Survey, characterization and composting studies of agricultural product producers and traders association market (APPTA) wastes of Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu (India)

Abstract

Wates generated in APPTA market in Kanyakumari district created the problems of disposal. Hence, an attempt was made for surveying, characterization and composting of APPTA market waste. From the survey, it was found that a quantity of 1200 tonnes of solid waste was generated every year in the APPTA market. Characterization for physical composition analysis recorded that that major portion of the APPTA market waste was banana bunch stalks/peduncle (80%) followed by banana threshes with a wide C:N ratio (93:1). Compost of APPTA market waste matured within 90 days of initiation of aerobic heap composting process (after removal non-degradable waste followed by shredding, addition of 2 kg bio-mineralizer and 4 kg N per tonnes of APPTA market waste with frequent turnings at weekly intervals).