New insight into the impact of moisture content and pH on dissolved organic matter and microbial dynamics during cattle manure composting

Composting is an effective way to treat agricultural waste, whereas inappropriate initial conditions could cause lower maturity and system instability. In this study, the dissolved organic matter dynamics and microbial community succession of cattle-manure composting were investigated under different initial moisture content (MC) and pH of raw material. The results indicated that the extended duration of thermophilic phase and the highest GI (germination index) value of final product were observed at matrix 60% MC and pH 8.5 (AT2 treatment). Microbial analysis showed that the succession of bacterial and fungal community was significantly influenced by total carbon (TN), pH and MC (P < 0.05). The relationship between microbial community and fluorescence regional integration (FRI) parameters demonstrated that Thermobifida (bacterial genus), Mycothermus and Thermomyces (fungal genera) were positively correlated with P-V,P- n (the integral aera of Region V). This study could provide a potential strategy for large-scale industrial application of compost.

Automated summary

This study found that appropriate initial moisture content and pH conditions in cattle-manure composting can enhance the duration of the thermophilic phase and the germination index of the final product. The succession of bacterial and fungal community is significantly influenced by total carbon, pH, and moisture content.