Study of the Physical and Chemical Properties of the Compost Produced from Sawani Composting Plant

Abstract

In this study, monthly and freshly produced composite (morning, noon, and afternoon) compost samples were collected from Tripoli Organic Fertilizer Production Plant (composting facility). The physical, and chemical properties of the compost were investigated for one year starting from April of 2004 and on results of physical tests indicated that compost was not fully mature and contained higher percentage of foreign matters such as glass, and plastic than the suggested international standards. The average moisture content and water holding capacity were 59%, and 100% respectively. The water extract (1: 2.5) of the compost had an average PH of 6.6, and EC of 14.47 dm/m at 25°C. The average total content of N, P, and K were 0.77%, 82.3%, and 3866.7 mg/kg respectively. The average organic carbon and the organic matter content were 21%, and 37.87% respectively, while the C/N ratio was 1: 32. The average total concentration of trace elements , and heavy metals namely Fe , Cu , Zn , Mn , Pb , Ni , Cr , Cd , As , and Hg were determined , and were generally lower than the levels indicated by the quality control agencies , and organizations in most of the European Union Countries , USA , and Canada.