Composting of Garden Waste Using Organic Inoculum in a Portable Temperature-Controlled Reactor: Process Optimization and Evaluation of Compost Efficiency

Composting of Garden Waste Using Organic Inoculum in a Portable Temperature-Controlled Reactor: Process Optimization and Evaluation of Compost Efficiency | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Composting of Garden Waste Using Organic Inoculum in a Portable Temperature-Controlled Reactor: Process Optimization and Evaluation of Compost Efficiency Hrishikesh Shivam, Dayanand Sharma, Ashish Kumar Nayak, Tushar Bansal This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5292670/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract With the fast-growing urbanization simultaneously there is a rise in the production of garden waste including dry leaves, stems, twigs, grasses, flowers, etc which indeed is posing a challenge for local government agencies everywhere to ensure its proper management and disposal. To overcome the problem of garden waste controlled temperature and aeration flow rate reactor has fabricated. . Four trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 were executed constituting different forms of garden waste like grinded, un-shredded, shredded with additives, and shredded without additives, and were carried out for 30 days using a portable temperature-controlled in-vessel reactor. The temperature (50- 60 0 C) has maintained during the process of composting and moisture has maintained up to 65% throughout the composting period. The trial 1 was the best combination among the all trials in which the variation of pH was (7.7-8.2), total organic carbon (40-37.6), total nitrogen (0.6-1.1), C:N ratio (61.5-34.2), cellulose (43.3-3.9), hemicellulose (10.1-0.6) and lignin (13.1-0.11) at the end of 30 days. The degradation rate of Un-shredded leaves was found to be very slow due large size of dry leaves. The findings demonstrated that effective garden waste management is feasible by following specific criteria, which decreases the environmental impact of current disposal. Garden waste thermophilic temperature MCB Seedling Nutrients Inoculum Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Introduction With the fast-growing urbanization simultaneously there is a rise in the production of garden waste including dry leaves, stems, twigs, grasses, flowers, etc which indeed is posing a challenge for local government agencies everywhere to ensure its proper management and disposal. 50–60% of solid waste produced in developing country is organic waste (Yadav et al., 2022). The percentage fraction of garden waste is 12 to 15% in municipal solid waste generated in India (Mishra 2021). In India, prime sources of garden waste are community parks, gardens, recreational centers, etc. Garden waste is heterogeneous with low density (50–75 kg/m 3 ) which occupies more space as compared to other organic waste such as food waste and vegetable waste (Kumar 2010) due to this its collection and disposal are major problems for municipal corporations, societies, etc. The origin of garden waste is basically from two types of trees which are deciduous trees and coniferous trees which we call an evergreen tree in general. The coniferous trees shed their leaves slowly and gradually throughout the year while the deciduous trees shed their leaves mostly once a year in the autumn season. Abscission is the name given to the process by which plants discard their leaves, flowers, or fruit. This is natural protective behaviour that allows plants to conserve resources in case of winter or drought. Signals of the environment like temperature changes, light, etc control abscission. Therefore it is a natural fact that we cannot stop the production of garden waste, so it’s mandatory to manage it efficiently. The current practices for disposing of garden waste, which include open dumping, incineration, and landfilling, are time-consuming and not environmentally beneficial because trash contains a high quantity of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which further entails land engagement. Composting is the biological breakdown of organic waste or material by microorganisms in regulated aerobic conditions, to create a highly beneficial soil amendment called compost. The three major factors that affect overall composting are temperature, aeration and moisture. The composting process has three primary phases: mesophilic phase, thermophilic phase, and maturation phase. Each stage is illustrated by different microbial colonization, temperature variation, and organic compounds degradation. In the mesophilic phase, the temperature lies between 20°C – 40°C during this early phase mesophilic bacteria break down easily degradable organic materials. In the thermophilic phase, the temperature lies between 45°C − 70°C in this phase the thermophilic bacteria break down the complex organic materials. The third and final phase is the maturation phase in which the temperature generally decreases back to ambient levels. In this phase also once again the mesophilic microorganisms dominate. ( Bernal 2009) discuss how temperatures between 50°C and 65°C are crucial for breaking down lignocellulosic materials which are abundantly present in garden waste hence in this study portable temperature-controlled in-vessel reactor was used to maintain thermophilic temperature since the beginning of the experiment. Proper aeration plays an essential role in the composting process to support microbial activity, heat regulation, odor control, homogeneous decomposition, etc (Tiquia 2002) The in-vessel reactor used for the present research having the facility of aeration supply via electricity driven pump connected to it. Similarly, maintenance of the optimum level of moisture around 65% is necessary for microbial activity, heat generation, prevention of anaerobic conditions, improved nutrient retention, and humus formation (Bernal 2009) so in all the trials similar moisture content is maintained in the in-vessel reactor. The implementation of an in-vessel composting system specifically designed for the effective processing of dry leaves represents a highly portable, remarkably rapid, and economically viable approach to the management of widely dispersed dry leaves that are often found littering the environment. Furthermore, this innovative composting technique can generate organic manure that is rich in essential nutrients, thereby playing a significant role in the advancement of a society that is increasingly committed to sustainable practices and environmentally friendly initiatives. For example, research conducted by (Teshome 2019) showcased the utilization of a carefully formulated mixture comprising banana leaves, banana peels, Swiss chard, and soil to facilitate the composting process, while another research by (Mishra 2021) demonstrated the effective use of green waste in conjunction with a variety of organic waste proportions within an in-vessel reactor to optimize composting outcomes. Furthermore, (Teshome 2022) concentrated on composting banana peels as organic trash, but (Yang 2022) employed mature compost combined with green waste to accelerate composting processes (Adhikari 2009) experimented with various bulking agents for organic waste composting, whereas (Sharma 2024) added plant biomass to cattle manure to maintain moisture levels and improve composting efficiency. (Ozana 2020) investigated the use of bulking agents for composting sewage sludge in an in-vessel reactor. However, the literature shows that dry leaves alone have not been substantially researched for composting in this context. While various studies have been confined to in-vessel composting of organic waste with dry leaves, there has been little research into dry leaves composting in particular. This study intends to close that gap by looking into the scientific disposal of dry leaves by utilizing an in-vessel technology. This study sheds new light on the ideal conditions for composting dry leaves by examining all compost factors. The study emphasizes the importance of moisture content, garden waste forms as well as additives in ensuring effective decomposition. This method provides a fresh viewpoint on garden waste management, helping to promote more effective and sustainable composting techniques. Materials and Methods The study was conducted at Sharda University in Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, India (latitude 28.471956°, longitude 77.483761°). Sample Collection The primary materials used were dry leaves gathered from the Sharda University campus as well as some dumping sites in Greater Noida. Segregation was performed to remove contaminants such as plastic, paper, and thread to ensure particular material. The distribution of leaves varied significantly across different locations and depended on the specific plant or tree species. To prepare the leaves for composting, shredding and grinding was performed using a shredder cum grinder available at the Sharda University campus. This process reduced the leaf size to 2–4 cm and in powder form optimizing the material for composting. This preparation step aligns with existing research (Sharma 2024) which emphasizes the importance of particle size in enhancing the composting process by promoting better aeration and faster decomposition. The complete experimental procedure is shown in the Fig. 1 . Temperature-controlled portable In-vessel Reactor For advancing research in temperature-controlled environment, a rectangular shaped in-vessel reactor having an outside dimension of 2 x 2.2 meters and inside casing dimension of 1.5 x 1.5 meters was fabricated at Sharda University campus. In order to perform composting trials a cylindrical aluminium box having dimensions of 0.3 meter diameter and 0.3 meter height, having volume of 20 liters was used for keeping the experimental composition in the inner insulated casing of the in-vessel reactor. The Equipment was well equipped with a lightening facility, a digital temperature controlling meter for adjusting the desired temperature inside the in-vessel composter, MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) to overcome the problem of short-circuiting, and an aeration supplier. An aeration pump is attached to the system to provide hassle-free forced aeration to the samples. The aeration pump has turn on for 15 min at every one hour interval and the aeration rate of pump was fixed as 0.05 m 3 /m 3 min according to the experiment performed by the (Li 2023). Overall the composter is mounted on a four-legged support provided with wheels to make it stable as well as portable. The design and operation of the composter are aimed at maximizing efficiency and effectiveness in composting the dry leaves collected. In each trial the moisture content was maintained up to 65% by adding water or inoculum which was prepared in the laboratory. The quantity of water or inoculum mixed in each trial has shown in the Table 1 . Organic Inoculum An organic inoculum was made at Sharda University, Environment Engineering lab with the help of 25 liters of distilled water, 1 kg of cow dung, 750 grams of jaggery, 50 grams of chickpea flour, and 125 grams of organic compost powder was mixed in a drum, the mixture was kept undisturbed in the lab for 7 days. After 7 days, 25 liters of water was mixed in the drum to make the organic inoculum ready to use to increase microbial activity in the selected trials since the beginning. Prepared organic inoculum or tap water was mixed in trials with different forms of plant leaves