Sustainable conversion of silkworm waste into nutrient rich compost using various decomposers

Abstract

The present field study was conducted to evaluate the bioconversion of silkworm rearing waste into nutrient rich compost using various decomposers under farmer’s conditions through on farm testing during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in Kolar district, Karnataka. Four treatments were tested, and compost was analyzed after 90 days. Microbial inoculation significantly enhanced nutrient enrichment and biomass conversion. Organic carbon increased from 44.0% in T1 to 51.0% in T4, while total N rose from 1.24% to 1.99%, decreasing the C:N ratio from 26.52 to 23.94. The highest P and K were in T3 (0.52% and 6.75%). Micronutrient enrichment peaked in T4 (Zn 42.10 ppm, Cu 8.20 ppm, Fe 1742 ppm, Mn 158.30 ppm, B 24.60 ppm). Compost yield improved from 720 kg ton⁻¹ (T1) to 940 kg ton⁻¹ (T4), indicating superior biomass recovery. Results demonstrate that microbial consortia-based composting, particularly T4, is effective for seri-waste valorization and sustainable nutrient recycling compare to T1 (control).