Technological management of sugar mill bagasse for the sustainable production of fertilizers
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Abstract
Context: Filter cake (cachaza) is a residue from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) generated in sugar mills; therefore, vermicomposting is an alternative for the sustainable management of the high volume of this residue, which decomposes slowly. However, studies on filter cake vermicomposting have not evaluated the pre-composting time, the thickness of the residue layer, their influence on earthworm survival, the total vermicomposting time, vermicompost maturation, and its carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio.
Objectives: To evaluate the pre-composting conditions of filter cake, its vermicomposting with Eisenia andrei Bouché, 1972 (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae), under three types of filter cake layer thicknesses, maturation times, and the chemical characterization of the vermicompost obtained.
Methods: The experiment was conducted in stages: 1. Preconditioning (pre-composting) stage or preparation of the filter cake prior to vermicomposting; 2. Vermicomposting stage; 3. Worm feeding; 4. Worm extraction; 5. Drying and maturation of the vermicompost; 6. Chemical analysis; 7. Data analysis.
Results: Pre-composting of filter cake in a 5 cm layer generated optimal pH conditions for vermicomposting by the third day and optimal temperature conditions by the fifth day. Filter cake layers pre-composted for 5 and 10 days with a thickness of 5 and 10 cm showed between 95% and 97% earthworm survival, while 69% survival was obtained in layers without pre-composting and with a 10 cm thickness. Pre-composting for 5 days in a 5 cm layer reduced the total time of the two vermicomposting stages. Maturation of the vermicompost for two months influenced the C/N ratio, increased nitrogen content, and resulted in the vermicompost characteristics falling within the optimal range specified by Mexican official standards.
Conclusions: Pre-composting for 5 days in a 5 cm layer contributes to reducing the time of the two vermicomposting stages. Vermicompost maturation for two months ensures that most of its characteristics fall within the specifications of Mexican official standards. Even though filter cake is produced in high tonnage in the 49 sugar mills in Mexico, this residue has not yet been classified as a special handling waste.
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