biomass which varied in proportions by weight inspite of the same size of accomodating in-vessel reactor due to different values of their density and porosity as shown in Table 2 . . Parameter Analysing Method For every combination, three sets of test experiments were conducted, and the average value was noted. A typical sample, approximately 400–500 g in weight, was taken from the top, middle, and bottom of the box. After that, the sample was kept in an oven for 24 to 72 hours at 80 ± 2°C. Subsequently, the material was crushed and run through a 0.2 mm mesh filter for further physicochemical analysis sampling. Temperature was measured using a digital thermometer. The gravimetric method (BIS No. 10158, 1982) was used to determine the moisture content. (Guo 2012) described the use of a combination of pH and EC meter to determine pH and electrical conductivity. (Adhikari 2009) describe to measured and estimated volatile solids, carbon content, and total nitrogen. A flame photometer was used to measure calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to determine the existence and concentrations of the elements Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn. Various parameters like Nitrogen, Volatile solid, Ash, C/N ratio, temperature, moisture, pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Organic Carbon, etc. were examined at intervals of 5 days to evaluate the degradation rate of the compost for 30 days. Four different trials were performed using different configurations to examine different results of composting. The final and initial results of all trials are shown in Table 3 . Table 1 The different combinations of organic dry leaves and water/ inoculum of each trials. S.No Type of Waste Material Weight in kg Amount of Inoculum Added Amount of Water Added 1 Grinded plant leaf biomass 4.5 kg 14 liters Nil 2 Unshred plant leaf biomass 1.5 kg 10 liters Nil 3 Shredded plant leaf biomass 2.5 kg 16 liters Nil 4 Shredded plant leaf biomass 2.5 kg Nil 20 liters Table 2 Density and porosity of different forms of plant leaf biomass Sr.no Form of Garden waste Density( Kg/l) Porosity 1 Unshredded 0.1 70 2 Shredded 0.3 45 3 Grinded 0.9 40 Statistical Analysis: The significance of divergence among all physicochemical and biological parameters was calculated using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a level of significance less than 0.05 (p < 0.05). For the computation of variance, SPSS 13.0 software was utilized. Table 3 Anova table for variation of all parameters Parameter Description Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig. Nitrogen Between groups 0.699 3 .223 .042 5.342 .003 Within groups 2.171 52 Total 2.839 55 pH Between groups 2.402 3 .801 .243 3.289 .028 Within groups 12.657 52 Total 15.059 55 EC Between groups 3806748.304 3 1268916.101 130257.308 9.742 .000 Within groups 6773380.036 52 Total 10580128.339 55 TOC Between groups 106.379 3 35.460 3.877 9.147 .000 Within groups 201.581 52 Total 307.960 55 Ash Between groups 363.857 3 121.286 5.030 24.111 .000 Within groups 261.571 52 Total 625.429 55 VS Between groups 297.714 3 99.238 7.456 13.310 .000 Within groups 387.714 52 Total 685.429 55 C/N Between groups 2873.535 3 957.845 177.792 5.387 .003 Within groups 9245.196 52 Total 12118.731 55 Phosphorus Between groups 0.062 3 .021 .009 2.333 .085 Within groups 0.462 52 Total 0.524 55 Potassium Between groups 6.618 3 2.206 .685 3.222 .030 Within groups 35.605 52 Total 42.223 55 lignin Between groups 339.694 3 113.231 6.291 0.001 Within groups 935.915 52 17.998 Total 1275.609 55 cellulose Between groups 3218.720 3 1072.907 187.576 5.720 0.002 Within groups 9753.970 52 Total 12972.689 55 Hemicellulose Between groups 155.722 3 51.907 7.744 6.703 0.001 Within groups 402.667 52 Total 558.389 55 Results and Discussion Temperature, moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) Temperature plays a important role in composting, affecting the organic matter decomposition rate and determining the initial stages of the thermophilic phase, high temperatures increase the speed of lignocellulose compound breakdown, which is typically a solid temperature that is a critical factor in the process of composting, specifically in-vessel composting. Due to the major advantage of temperature control property, all the trials experienced the thermophilic phase since the beginning of the experiment as the temperature in the panel was set to 55°C (Fig. 3 (A)), and the same continued till the 30th day of composting. Trials T1, T3, and T4 showed a temperature in the range of 58°- 55° C while trial T2 showed a temperature range of 58°- 50°C, hence it was observed that the shredded and grinded sample distributed the heat throughout and thus increased the microbial activity. The temperature of the pile may be a direct indicator of the microbial activity and composting process (Chen 2020). Moisture level is crucial for effective composting, as it influences substrate degradation and microbial metabolism (zhang 2023). In this study monitoring moisture content is relevant as it helps gauge the efficiency of the composting process and ensures the optimal environment for microbial growth. The moisture content of all the trials was maintained at a standard of 65% (Fig. 3 (C)). In trials T1, T2, and T3 the moisture was maintained with the help of organic inoculum with varied proportions, while in trial T4 it was maintained with the help of tap water as discussed in Table 1 .T2 required the least amount of inoculum 10 liters by volume while T3 required the most amount of additive that is 16 liters by volume in maintaining the optimal moisture content level for the survival and activity of microorganism. The pH level is an important indicator of compost maturity, indicating the decomposition rate of organic material and influencing microbial populations in compost culture. It changes significantly over the composting process (Sharma 2024) with a decrease in pH at the beginning due to the effect of organic acids, which aid in breaking down complex sources. The initial value of pH for all the trials was in the range of 7.4–7.9 as every trial constituted the same basic material of plant leaf biomass, it increased gradually under the effect of thermophilic temperature, proper moisture and aeration. The pH of the final compost in all trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 reached the alkaline range of 8-8.5 (Fig. 3 (B)). During the thermophilic stage, the pH rises due to elevated levels of electrolytes and the process of ammonia volatilization. As compost ages, the pH levels become balanced, which maintain optimal conditions for a wide range of microbial communities and completes the stabilization process. Monitoring the pH levels throughout the composting process guarantees the most favorable conditions for microbial activity. Electrical conductivity (EC) is a vital factor in horticulture and agriculture as it determines the amount of salt present in compost materials and the degree of decomposition. EC reflects the amount of soluble salts such as ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium being released from decomposing organic material in a solution (Wichuk & McCartney 2010). A decrease in EC indicates compost stabilization and maturation as reflected in the case of all the trials whether it is T1, T2, T3, and T4 shows a decreasing trend of values (Fig. 3 (D)). If we consider initial days value T2 had the lowest initial day value of 1.366 mS/cm, rest T1, T3 and T4 all three had almost same initial value for electrical conductivity, the major decrement in the values of all the trials was visible right after 10 days as peak microbial activity in the thermophilic phase also affects salt concentration while if we consider the final day compost values T1 reflected the lowest value of 0.65 mS/cm, as the reduced compacted volume provides a better opportunity for microbes in composting. Elevated electrical conductivity (EC) values can impede the growth of plants and inhibit the germination of seeds. EC reflects the amount of soluble salts such as nitrate, phosphate, ammonium and potassium being released from decomposing organic material in a solution (Ozana 2020). Total organic carbon (TOC), Total volatile solid (TVS), Nitrogen content, Carbon nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is a fundamental measure in compost breakdown and stabilization, as it determines the total carbon among organic compounds in compost feedstock. TOC of all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 showed a trend of decreasing values. The initial carbon content of T2 was the maximum and T4 was the minimum among all reflecting values of 43.33% and 39.32%. While the final value of T3 reached the minimum of 33%, which may be due to the inoculum effect and reduced size of plant leaf biomass. T2 showed sudden variation while T1, T3, and T4 showed a gradual decrease in values (Fig. 4 (C)). During composting, TOC content generally decreases due to microbial carbon utilization, as bacteria and fungi adapt to free carbon in soil and decompose organic into CO 2 and H 2 0 with stable organics (Sharma 2022)(Nema 2021). Total Volatile Solids (TVS) is a way to measure how much organic matter is in a sample. At 550°C, it starts to become gas. In all four trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 showed a gradual decline in their respective values (Fig. 4 (D)). Initially, T2 had the highest TVS value of 78 it was reduced to 70%. The TVS content of T1, T3, and T4 varied in the range of 72–65% this reflection of a steady decrease in value, indicates earlier mineralization of organic matter with improved composting processes (Gajalakshmi & Abbasi 2008) which indeed is a result of temperature control since the beginning of the experiment. Carbon nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) refers to the balance between carbon and nitrogen in materials being composted. In all trials, T1, T2, T3, and T4 the C/N ratio decreased abruptly. T2 had the maximum initial value of 80.25 which was reduced to a value of 47.25 because of the greater presence of brown content (Adhikari 2009). Rest for all the trials T1, T3, and T4 the value of C/N ratio decreased in the range of 78–23 (Fig. 4 (B)). Overall an efficient C/N ratio was observed in the experiment. High C/N ratios can delay composting, leading to longer composting periods (Insam & de Bertoldi 2007). A low C/N ratio (excess nitrogen) can result in excessive ammonia production, leading to nitrogen loss through volatilization. Nitrogen is an essential component in the process of composting, The decomposition of organic material and the general effectiveness of compost as a soil enhancer depend on nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen in the materials has a significant impact on the microbial activity during composting. Nitrogen is crucial for the growth and reproduction of microorganisms that decompose organic matter. The Nitrogen content increased in all the trials gradually. The initial value of nitrogen in all the trials was almost the same at 0.65% and later at the end of composting periods T1, T2, T3, and T4, the value reached the points of 1.1, 0.82, 1.38, and 1.23% respectively, reflecting T2 to have the lowest nitrogen content (Fig. 4 (A)). Studies have demonstrated that maintaining an ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio is essential for effective composting. The most desirable C/N ratio is between 25:1 (Bernal 2009) can be achieved by acquiring the desired nitrogen