Effect of different initial C/N ratio of cow manure and straw on microbial quality of compost

The effect of different initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios on the prevalence of Salmonella spp., fecal coliforms and helminth eggs over composts produced from several mixtures of maize straw (S) and dairy manure (M) was investigated.

Four C/N ratios (21, 22, 27, and 38) were evaluated, including one with manure only (C/N 21). The composting process was performed under field conditions in northern Mexico.

The process lasted 51 days; Salmonella spp. was reduced 1–2 log (> 94%) in most treatments, except for the C/N ratio of 27 which achieved < 1 log reduction (about 35%). Fecal coliforms elimination was 3–4 log (> 99%) in all treatments while helminth eggs achieved < 1 log (72–87%, depending on treatment). In this study, the mixture with initial C/N ratio of 22 (25% S + 75% M), which had the lowest amount of straw, resulted in the highest elimination of Salmonella spp., fecal coliforms, and helminth eggs. This mix complied with current Mexican sanitary regulations for compost use. The composts produced from the other C/N ratios complied only with the limits for one or two of the microorganisms that were analyzed.

The initial C/N ratios in compost from straw and manure influences microbial reduction. The final C/N of the mixes ranged from 14 to 16, indicative of stable compost. Compared to fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp. and helminth eggs were more resilient.