Rapid stabilization of agricultural organic waste by mechanical agitation and P.D.1 bioinoculation in a community-scale passive-aeration composting reactor

This study evaluated the performance of a 50-L community-scale aerobic composting reactor operating under passive aeration conditions by investigating the combined effects of mechanical agitation and P.D.1 microbial bioinoculation on compost stabilization and nutrient contents (total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Agricultural organic waste consisting of chicken manure, dried leaves, and Diplazium esculentum residues was composted in a 50-L passive-aeration reactor. Three experimental treatments using the selected F4 feedstock formulation were established to evaluate the effects of mechanical agitation and P.D.1 bioinoculation. Compost samples were collected on Days 0, 10, and 20 for physicochemical analyses, including C/N ratio, pH, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Among the three experimental treatments, the combined application of mechanical agitation and P.D.1 bioinoculation resulted in the lowest C/N ratio, decreasing from 48:1 to 21:1 within 10 days. Reactor temperature reached a maximum of 38.2 °C, indicating active microbial decomposition during the initial composting stage. Compost pH remained relatively stable, while total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents changed throughout the composting process. The integration of mechanical agitation and P.D.1 bioinoculation in a community-scale passive aeration composting reactor provides an effective low-energy approach for rapid stabilization of agricultural organic waste. The developed reactor demonstrates strong potential for decentralized compost production, sustainable nutrient recovery, and community-scale organic waste management.