Comparative analysis of animal manure substrates and decomposers on composting efficiency and nutrient profile of agricultural waste at Cagayan State University, Philippines

The effect of different animal manure substrates and decomposers on the decomposition rate and chemical components of compost produced using agricultural waste at the Integrated Farm of Cagayan State University, Philippines from August to November 2023. The experimental study was laid out in a completely randomized design-split plot with three replications. The results showed that in the case of poultry and goat dung substrates, breakdown was far higher compared to cattle manure. Trichoderma harzianum and African night crawlers in combination significantly accelerated breakdown. However, there was no interaction effect between decomposers and the types of manure. While nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the compost were not much altered by manure substrates or decomposers, both cattle and poultry manure substrates greatly influenced potassium levels in the compost.