Microbial bioconversion of agricultural wastes for rural sanitation and soil carbon enrichment

Abstract

Managing agricultural wastes and plant residues and returning them to agricultural and horticultural land are one of the most important ways of improving the fertility of the soil for sustainable agriculture. In fact, organic matter is known as a fertility pillar due to its constructive effects on physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. The production of compost from agricultural and industrial wastes, while reducing the risks of water and soil pollution caused by using these materials in the environment, can also reduce input costs for farmers. In the production of compost, many parameters determine the mode and duration of composting. In the present chapter, compost production process, factors affecting composting process, organic matter compounds in organic wastes, organic wastes decomposers, value of microbial inoculation for organic waste decomposition, suitable microorganisms for organic waste decomposition, and finally quality criteria of produced compost for use in agriculture are reviewed and discussed.