Rhizobium, placed in plastic bags, and kept indoors for 45 days. Chemical analyses included DM (dry matter), pH, N₂, P₂O₅, K₂O, OM (organic matter), and ash. Results indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in chemical compositions: pH was highest in T3 (7.18), OM in T4 (33.08%), N₂ in T2 (0.17%), P₂O₅ in T3 (0.36%), K₂O in T2 (0.94%), DM in T4 (59.81%), and ash in T1 (2.45%). Among treatments, RM combined with soybeans emerged as a promising solution to enhance compost nutrient content. These findings support the potential for RM-enriched compost to improve soil fertility sustainably, offering an accessible soil amendment for farmers in resource-limited settings.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.msss.com.my/mjss/Full%20Text/vol29/V29...

Abstract

In Laos, where chemical fertilizers are costly and organic matter is underutilized, agricultural waste compost often lacks the nutrients needed for effective soil enrichment. Teak wood sawdust, a byproduct of expanding smallholder teak plantations, is abundant yet remains largely untapped as a compost component. This study evaluated the effectiveness of agricultural waste, specifically sawdust (S) and manure (M), fermented with Rhizobium microorganisms (RM) to enhance compost quality. The objective was to compare the chemical composition of compost arranged in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments evaluated were: T1) S and M (50:50); T2) S and M (50:50) + RM soybean; T3) S and M (50:50) + RM mung bean; T4) S and M (50:50) + RM sunn hemp; T5) S and M (50:50) + RM liquid culture of mung bean. Sawdust and manure were mixed and fermented with 2% Rhizobium, placed in plastic bags, and kept indoors for 45 days. Chemical analyses included DM (dry matter), pH, N₂, P₂O₅, K₂O, OM (organic matter), and ash. Results indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in chemical compositions: pH was highest in T3 (7.18), OM in T4 (33.08%), N₂ in T2 (0.17%), P₂O₅ in T3 (0.36%), K₂O in T2 (0.94%), DM in T4 (59.81%), and ash in T1 (2.45%). Among treatments, RM combined with soybeans emerged as a promising solution to enhance compost nutrient content. These findings support the potential for RM-enriched compost to improve soil fertility sustainably, offering an accessible soil amendment for farmers in resource-limited settings.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	agricultural wastes
AGROVOC Term:	composts
AGROVOC Term:	sawdust
AGROVOC Term:	manure surplus
AGROVOC Term:	nitrogen
AGROVOC Term:	phosphorus
AGROVOC Term:	potassium
AGROVOC Term:	dry matter
AGROVOC Term:	fermentation
AGROVOC Term:	composting
Geographical Term:	Laos
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2026 12:45
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2026 12:45
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4938

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