Comparative Assessment of Enzyme Activities and Characteristics during Composting of Two Types of Composts |
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| Authors: | Yong Seong Lee Sun Young Choi Jung O Lee Ji Hyun Kang |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Division of Food Technology, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry, Institute of Environmentally–Friendly Agriculture, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea;2. Gwangju Agriculture Technology Center, Department of Future Agriculture, Gwangju, Korea;3. Jarm Agricultural Corporation Ltd, Department of Research, Jeollanamdo, Korea |
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| Abstract: | Characteristics in composts were determined during composting of chitinous source-amended compost (Cscom) and no chitinous source-amended compost (Ncom). At the end of the composting, moisture content, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (T-N), and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) decreased in both the composts, whereas the phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) content increased. pH of the compost was adversely changed with electrical conductivity (EC). Enzyme activities declined until the end of composting except phosphatase. In the final-stage, Cscom has higher number of chitinolytic bacteria than in Ncom. One bacterium predominant was isolated and identified as Bacillus licheniformis. Growth of the plant pathogens were suppressed by Cscom and Ncom water extracts, with the suppression being higher in Cscom. Paenibacillus ehmensis, known for high antifungal potential, was isolated from Cscom. From our study, it can be concluded that amendment of chitin material improves the chemical, biological properties, and disease suppression ability of compost. |
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| Keywords: | Chitin compost disease suppression enzyme activity |
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