Optimized date palm waste composting: Accelerating maturity via C:N ratio and moisture adjustments using a rotary drum system

Date palm waste (DPW) compost poses several challenges attributed to its lignocellulosic composition, which restricts biodegradability.This study used DPW, chicken litter (CkL), and water to achieve 60% moisture and 30 C:N ratio, following a compost recipe calculator.Using a rotary drum bioreactor over 20 days, the thermophilic phase lasted 12 days, achieving a biodegradation rate of 0.51.During this process, bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH increased with 0.21 g/l, 1.84 dS/m, and 0.86, respectively.In contrast, free airspace (FAS) and moisture content (MC) decreased by 16.18% and 34.74%, respectively.Most nutrient content increased due to the mass loss.Ultimately, the C:N ratio dropped from 32.58 to 21.82, indicating maturity; however, the germination index was 57.56 9.43%, suggesting immaturity and moderate phytotoxicity.Although adjustments to the C:N ratio promoted early maturation, further modifications or time are required for complete maturation of the compost within the 20-day timeframe.