content. Calcium, Lignin, Cellulose, Hemicellulose In compost, calcium (Ca) is a crucial component that is important for soil structure and plant health. During the composting process, calcium aids with pH regulation and promotes the microbial breakdown of organic matter. Additionally, it helps stabilize the finished compost product by encouraging the production of aggregates, which enhances soil aeration and structure. All the trials showed an increase in the calcium content (Fig. 5 (D)). T1 reached the maximum value of 1202 mg/kg from its initial value of 1012 mg/kg. Similarly, T2 varied in the range of (759–1158) mg/kg .T3 and T4 reflected similar variations of calcium content they varied in the range of (995–1195) mg/kg as both consisted of same form of garden waste. For agricultural and horticultural uses, calcium's presence in compost is advantageous because it is particularly crucial for plant root development, nutrient uptake, and general plant health (Tognetti 2007). Table 3 Variations of various macro and micronutrients in the final compost Name of Parameters Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 FAI (2007) TMECC ( 2002 ) Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Moisture (%) 63 65 38 65 58 65 49 65 35–55 35–45 pH 7.72 8.27 7.91 8.51 7.40 8.22 7.92 8.50 6.5–8.5 5.5–8.5 Electrical Conductivity (mS/cm) 2.25 1.21 1.30 0.71 1.81 0.91 1.80 0.92 2–6 ≥ 4 Total Volatile Solids (%) 72 68 78 70 72 68 70 62 - - Total Organic Carbon (%) 40 37.6 43.31 39.30 40.48 32 39.30 36.10 ≥ 16 - Total Nitrogen (%) 0.65 1.1 0.50 0.80 0.5 1.20 0.49 1.1 1.0–3.0 - Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio 61.5 34.20 80.21 47.83 67.50 23.85 78.59 29.31 < 25 ≤ 25 Phosphorus (mg/kg) 1.04 1.3 1.04 1.1 1.04 1.13 1.04 1.38 0.4–1.1 - Potassium (mg/kg) 0.51 3.50 0.55 0.90 0.53 3.30 0.54 2.80 0.6–1.7 ≥ 4 Hemicellulose (%) 10.1 0.68 10.8 8.90 10.1 0.92 10 5.01 - - Cellulose (%) 43.3 3.9 43.63 39.29 43.40 4.0 43.41 6.30 - - Lignin (%) 13.1 0.11 13.33 11.22 13.10 0.14 13.12 0.45 - - Calcium (mg/kg) 1012 1202 759 1158 1002 1195 997 1189 - - Iron (mg/kg) 127 158.7 120 129.3 125.2 158.7 124 155.3 - - Magnesium(mg/kg) 248 260.1 248 249.3 250 257.5 249.9 256.7 - - Zinc(mg/kg) 193 251.3 191 200.3 194.4 248.6 194.6 247.8 - - Lignin content of all the trials showed a decreasing trend in general (Fig. 5 (C)). T1, T3, and T4 showed a major decrease in lignin content while T2 reflected just a slight decrease in lignin content from (13.2–11.31) % (Benítez 1999) also noted a restricted degradation of lignin in composting systems with unsatisfactory conditions, including inadequate oxygen levels and microbial diversity while in T1, T3, and T4 the lignin content reduced a lot in the range of (13–0.11) %. This significant decrease is similar with findings from (Tuomela 2000), who reported that efficient lignin breakdown is often associated with high temperatures, adequate aeration, and the presence of specialized microbes, such as ligninolytic fungi. The differences in lignin reduction between the trials suggest that specific environmental factors and microbial communities played a key role in the varying outcomes. The breakdown of cellulose is an important index of organic matter decomposition in composting processes. Cellulose content deviated the least in trial T2 from 43.63 to 39.29% while in T1, T3, and T4 the value decreased a lot in the range of (43.60–3.90)% (Fig. 5 (A)). Due to the advantage of temperature controlled experiment the major declination of cellulose content was visible after 10 days of the beginning of the experiment. The decrement of cellulose content in all the trials, and the microbial abundance and enzyme activity of the compost promote the degradation of cellulose (Song 2020). Hemicellulose, commonly called polyose, is a type of heteropolymer found in conjunction with cellulose in the cell walls of nearly all land-based plant species. Hemicellulose was reduced in all the trials, in the range of (10–0.5) % reflecting the application of inoculum in the prolonged thermophilic phase developed due to the temperature control in the in-vessel reactor except T2 in which a decline in Hemicellulose % was observed but not very significant. In the case of T1, T3, and T4 the value reduced abruptly in the heating and thermophilic phases it was quick at that time but later on slowed (Fig. 5 (B)). Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Ash, Phosphorus, Potassium Ammoniacal nitrogen is a form of nitrogen that includes both ammonia (NH 3 ) and ammonium ions (NH 4+ ). It is a indicator of compost maturity and its quality. Ammoniacal nitrogen in compost should be less than 400 mg/ kg to avoid any negative effects on safety and crop yield (Bernal 2009). All the trials showed a gradual decline in the value of ammoniacal nitrogen percentage (Fig. 6 (B)), this reflects that the composting process went well hence most nitrogen is present in a more stable form like nitrate. The value of ammoniacal nitrogen at the end of the composting period in trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 129, 60, 135, and 142 percent respectively. It also signifies that the whole process was carried out with proper aeration, moisture control, maintenance of C/N ratio, etc. Ash content is commonly determined by incinerating a dehydrated compost sample at a high temperature (generally approximately 550°C) until all organic matter is completely oxidized, leaving behind just the inorganic minerals. The ash content percentage of all the trials showed a slight increase in value due to peak value in the thermophilic phase of the composting process (Fig. 6 (A)). In T1 the value of ash content varied from 28 to 29% in T2, the value increased from 22 to 25% in T4, it varied from 34 to 35% while in T3 it varied from 27 to 31% hence T3 exhibited maximum ash the condition implies probably because of feedstock composition or more efficient microbial activity (Adhikari 2009). Phosphorus content denoted as P is one of the crucial parameters in the composting process as it plays an essential role in microbial metabolism and ATP synthesis. In all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 the phosphorus content percentage showed a slight increment the value varied in the range of (1.04–1.14)% while the most gradual increase was noticed after 10 days in the composting process (Fig. 6 (C)). The initial phosphorus in the materials has a significant influence on the compost's final phosphorus (Liang 2003). Potassium (K) is a crucial crop nutrient that regulates water within plants and aids in photosynthesis. Gradual Increment in the value of Potassium content percentage was noticed in all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 (Fig. 6 (D)). The concentration effect of organic decomposition and mass loss (Hao 2004) leads to an increase in potassium Initial Potassium content was similar in all the trials with a value around 0.55 mg/kg. In trial T1, the value reached the maximum value of 3.52 mg/kg while T2 was confined to a value of 0.96%, the lowest among all trials at the end of the composting period. Similarly, T3 and T4 varied in the range of (0.59–3.32)mg/kg and (0.59–2.89)mg/kg respectively. It also indicates compost quality and nutrient stabilization (Bernal 2009). 3.5 Seedling parameters (Root length, growth of rice height, number of leaves, fresh weight rice seedling) Rice seeds of premium quality named as Pusa Basmati rice seeds was used to determine the efficiency of compost derived from different trials. A stainless steel tray of a particular dimension (0.3 x 0.3) meter was required in the setup. Hydrogen Peroxide was required for sterilizing purposes and distilled water was used for soaking. In addition to these, a BOD incubator was used for experimenting with a temperature-controlled setup. A caliper and a weighing machine were used to calculate the seedling parameters like fresh weight, seedling height, root length, etc. Root length is one of the important seedling parameters for any crop as it is a gateway to absorb nutrients for plants. At the first observation on the 9th day of plantation (dap) T1 had the highest root length of 6.5 cm and T2 had the shortest root length of 5.8 cm. In all the trials the root length gradually increased but it reached the highest value of 9.1 cm for the case of T1, similarly the value for T2 varied in the range of (5.8–8) cm, for T3 it varied in the range of (6.1-9) cm, for T4 it varied in the range of (6.8-8) cm (Fig. 7 (B)). Various impurities can cause damage to plant cells and inhibit root growth (Yu 2023). The fresh weight of rice seedlings is that parameter that reflects their quality and the health effect it will cause on their consumption. The initial weight for all trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 were roughly the same but later when observed at respective intervals of dap they all increased in value gradually. The T1 sample reached the value of 0.59 gram, T2 reached the lowest value of 0.44 grams, and T3 and T4 reached a value of 0.55 and 0.54 grams respectively (Fig. 7 (D)). Growth of rice height indicates faster growth. All the trials showed an increase in rice height. T1 showed the maximum value of 7.2 cm right from the first observation on the 9th day after planting and it grew with the same efficiency as seen on the last observation showing a rice height of 18.9 cm while T2 showed the least value of 6.1 cm on first observation and 17 cm on the last observation at 21st day after plantation. Similarly, T3 and T4 varied in the range of (7–18.3) cm and (6.9–18) cm respectively (Fig. 7 (C)). It is an indication of efficient nutrient cycling and good quality of compost (iswahyudi 2024). No significant difference in the number of leaves was noticed concerning all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4. However, T2 reflected the occurrence of the least number of leaves while T1, T3, and T4 reflected a similar occurrence of several leaves (Fig. 7 (A)). 3.6 Correlation Studies with Physico-chemical Parameters and Comparison to Global Benchmarks A heat map with a scale bar, as shown in Fig. 9 was generated to highlight the significant relationships in physicochemical parameters following calculation of Pearson's correlation among the 12 variables. The content of ammoniacal nitrogen showed correlation which indicated that increase in temperature causes microbial degradation of organic matters producing heat and CO 2 . EC was positively correlated with TN, TP, TK and the ash content of rock powder; thus, higher nutrient and ash content in plant tissue may lead to an increase in ion concentration by plants (Marschner 2012). Compost decomposition of lignocellulosic materials (which are the major components of plant cell walls) promotes nutrient availability including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium constituents particularly from theirs water soluble forms (Fageria 2009). In the compost pile, these complex structures are broken down by microbes and the nutrients become available for plants to use. The suitability of the final compost shown by its compost parameters with respect to global compost standards, Indian Fertilizer Control Order, 1985(Singh 2017), Organic Fertilizer Standard No. GB 18877–2009 issued by China (zhang 2012). Moisture content was found to be higher than the threshold value of 30% prescribed by Indian Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 in all the trials. If the water content exceeds a certain level, it will cause the compost to become heavy and more difficult to handle; this is why removing water from the compost can alter handling properties. The pH of all compost from trials were within the permissible range. All trials have promoted a decrease on the electrical conductivity (EC) which should be related to N, P and K due to concentrations. