Experimental Evaluation of Zero-Waste Technology for Agricultural Waste Utilization

¹ University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 40, Naples, 80138, Italy
² University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu, 50090, Estonia
³ Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, 1972 (Ataturk) street, 73, Ashgabat, 744000, Turkmenistan
⁴ Turkmen state institute of finance, 1987 str. (Hero of Turkmenistan Atamyrat Nyyazov ave.), 112, Ashgabat, 744000, Turkmenistan

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

In this study, the zero-waste composting technology for agricultural waste utilization was analyzed under controlled aerobic conditions using crop residues, straw, vegetable waste, and vegetable waste as the initial substrate. Analyzed were the initial composition of the composting mixture, the technological stages of the process, and the monitored physicochemical indicators, including pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, C/N ratio, and biomass mass reduction. Investigated was the transformation of the initial organic substrate into mature compost through sampling at the beginning of the experiment and after completion of the maturation phase. Identified were substantial changes in compost characteristics, including an increase in pH from 6.42 to 7.48, a decrease in organic matter from 68.50% to 52.30%, and a reduction in the C/N ratio from 29.4 to 16.8. Examined was nutrient accumulation in the final compost product, which showed increases in total nitrogen from 1.24% to 1.86%, phosphorus from 0.48% to 0.81%, and potassium from 0.72% to 1.15%. Determined was a 38.5% reduction in total biomass mass during composting, confirming intensive biodegradation of the organic fraction. Established was the agronomic suitability of the mature compost based on its near-neutral pH, improved nutrient composition, friable structure, and homogeneous appearance. Presented is the comparative evaluation of the initial substrate and mature compost, demonstrating that the applied zero-waste approach converted agricultural residues into a stabilized organic amendment suitable for sustainable agricultural use.