Composting of Agro-Phyto wastes: An Overview on Process, factors and Applications for Sustainability of Environment and Agriculture

Abstract

Composting is a naturally occurring process that turns organic waste materials like leaves, food scraps, and other organic wastes into a valuable manure that can improve the fertility and structure of the soil by introducing beneficial organisms, humus, and important plant nutrients. By breakdown, this process transforms the organic substance into inorganic and organic components. In recent years, composting received more attention due to pollution concerns. Loss of resources due to the continuous increase in wastes leads to environmental risks. The process of composting is of three types, i.e., aerobic, anaerobic and vermicomposting. Anaerobic composting occurs when there is no oxygen present, whereas aerobic composting occurs when oxygen is present. Vermicomposting is the breakdown of organic wastes by earthworms. The main purpose of composting is to stabilize waste used for land filling and mass reduction of solid waste. Its aim is to recycle the organic wastes to a natural product, i.e., manure. This study reviews the information on the conversion of organic wastes into a compost to reduce the environmental pollution. The use of central composting after separating organic and non-organic waste at source is one of the most innovative strategies especially in the fast-growing cities for the sustainability of environment.