Swine manure management by bokashi fermentation and composting with biological activators in a Colombian High Mountain Region

Authors

• Patricia Martinez-Nieto * ¹
• Carlos Abaunza ²
• Gustavo Garcia ¹

1. Tibaitatá Research Center. Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (Agrosavia), Km 14 Road to Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia
2. Nataima Research Center. Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (Agrosavia), Km. 9 Road to Espinal, Tolima, Colombia

Abstract

Purpose: Clean and efficient alternatives for sustainable treatment of pig farming wastes are a priority in suburban areas in Forest Reserves of High Andean ecosystems. Among these technologies are Bokashi Fermentation and composting with added microorganisms (bioaugmentation) or nutrients (biostimulation) as biological activators.
Method: In a Colombian rural area located at 3160 m.a.s.l., focused on small-scale swine production, Bokashi fermentation with active dry yeast and in-vessel composting were evaluated using two microbial inoculants and a sterile metabolic stimulant. In addition, these treatments were compared with a non-inoculated composting process used in the study area (control).
Results: The biological additives improved the composting process performance and end- product quality by shortening the degradation cycle (19.9-45.9%), higher germination index (>0.8%), increasing nutrient content (N, P, S, Fe and Cu) and showing suppressive activity against Fusarium oxysporum compared to control. Nevertheless, Bokashi was the only treatment that decreased Enterobacteriaceae concentration below 1E+03 CFU g-1.
Conclusion: Bokashi technology complies with Colombia’s environmental regulations for eco-friendly fertilizer production, which allows the sustainable management by-products from swine activities in critical ecological areas such as Forestry Protection Reserves in High Andean ecosystems.

Highlights

·       Biological activators reduce the swine manure composting time.

·       The inoculation benefits compost maturation.

·       The inoculated composts show suppressive activity against Fusarium Oxysporum.

·       Bioaugmentation and biostimulation produce composts with a higher agronomic value.

·       Bokashi is a sustainable alternative for pig farmers in High Andean ecosystems.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Composting
• Pig manure
• Bokashi fermentation
• Biological activators
• High Andean ecosystems