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio remained within permissible limits as per the Indian Fertilizer Control Order. Conclusion The influence on the composting process with different plant leaf biomass forms under in-vessel composter using organic inoculum. The main aim was to find out the effect of the addition of organic inoculum on the maturity and compost quality. Results of the experiment confirmed the successful production of mature compost by shredding and grinding the plant leaf biomass and the efficient application of organic inoculum. Among all trial numbers T1, the one incorporating grinded plant leaf biomass with organic inoculum as an additive was demonstrated to greatly enhance the composting process. While T2 didn’t show any promising results may be because of the presence of unshred plant leaf biomass which didn’t provide an efficient opportunity for microbial activity. The in-vessel composting technology played a crucial role in controlling temperatures during the experiments. Declarations Acknowledgment The authors sincerely thank the management of Sharda University for providing the essential facilities to carry out the research work. Funding This project has been funded by the Sharda University Seed Fund Grant Scheme (Letter Number: SU/SF/2023/18). Declaration of interests .The authors declare that they have no competing interests related to the research presented in this manuscript. References Adhikari BK, Barrington S, Martinez J, King S (2009) Effectiveness of three bulking agents for food waste composting. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5292670","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":374590881,"identity":"ce45f4d1-2124-4368-8b78-f8baab22a03b","order_by":0,"name":"Hrishikesh Shivam","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sharda University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hrishikesh","middleName":"","lastName":"Shivam","suffix":""},{"id":374590882,"identity":"2f553b51-fa7a-4c9d-81b9-57479a862bcb","order_by":1,"name":"Dayanand Sharma","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABK0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDCCAxCKsYGBB8yQY5AAkjwwQWK0GJOuJbEBoQU74Dt+xvBzQc0d2Qb+swc/V+bYpc+f3fzsw5saBnn+Bua2B1i0SJ7JMZaeceyZcYNEXrLk2W3JuRvuHDOeOecYg+GMA4ztBli0GBzIMZDmYTsMdA+PgWTjNubcDRIJxsw8bAyMGxgY2ySwaTn/xvg3zz+gFv4zxj8bt9Wny89I/8zM84/BHqeWGzlm0rxtQC0MOWZAWw4nMNzIMWbmbWNIxKVF8sazMmvevsPGbRI5ZpaN244bbriRU8w4t08iecZh7Fr4zidvvs3z7bBsP9BhNxu3VcsDHbaZ4c03G9v+9vZn2LQwMHBAQoUNTRiomBmreiBgf4BLZhSMglEwCkYBBAAAcGxl5zVQrtMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Sharda University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dayanand","middleName":"","lastName":"Sharma","suffix":""},{"id":374590883,"identity":"5f336638-ccb8-429d-a136-93143eb0a23f","order_by":2,"name":"Ashish Kumar Nayak","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Indian Institute of Technology 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composting process\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/91f58d74adbe7c363a584e2e.png"},{"id":69327970,"identity":"1f20a5c3-dc5d-47d5-8333-a105a21da418","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:25:29","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":154174,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eVariations of (A) Temperature, (B) pH, (C) Moisture content, (D) Electrical Conductivity\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/4eb46b5286057710bcb75d3d.png"},{"id":69328202,"identity":"f8c961c1-5d8d-48c2-aeb7-27efa337a99c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:33:29","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":146209,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eVariations of (A) Nitrogen, (B) C/N, (C) Total organic carbon, (D) Volatile solid content\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/2880b0cf6e6f9d633aabb0c2.png"},{"id":69327969,"identity":"4cc97cf7-6787-4897-9315-90346282b911","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:25:29","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":143049,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eVariations of (A) Cellulose, (B) Hemicellulose, (C) Lignin, (D) Calcium\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/7c19d1980c73a322a51937c8.png"},{"id":69327971,"identity":"5805933c-b5bc-4745-9f4a-f0345b324268","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:25:29","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":137269,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eVariations of (A) Ash, (B) Ammoniacal Nitrogen, (C) Phosphorus, (D) Potassium\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/f8858174ed0dba16d7c484a5.png"},{"id":69327975,"identity":"e8a36d59-159e-446b-9676-09ffb3bc2ddb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:25:29","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":104784,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eVariations of (A) Number of leaves, (B) Root length, (C) Growth of rice height, (D) Weight of rice seedling, (E) Germination index percentage\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/dcfd2dec5cd737e940cac4e2.png"},{"id":69329174,"identity":"e68d085d-582c-42a8-8409-e7b209a52ad7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:41:29","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":874580,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at a significance level, p \u0026lt;0.05 to find significant and non-significant differences between means of different pairwise comparison of treatments of pH (A), phosphorous (B), nitrogen (C), electrical conductivity (D), total organic carbon (E) and total ash content (F).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/3f5f97a0563df515cb85e581.png"},{"id":69327974,"identity":"718ba9ba-f813-45fb-baf2-49bc84891afa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:25:29","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1084678,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at a significance level, p \u0026lt;0.05 to find significant and non-significant differences between means of different pairwise comparisons of treatments of total volatile solids (A), C/N ratio (B), potassium (C), lignin (D), cellulose (E) and hemicellulose (F).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/4b8cab0a32f7cbd3c9d9d039.png"},{"id":69327976,"identity":"b2d870e3-0f3e-44e2-90f7-f0f36e9c2ce1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:25:29","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1079332,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCorrelation plot of Pearson's correlation coefficients of all parameters at significance level p\u0026lt;0.05 in which the size of the circle is proportional to the strength of the correlation. TEMP: temperature, MC: moisture content, EC: electrical conductivity, TVS: total volatile solids, TOC: total organic carbon, ASH: ash content, NH\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e-N: ammoniacal nitrogen, TN: total nitrogen, TP: total phosphorus, TK: total potassium, C/N: C/N ratio, CLL: cellulose, HEL: hemicellulose, LIG: Lignin\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/4bcb51a706f81bf011ea20b9.png"},{"id":69330661,"identity":"f0770e7b-2706-416d-9591-5fe5b6c19080","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-19 08:57:31","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":4338636,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5292670/v1/0cd0d7e7-a4c0-4fcd-b4c7-741ab531a5a0.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Composting of Garden Waste Using Organic Inoculum in a Portable Temperature-Controlled Reactor: Process Optimization and Evaluation of Compost Efficiency","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eWith the fast-growing urbanization simultaneously there is a rise in the production of garden waste including dry leaves, stems, twigs, grasses, flowers, etc which indeed is posing a challenge for local government agencies everywhere to ensure its proper management and disposal. 50\u0026ndash;60% of solid waste produced in developing country is organic waste (Yadav et al., 2022). The percentage fraction of garden waste is 12 to 15% in municipal solid waste generated in India (Mishra 2021). In India, prime sources of garden waste are community parks, gardens, recreational centers, etc. Garden waste is heterogeneous with low density (50\u0026ndash;75 kg/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) which occupies more space as compared to other organic waste such as food waste and vegetable waste (Kumar 2010) due to this its collection and disposal are major problems for municipal corporations, societies, etc. The origin of garden waste is basically from two types of trees which are deciduous trees and coniferous trees which we call an evergreen tree in general. The coniferous trees shed their leaves slowly and gradually throughout the year while the deciduous trees shed their leaves mostly once a year in the autumn season. Abscission is the name given to the process by which plants discard their leaves, flowers, or fruit. This is natural protective behaviour that allows plants to conserve resources in case of winter or drought. Signals of the environment like temperature changes, light, etc control abscission. Therefore it is a natural fact that we cannot stop the production of garden waste, so it\u0026rsquo;s mandatory to manage it efficiently. The current practices for disposing of garden waste, which include open dumping, incineration, and landfilling, are time-consuming and not environmentally beneficial because trash contains a high quantity of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which further entails land engagement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComposting is the biological breakdown of organic waste or material by microorganisms in regulated aerobic conditions, to create a highly beneficial soil amendment called compost. The three major factors that affect overall composting are temperature, aeration and moisture. The composting process has three primary phases: mesophilic phase, thermophilic phase, and maturation phase. Each stage is illustrated by different microbial colonization, temperature variation, and organic compounds degradation. In the mesophilic phase, the temperature lies between 20\u0026deg;C \u0026ndash; 40\u0026deg;C during this early phase mesophilic bacteria break down easily degradable organic materials. In the thermophilic phase, the temperature lies between 45\u0026deg;C \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;70\u0026deg;C in this phase the thermophilic bacteria break down the complex organic materials. The third and final phase is the maturation phase in which the temperature generally decreases back to ambient levels. In this phase also once again the mesophilic microorganisms dominate. \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eBernal 2009) discuss how temperatures between 50\u0026deg;C and 65\u0026deg;C are crucial for breaking down lignocellulosic materials which are abundantly present in garden waste hence in this study portable temperature-controlled in-vessel reactor was used to maintain thermophilic temperature since the beginning of the experiment. Proper aeration plays an essential role in the composting process to support microbial activity, heat regulation, odor control, homogeneous decomposition, etc (Tiquia 2002) The in-vessel reactor used for the present research having the facility of aeration supply via electricity driven pump connected to it. Similarly, maintenance of the optimum level of moisture around 65% is necessary for microbial activity, heat generation, prevention of anaerobic conditions, improved nutrient retention, and humus formation (Bernal 2009) so in all the trials similar moisture content is maintained in the in-vessel reactor.