Enhancing Sugarcane Field Residue Biodegradation By Grinding and Use of Compost Tea

Compost Science & Utilization, (2006), Vol. 14, No. 1, 32-39

Steven G. Hall (1), David A. Schellinger (2) and William A. Carney (2)

1. Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering,
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2. W. A. Callegari Environmental Center, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

An evaluation of biological processes for improving in-situ degradation of the sugarcane harvesting field residue (trash mat) was performed at the W. A. Callegari Environmental Center near Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A combination of mechanical (shredding) and biological (compost tea) mechanisms was explored for enhancing degradation of this material in the field. Biological inoculums (compost teas) were generated during different phases of compost production and evaluated to determine if biologically active or finished composts produced more suitable biological inoculums to enhance degradation of trash mat. Microbiological enumeration was performed on compost teas and carbon dioxide evolution was used to assess microbiological activity associated with trash mat degradation. Mechanical chopping does significantly increase the rate of trash mat degradation. Specific results suggest that extracting compost teas during phases of composting which most closely match thermal conditions of the extraction method and trash mat in the field may prove effective for improving degradation of field residuals, but further studies are needed to quantify this hypothesis. This technology has relevance in agricultural production where excess field residual removal is required.

Copyright 2007, The JG Press, Inc.