94
3 Bio-augmented Composting of Organic Wastes in Villages and Towns
Fig. 3.15 Changes of
HULIS-C during different
composting treatments
3.4.1.2 Carbon in Humic-Like Substances
Compared with the control group, the carbon in humic-like substances (HULIS-C)
in the compost in the inoculated group improved by 67.63% while that of the alkalified group increased by 23.24%. This implies that inoculating complex microbial
system for degrading organic acids can significantly increase the humic content of
the compost (Fig. 3.15). By comparing with the compost in the control group, it can
be seen that chemical buffers also can promote the synthesis of humus of kitchen
waste compost to some extent.
3.4.1.3 Organic Carbon
Structural composition of organic matters can reflect the quality of compost, which
exerts guidance significance on land utilization mode of compost products. The
research showed that the compost with a low humification degree was favorable
for restoration of polluted soil while the compost with a high humification degree
was conductive to improving the water- and fertility-retention ability of soil. By
analyzing the compositions of organic carbon in compost products of kitchen wastes
inoculated with acidification-resistant complex microbial inoculants, the HULIS-C
in the compost reached 12%. The hydrophilic compositions with a low humification
degree showed the lowest carbon proportion (1.42%) while the sum of carbon in
humic acids and fulvic acid with a high humification degree was up to 10.31%,
which took up 85.07% of HULIS-C. The compost products of kitchen wastes were
in favor of improving water- and fertility-retention ability of soil.