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe implementation of an in-vessel composting system specifically designed for the effective processing of dry leaves represents a highly portable, remarkably rapid, and economically viable approach to the management of widely dispersed dry leaves that are often found littering the environment. Furthermore, this innovative composting technique can generate organic manure that is rich in essential nutrients, thereby playing a significant role in the advancement of a society that is increasingly committed to sustainable practices and environmentally friendly initiatives. For example, research conducted by (Teshome 2019) showcased the utilization of a carefully formulated mixture comprising banana leaves, banana peels, Swiss chard, and soil to facilitate the composting process, while another research by (Mishra 2021) demonstrated the effective use of green waste in conjunction with a variety of organic waste proportions within an in-vessel reactor to optimize composting outcomes. Furthermore, (Teshome 2022) concentrated on composting banana peels as organic trash, but (Yang 2022) employed mature compost combined with green waste to accelerate composting processes (Adhikari 2009) experimented with various bulking agents for organic waste composting, whereas (Sharma 2024) added plant biomass to cattle manure to maintain moisture levels and improve composting efficiency. (Ozana 2020) investigated the use of bulking agents for composting sewage sludge in an in-vessel reactor. However, the literature shows that dry leaves alone have not been substantially researched for composting in this context.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile various studies have been confined to in-vessel composting of organic waste with dry leaves, there has been little research into dry leaves composting in particular. This study intends to close that gap by looking into the scientific disposal of dry leaves by utilizing an in-vessel technology. This study sheds new light on the ideal conditions for composting dry leaves by examining all compost factors. The study emphasizes the importance of moisture content, garden waste forms as well as additives in ensuring effective decomposition. This method provides a fresh viewpoint on garden waste management, helping to promote more effective and sustainable composting techniques.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted at Sharda University in Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, India (latitude 28.471956\u0026deg;, longitude 77.483761\u0026deg;).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSample Collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe primary materials used were dry leaves gathered from the Sharda University campus as well as some dumping sites in Greater Noida. Segregation was performed to remove contaminants such as plastic, paper, and thread to ensure particular material. The distribution of leaves varied significantly across different locations and depended on the specific plant or tree species. To prepare the leaves for composting, shredding and grinding was performed using a shredder cum grinder available at the Sharda University campus. This process reduced the leaf size to 2\u0026ndash;4 cm and in powder form optimizing the material for composting. This preparation step aligns with existing research (Sharma 2024) which emphasizes the importance of particle size in enhancing the composting process by promoting better aeration and faster decomposition. The complete experimental procedure is shown in the Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature-controlled portable In-vessel Reactor\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor advancing research in temperature-controlled environment, a rectangular shaped in-vessel reactor having an outside dimension of 2 x 2.2 meters and inside casing dimension of 1.5 x 1.5 meters was fabricated at Sharda University campus. In order to perform composting trials a cylindrical aluminium box having dimensions of 0.3 meter diameter and 0.3 meter height, having volume of 20 liters was used for keeping the experimental composition in the inner insulated casing of the in-vessel reactor. The Equipment was well equipped with a lightening facility, a digital temperature controlling meter for adjusting the desired temperature inside the in-vessel composter, MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) to overcome the problem of short-circuiting, and an aeration supplier. An aeration pump is attached to the system to provide hassle-free forced aeration to the samples. The aeration pump has turn on for 15 min at every one hour interval and the aeration rate of pump was fixed as 0.05 m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e min according to the experiment performed by the (Li 2023). Overall the composter is mounted on a four-legged support provided with wheels to make it stable as well as portable. The design and operation of the composter are aimed at maximizing efficiency and effectiveness in composting the dry leaves collected. In each trial the moisture content was maintained up to 65% by adding water or inoculum which was prepared in the laboratory. The quantity of water or inoculum mixed in each trial has shown in the Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrganic Inoculum\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn organic inoculum was made at Sharda University, Environment Engineering lab with the help of 25 liters of distilled water, 1 kg of cow dung, 750 grams of jaggery, 50 grams of chickpea flour, and 125 grams of organic compost powder was mixed in a drum, the mixture was kept undisturbed in the lab for 7 days. After 7 days, 25 liters of water was mixed in the drum to make the organic inoculum ready to use to increase microbial activity in the selected trials since the beginning. Prepared organic inoculum or tap water was mixed in trials with different forms of plant leaves biomass which varied in proportions by weight inspite of the same size of accomodating in-vessel reactor due to different values of their density and porosity as shown in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e. \u003cem\u003eParameter Analysing Method\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor every combination, three sets of test experiments were conducted, and the average value was noted. A typical sample, approximately 400\u0026ndash;500 g in weight, was taken from the top, middle, and bottom of the box. After that, the sample was kept in an oven for 24 to 72 hours at 80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C. Subsequently, the material was crushed and run through a 0.2 mm mesh filter for further physicochemical analysis sampling. Temperature was measured using a digital thermometer. The gravimetric method (BIS No. 10158, 1982) was used to determine the moisture content. (Guo 2012) described the use of a combination of pH and EC meter to determine pH and electrical conductivity. (Adhikari 2009) describe to measured and estimated volatile solids, carbon content, and total nitrogen.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA flame photometer was used to measure calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to determine the existence and concentrations of the elements Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn. Various parameters like Nitrogen, Volatile solid, Ash, C/N ratio, temperature, moisture, pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Organic Carbon, etc. were examined at intervals of 5 days to evaluate the degradation rate of the compost for 30 days. Four different trials were performed using different configurations to examine different results of composting. The final and initial results of all trials are shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe different combinations of organic dry leaves and water/ inoculum of each trials.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS.No\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of Waste Material\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeight in kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmount of Inoculum Added\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmount of Water Added\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrinded plant leaf biomass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5 kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14 liters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnshred plant leaf biomass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5 kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 liters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShredded plant leaf biomass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5 kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16 liters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShredded plant leaf biomass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5 kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20 liters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDensity and porosity of different forms of plant leaf biomass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSr.no\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForm of Garden waste\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDensity( Kg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePorosity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnshredded\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShredded\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrinded\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical Analysis:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe significance of divergence among all physicochemical and biological parameters was calculated using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a level of significance less than 0.05 (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). For the computation of variance, SPSS 13.0 software was utilized.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnova table for variation of all parameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSum of Squares\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003edf\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean Square\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSig.