TY - EJOUR AU - Nadi, Marieh AU - Moradi, Mohamad AU - Pakdaman, Najmeh AU - Sedaghati, Ebrahim AU - Javanshah, Amanollah PY - 2023 DA - November TI - The Effects of Chemical Fertilizers on Composting process of Pistachio Waste T2 - International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture VL - 12 L1 - https://oiccpress.com/international-journal-of-recycling-of-organic-waste-in-agriculture/article/the-effects-of-chemical-fertilizers-on-composting-process-of-pistachio-waste/ DO - 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1941505.1350 N2 - Purpose A study was carried out on composting pistachio hull aided with chemical fertilizer. Recycling of pistachio wastes is one of the major agricultural way in pistachio producing country. Method The collected pistachio hull was allowed to decompose either naturally through composting or with the addition of chemical fertilizers. Biological and chemical properties with organic matter were monthly measured in both composting methods. The data was analyzed in a completely randomized design. Mean values were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test in SPSS software (p < 0.05). Results Increasing chemical fertilizers reduced the microbial density and diversity during the composting, the concentration of the elements in both composting methods increased over time. The EC in both methods decreased over time from 6.95 to 6.17 dSm-1 in natural composting and 6.95 to 4.85 dSm-1 in adding of chemical fertilizers. The C: N ratios of the produced compost was found to be lowered in adding of chemical fertilizers during composting compared with those naturally composting treatment. Conclusion Addition of chemical compounds to the primary wastes could accelerate and improve the decomposition process and lead to faster composting as well as nutritional enrichment and lower C: N ratios, but it reduced microbial density and changed their diversities. Highlights Microbial diversity and density were changed by adding chemical fertilizers. Microbial density was studied during composting process. Final compost was enriched nutritionally by adding chemical fertilizers. Composting period was shortened by adding chemical fertilizers at the beginning. IS - 2 PB - OICC Press KW - Composting, Chemical Fertilizer, Macro-nutrients, Micro-nutrients, Microbial activity, Pistachio waste EN -