Physical Parameters of Compost Made from Cattle Farming Waste Using Vermicomposting Method

Abstract

Cattle Farm should not only be focusing on increasing productivity and maximizing profit but also on the environmental issue that happens around it. Recycling the waste and turning it into fertilizer is an excellent method of waste management. Effective and efficient organic waste management also provides great benefits for humans. One method that can be used is by using the vermicomposting method using Lumbricus rubellus earthworm inside a bamboo reactor. In this research there are two bamboo reactors are used, Reactor A contains a mixture of cow dung and rice straw, and Reactor B containing cow manure only. Physical parameters that were observed are moisture content, pH, temperature, color, and odor. The data were taken around weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. It shows that the composts have water content values over 50%, pH values between 6-9, temperatures of <30 C, blackish in color, and an odor that resembles the smell of soil. From the four parameters examined, only the water content did not fulfill the SNI 19-7030-2004 requirement about the standard of compost quality, however water content can be controlled by drying.