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNitrogen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.699\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.223\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e.042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.342\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.171\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.839\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003epH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.402\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.801\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e.243\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.289\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.657\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.059\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3806748.304\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1268916.101\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e130257.308\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.742\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6773380.036\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10580128.339\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTOC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106.379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.460\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.877\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e201.581\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e307.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsh\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e363.857\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121.286\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.030\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.111\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e261.571\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e625.429\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e297.714\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99.238\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.456\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.310\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e387.714\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e685.429\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC/N\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2873.535\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e957.845\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e177.792\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.387\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9245.196\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12118.731\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePhosphorus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.062\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.021\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e.009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.085\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.462\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.524\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePotassium\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.618\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.206\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e.685\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.222\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.030\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.605\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.223\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003elignin\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e339.694\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e113.231\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.291\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e935.915\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.998\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1275.609\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ecellulose\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3218.720\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1072.907\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e187.576\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.720\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9753.970\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12972.689\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHemicellulose\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155.722\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.907\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.744\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.703\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e402.667\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e558.389\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperature, moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTemperature plays a important role in composting, affecting the organic matter decomposition rate and determining the initial stages of the thermophilic phase, high temperatures increase the speed of lignocellulose compound breakdown, which is typically a solid temperature that is a critical factor in the process of composting, specifically in-vessel composting. Due to the major advantage of temperature control property, all the trials experienced the thermophilic phase since the beginning of the experiment as the temperature in the panel was set to 55\u0026deg;C (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e (A)), and the same continued till the 30th day of composting. Trials T1, T3, and T4 showed a temperature in the range of 58\u0026deg;- 55\u0026deg; C while trial T2 showed a temperature range of 58\u0026deg;- 50\u0026deg;C, hence it was observed that the shredded and grinded sample distributed the heat throughout and thus increased the microbial activity. The temperature of the pile may be a direct indicator of the microbial activity and composting process (Chen 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoisture level is crucial for effective composting, as it influences substrate degradation and microbial metabolism (zhang 2023). In this study monitoring moisture content is relevant as it helps gauge the efficiency of the composting process and ensures the optimal environment for microbial growth. The moisture content of all the trials was maintained at a standard of 65% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e(C)). In trials T1, T2, and T3 the moisture was maintained with the help of organic inoculum with varied proportions, while in trial T4 it was maintained with the help of tap water as discussed in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.T2 required the least amount of inoculum 10 liters by volume while T3 required the most amount of additive that is 16 liters by volume in maintaining the optimal moisture content level for the survival and activity of microorganism.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pH level is an important indicator of compost maturity, indicating the decomposition rate of organic material and influencing microbial populations in compost culture. It changes significantly over the composting process (Sharma 2024) with a decrease in pH at the beginning due to the effect of organic acids, which aid in breaking down complex sources. The initial value of pH for all the trials was in the range of 7.4\u0026ndash;7.9 as every trial constituted the same basic material of plant leaf biomass, it increased gradually under the effect of thermophilic temperature, proper moisture and aeration. The pH of the final compost in all trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 reached the alkaline range of 8-8.5 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e(B)). During the thermophilic stage, the pH rises due to elevated levels of electrolytes and the process of ammonia volatilization. As compost ages, the pH levels become balanced, which maintain optimal conditions for a wide range of microbial communities and completes the stabilization process. Monitoring the pH levels throughout the composting process guarantees the most favorable conditions for microbial activity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectrical conductivity (EC) is a vital factor in horticulture and agriculture as it determines the amount of salt present in compost materials and the degree of decomposition. EC reflects the amount of soluble salts such as ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium being released from decomposing organic material in a solution (Wichuk \u0026amp; McCartney 2010). A decrease in EC indicates compost stabilization and maturation as reflected in the case of all the trials whether it is T1, T2, T3, and T4 shows a decreasing trend of values (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e(D)). If we consider initial days value T2 had the lowest initial day value of 1.366 mS/cm, rest T1, T3 and T4 all three had almost same initial value for electrical conductivity, the major decrement in the values of all the trials was visible right after 10 days as peak microbial activity in the thermophilic phase also affects salt concentration while if we consider the final day compost values T1 reflected the lowest value of 0.65 mS/cm, as the reduced compacted volume provides a better opportunity for microbes in composting. Elevated electrical conductivity (EC) values can impede the growth of plants and inhibit the germination of seeds. EC reflects the amount of soluble salts such as nitrate, phosphate, ammonium and potassium being released from decomposing organic material in a solution (Ozana 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTotal organic carbon (TOC), Total volatile solid (TVS), Nitrogen content, Carbon nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal Organic Carbon (TOC) is a fundamental measure in compost breakdown and stabilization, as it determines the total carbon among organic compounds in compost feedstock. TOC of all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 showed a trend of decreasing values. The initial carbon content of T2 was the maximum and T4 was the minimum among all reflecting values of 43.33% and 39.32%. While the final value of T3 reached the minimum of 33%, which may be due to the inoculum effect and reduced size of plant leaf biomass. T2 showed sudden variation while T1, T3, and T4 showed a gradual decrease in values (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e(C)). During composting, TOC content generally decreases due to microbial carbon utilization, as bacteria and fungi adapt to free carbon in soil and decompose organic into CO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e0 with stable organics (Sharma 2022)(Nema 2021).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal Volatile Solids (TVS) is a way to measure how much organic matter is in a sample. At 550\u0026deg;C, it starts to become gas. In all four trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 showed a gradual decline in their respective values (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e(D)). Initially, T2 had the highest TVS value of 78 it was reduced to 70%. The TVS content of T1, T3, and T4 varied in the range of 72\u0026ndash;65% this reflection of a steady decrease in value, indicates earlier mineralization of organic matter with improved composting processes (Gajalakshmi \u0026amp; Abbasi 2008) which indeed is a result of temperature control since the beginning of the experiment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCarbon nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) refers to the balance between carbon and nitrogen in materials being composted. In all trials, T1, T2, T3, and T4 the C/N ratio decreased abruptly. T2 had the maximum initial value of 80.25 which was reduced to a value of 47.25 because of the greater presence of brown content (Adhikari 2009). Rest for all the trials T1, T3, and T4 the value of C/N ratio decreased in the range of 78\u0026ndash;23 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e(B)). Overall an efficient C/N ratio was observed in the experiment. High C/N ratios can delay composting, leading to longer composting periods (Insam \u0026amp; de Bertoldi 2007). A low C/N ratio (excess nitrogen) can result in excessive ammonia production, leading to nitrogen loss through volatilization.