Keratinolytic fungi mediated composting of chicken feather waste and its potential for promoting growth of vegetable crops

The poultry industry produces millions of tonnes of chicken feather waste annually. Improper disposal of this waste may contribute to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and proliferation of insects and pathogens, thereby posing environmental and public health concern. Chicken feathers are a valuable source of keratin with considerable potential for conversion into value-added agricultural resources. This study evaluated the ability of Aspergillus spp. to convert chicken feather waste into feather-amended substrate and assessed their effects on the growth of vegetable crops. Chicken feather waste was subjected to aerobic composting for 60 days in a soil-amended system, using Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus gorakhpurensis. Maturity and phytotoxicity were determined using the seed germination index (GI). Physicochemical characteristics were measured to characterise nutrient profiles. Agronomic performance of spinach, cabbage, and brinjal was evaluated through morphological assessment and analysis of photosynthetic pigments. Composted feather-amended substrate produced using A. gorakhpurensis achieved a germination index (GI) of 62%, reflecting partial maturity and reduced phytotoxicity. Additionally, the substrate exhibited improved physicochemical characteristics, with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.08 dS·m − 1 and C/N ratio of 7.22. Total nitrogen and sulfur contents were 0.23% and 0.18% respectively, in contrast to 0.07% nitrogen and 0.03% sulfur in the control soil, consistent with nitrogen and sulfur mineralisation during composting. Higher germination, improved morphological traits, and enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were observed after application of composted feather substrate in the tested crops. The present study showed that A. gorakhpurensis produced a composted feather-amended substrate with the most favourable physicochemical profile and agronomic performance under the experimental conditions. These findings suggest that fungal-mediated feather composting may represent a promising approach for converting chicken feather waste into nutrient-enriched soil amendment. Not applicable.