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNitrogen is an essential component in the process of composting, The decomposition of organic material and the general effectiveness of compost as a soil enhancer depend on nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen in the materials has a significant impact on the microbial activity during composting. Nitrogen is crucial for the growth and reproduction of microorganisms that decompose organic matter. The Nitrogen content increased in all the trials gradually. The initial value of nitrogen in all the trials was almost the same at 0.65% and later at the end of composting periods T1, T2, T3, and T4, the value reached the points of 1.1, 0.82, 1.38, and 1.23% respectively, reflecting T2 to have the lowest nitrogen content (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e(A)). Studies have demonstrated that maintaining an ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio is essential for effective composting. The most desirable C/N ratio is between 25:1 (Bernal 2009) can be achieved by acquiring the desired nitrogen content.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCalcium, Lignin, Cellulose, Hemicellulose\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn compost, calcium (Ca) is a crucial component that is important for soil structure and plant health. During the composting process, calcium aids with pH regulation and promotes the microbial breakdown of organic matter. Additionally, it helps stabilize the finished compost product by encouraging the production of aggregates, which enhances soil aeration and structure. All the trials showed an increase in the calcium content (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e(D)). T1 reached the maximum value of 1202 mg/kg from its initial value of 1012 mg/kg. Similarly, T2 varied in the range of (759\u0026ndash;1158) mg/kg .T3 and T4 reflected similar variations of calcium content they varied in the range of (995\u0026ndash;1195) mg/kg as both consisted of same form of garden waste. For agricultural and horticultural uses, calcium's presence in compost is advantageous because it is particularly crucial for plant root development, nutrient uptake, and general plant health (Tognetti 2007).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariations of various macro and micronutrients in the final compost\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"11\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eName of Parameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrial 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrial 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrial 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrial 4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFAI\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(2007)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTMECC (\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMoisture (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u0026ndash;55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u0026ndash;45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003epH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u0026ndash;8.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.5\u0026ndash;8.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eElectrical Conductivity (mS/cm)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge; 4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal Volatile Solids (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal Organic Carbon (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal Nitrogen (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u0026ndash;3.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCarbon/Nitrogen Ratio\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026le; 25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhosphorus (mg/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u0026ndash;1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePotassium (mg/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u0026ndash;1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHemicellulose (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCellulose (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLignin (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCalcium (mg/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1012\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1202\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e759\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1158\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1195\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e997\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1189\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIron (mg/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e158.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e129.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e158.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnesium(mg/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e248\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e260.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e248\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e249.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e257.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e249.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e256.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZinc(mg/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e193\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e251.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e191\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e194.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e248.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e194.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e247.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLignin content of all the trials showed a decreasing trend in general (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e(C)). T1, T3, and T4 showed a major decrease in lignin content while T2 reflected just a slight decrease in lignin content from (13.2\u0026ndash;11.31) % (Ben\u0026iacute;tez 1999) also noted a restricted degradation of lignin in composting systems with unsatisfactory conditions, including inadequate oxygen levels and microbial diversity while in T1, T3, and T4 the lignin content reduced a lot in the range of (13\u0026ndash;0.11) %. This significant decrease is similar with findings from (Tuomela 2000), who reported that efficient lignin breakdown is often associated with high temperatures, adequate aeration, and the presence of specialized microbes, such as ligninolytic fungi. The differences in lignin reduction between the trials suggest that specific environmental factors and microbial communities played a key role in the varying outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe breakdown of cellulose is an important index of organic matter decomposition in composting processes. Cellulose content deviated the least in trial T2 from 43.63 to 39.29% while in T1, T3, and T4 the value decreased a lot in the range of (43.60\u0026ndash;3.90)% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e(A)). Due to the advantage of temperature controlled experiment the major declination of cellulose content was visible after 10 days of the beginning of the experiment. The decrement of cellulose content in all the trials, and the microbial abundance and enzyme activity of the compost promote the degradation of cellulose (Song 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHemicellulose, commonly called polyose, is a type of heteropolymer found in conjunction with cellulose in the cell walls of nearly all land-based plant species. Hemicellulose was reduced in all the trials, in the range of (10\u0026ndash;0.5) % reflecting the application of inoculum in the prolonged thermophilic phase developed due to the temperature control in the in-vessel reactor except T2 in which a decline in Hemicellulose % was observed but not very significant. In the case of T1, T3, and T4 the value reduced abruptly in the heating and thermophilic phases it was quick at that time but later on slowed (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e(B)).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAmmoniacal Nitrogen, Ash, Phosphorus, Potassium\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmmoniacal nitrogen is a form of nitrogen that includes both ammonia (NH\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e) and ammonium ions (NH\u003csub\u003e4+\u003c/sub\u003e). It is a indicator of compost maturity and its quality. Ammoniacal nitrogen in compost should be less than 400 mg/ kg to avoid any negative effects on safety and crop yield (Bernal 2009). All the trials showed a gradual decline in the value of ammoniacal nitrogen percentage (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e(B)), this reflects that the composting process went well hence most nitrogen is present in a more stable form like nitrate. The value of ammoniacal nitrogen at the end of the composting period in trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 129, 60, 135, and 142 percent respectively. It also signifies that the whole process was carried out with proper aeration, moisture control, maintenance of C/N ratio, etc.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsh content is commonly determined by incinerating a dehydrated compost sample at a high temperature (generally approximately 550\u0026deg;C) until all organic matter is completely oxidized, leaving behind just the inorganic minerals. The ash content percentage of all the trials showed a slight increase in value due to peak value in the thermophilic phase of the composting process (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e(A)). In T1 the value of ash content varied from 28 to 29% in T2, the value increased from 22 to 25% in T4, it varied from 34 to 35% while in T3 it varied from 27 to 31% hence T3 exhibited maximum ash the condition implies probably because of feedstock composition or more efficient microbial activity (Adhikari 2009).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePhosphorus content denoted as P is one of the crucial parameters in the composting process as it plays an essential role in microbial metabolism and ATP synthesis. In all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 the phosphorus content percentage showed a slight increment the value varied in the range of (1.04\u0026ndash;1.14)% while the most gradual increase was noticed after 10 days in the composting process (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e(C)). The initial phosphorus in the materials has a significant influence on the compost's final phosphorus (Liang 2003).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePotassium (K) is a crucial crop nutrient that regulates water within plants and aids in photosynthesis. Gradual Increment in the value of Potassium content percentage was noticed in all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e(D)). The concentration effect of organic decomposition and mass loss (Hao 2004) leads to an increase in potassium Initial Potassium content was similar in all the trials with a value around 0.55 mg/kg. In trial T1, the value reached the maximum value of 3.52 mg/kg while T2 was confined to a value of 0.96%, the lowest among all trials at the end of the composting period. Similarly, T3 and T4 varied in the range of (0.59\u0026ndash;3.32)mg/kg and (0.59\u0026ndash;2.89)mg/kg respectively. It also indicates compost quality and nutrient stabilization (Bernal 2009).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e3.5 Seedling parameters (Root length, growth of rice height, number of leaves, fresh weight rice seedling)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice seeds of premium quality named as Pusa Basmati rice seeds was used to determine the efficiency of compost derived from different trials. A stainless steel tray of a particular dimension (0.3 x 0.3) meter was required in the setup. Hydrogen Peroxide was required for sterilizing purposes and distilled water was used for soaking. In addition to these, a BOD incubator was used for experimenting with a temperature-controlled setup. A caliper and a weighing machine were used to calculate the seedling parameters like fresh weight, seedling height, root length, etc.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoot length is one of the important seedling parameters for any crop as it is a gateway to absorb nutrients for plants. At the first observation on the 9th day of plantation (dap) T1 had the highest root length of 6.5 cm and T2 had the shortest root length of 5.8 cm. In all the trials the root length gradually increased but it reached the highest value of 9.1 cm for the case of T1, similarly the value for T2 varied in the range of (5.8\u0026ndash;8) cm, for T3 it varied in the range of (6.1-9) cm, for T4 it varied in the range of (6.8-8) cm (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e(B)). Various impurities can cause damage to plant cells and inhibit root growth (Yu 2023).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fresh weight of rice seedlings is that parameter that reflects their quality and the health effect it will cause on their consumption. The initial weight for all trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 were roughly the same but later when observed at respective intervals of dap they all increased in value gradually. The T1 sample reached the value of 0.59 gram, T2 reached the lowest value of 0.44 grams, and T3 and T4 reached a value of 0.55 and 0.54 grams respectively (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e(D)).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrowth of rice height indicates faster growth. All the trials showed an increase in rice height. T1 showed the maximum value of 7.2 cm right from the first observation on the 9th day after planting and it grew with the same efficiency as seen on the last observation showing a rice height of 18.9 cm while T2 showed the least value of 6.1 cm on first observation and 17 cm on the last observation at 21st day after plantation. Similarly, T3 and T4 varied in the range of (7\u0026ndash;18.3) cm and (6.9\u0026ndash;18) cm respectively (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e(C)). It is an indication of efficient nutrient cycling and good quality of compost (iswahyudi 2024).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo significant difference in the number of leaves was noticed concerning all the trials T1, T2, T3, and T4. However, T2 reflected the occurrence of the least number of leaves while T1, T3, and T4 reflected a similar occurrence of several leaves (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e(A)).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.6 Correlation Studies with Physico-chemical Parameters and Comparison to Global Benchmarks\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA heat map with a scale bar, as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e was generated to highlight the significant relationships in physicochemical parameters following calculation of Pearson's correlation among the 12 variables. The content of ammoniacal nitrogen showed correlation which indicated that increase in temperature causes microbial degradation of organic matters producing heat and CO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. EC was positively correlated with TN, TP, TK and the ash content of rock powder; thus, higher nutrient and ash content in plant tissue may lead to an increase in ion concentration by plants (Marschner 2012). Compost decomposition of lignocellulosic materials (which are the major components of plant cell walls) promotes nutrient availability including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium constituents particularly from theirs water soluble forms (Fageria 2009). In the compost pile, these complex structures are broken down by microbes and the nutrients become available for plants to use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe suitability of the final compost shown by its compost parameters with respect to global compost standards, Indian Fertilizer Control Order, 1985(Singh 2017), Organic Fertilizer Standard No. GB 18877\u0026ndash;2009 issued by China (zhang 2012). Moisture content was found to be higher than the threshold value of 30% prescribed by Indian Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 in all the trials. If the water content exceeds a certain level, it will cause the compost to become heavy and more difficult to handle; this is why removing water from the compost can alter handling properties. The pH of all compost from trials were within the permissible range. All trials have promoted a decrease on the electrical conductivity (EC) which should be related to N, P and K due to concentrations. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio remained within permissible limits as per the Indian Fertilizer Control Order.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe influence on the composting process with different plant leaf biomass forms under in-vessel composter using organic inoculum. The main aim was to find out the effect of the addition of organic inoculum on the maturity and compost quality. Results of the experiment confirmed the successful production of mature compost by shredding and grinding the plant leaf biomass and the efficient application of organic inoculum. Among all trial numbers T1, the one incorporating grinded plant leaf biomass with organic inoculum as an additive was demonstrated to greatly enhance the composting process. While T2 didn\u0026rsquo;t show any promising results may be because of the presence of unshred plant leaf biomass which didn\u0026rsquo;t provide an efficient opportunity for microbial activity. The in-vessel composting technology played a crucial role in controlling temperatures during the experiments.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;The authors sincerely thank the management of Sharda University for providing the essential facilities to carry out the research work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis project has been funded by the Sharda University Seed Fund Grant Scheme (Letter Number:\u0026nbsp;SU/SF/2023/18).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclaration of interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.The authors declare that they have no competing interests related to the research presented in this manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAdhikari BK, Barrington S, Martinez J, King S (2009) Effectiveness of three bulking agents for food waste composting. 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Implementation of organic fertilizer standards in China: challenges and opportunities. Agric Sci Technol. 2012; 8(5):455-60.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"chemical-papers","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"chpa","sideBox":"Learn more about [Chemical Papers](http://link.springer.com/journal/11696)","snPcode":"11696","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/CHPA/default.aspx","title":"Chemical Papers","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Garden waste, thermophilic temperature, MCB, Seedling, Nutrients, Inoculum","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5292670/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5292670/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eWith the fast-growing urbanization simultaneously there is a rise in the production of garden waste including dry leaves, stems, twigs, grasses, flowers, etc which indeed is posing a challenge for local government agencies everywhere to ensure its proper management and disposal. To overcome the problem of garden waste controlled temperature and aeration flow rate reactor has fabricated. . Four trials T1, T2, T3, and T4\u0026nbsp; were executed constituting different forms of garden waste like grinded, un-shredded, shredded with additives, and shredded without additives, and were carried out for 30 days using a portable temperature-controlled in-vessel reactor. The temperature (50- 60\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC) has maintained during the process of composting and moisture has maintained up to 65% throughout the composting period. The trial 1 was the best combination among the all trials in which the variation of pH was (7.7-8.2), total organic carbon (40-37.6), total nitrogen (0.6-1.1), C:N ratio (61.5-34.2), cellulose (43.3-3.9), hemicellulose (10.1-0.6) and lignin (13.1-0.11) at the end of 30 days. The degradation rate of Un-shredded leaves was found to be very slow due large size of dry leaves. The findings demonstrated that effective garden waste management is feasible by following specific criteria, which decreases the environmental impact of current disposal.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Composting of Garden Waste Using Organic Inoculum in a Portable Temperature-Controlled Reactor: Process Optimization and Evaluation of Compost Efficiency","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-11-19 08:25:24","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5292670/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2025-09-15T20:43:38+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2024-11-06T01:09:26+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"Chemical Papers","date":"2024-10-28T21:00:13+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-10-23T00:55:41+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Chemical Papers","date":"2024-10-21T05:14:50+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"chemical-papers","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"chpa","sideBox":"Learn more about [Chemical Papers](http://link.springer.com/journal/11696)","snPcode":"11696","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/CHPA/default.aspx","title":"Chemical Papers","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"72aa3582-38a5-4ded-a256-b776ad2310af","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 19th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-11-19T08:25:25+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-11-19 08:25:24","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5292670","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5292670","identity":"rs-5292670","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}