Physicochemical Characterization and Production of an Agro-livestock Compost as a Sustainable Alternative for Soil Fertilization in Tropical Areas of Esmeraldas, Ecuador
Keywords:
composting, organic fertilizer, agricultural residues, soil fertility, agricultural sustainability
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop an organic fertilizer (compost) using bovine and swine manure combined with plant residues and natural additives at El Paraíso farm, Rioverde County, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. An experimental design with a mixed approach was applied through an open composting system using trapezoidal piles (2×2×1.5 m), maintaining humidity between 50–60 % and turning at day 45. The final compost showed a neutral pH (7.0), a C/N ratio of 14, and concentrations of N (1.4 %), P (0.31 %), and K (2.07 meq/100 ml), indicating maturity and high agronomic quality. Results demonstrate that composting is an effective practice for the valorization of agricultural and livestock residues, enhancing soil fertility, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promoting sustainability in small rural farms. An application rate of 7.5 t/ha is recommended for maize (Zea mays) due to its favorable physicochemical properties.
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References
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[3] M. P. Bernal, J. A. Alburquerque, and R. Moral, “Composting of animal manures and chemical criteria for compost maturity assessment,” Waste Management, vol. 164, pp. 189–201, 2023.
[4] M. K. Awasthi, S. Kumar, and Z. Zhang, “Composting: An efficient approach for management of organic waste in sustainable agriculture,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 340, p. 125643, 2021.
[5] H. Insam, I. H. Franke-Whittle, and M. Goberna, “Microbial communities in compost production and use,” Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 106, no. 2, pp. 567–583, 2022.
[6] Y. Zhao, Q. Lu, and X. Zhang, “Nutrient transformations and humification during composting of livestock manure and crop residues: A review,” Chemosphere, vol. 262, p. 127849, 2021.
[7] Y. Li, W. Zhang, and D. Wu, “Influence of different bulking agents on organic matter degradation and compost quality during the composting of cattle manure,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 259, p. 110009, 2020.
[8] A. Cerda, A. Artola, X. Font, R. Barrena, T. Gea, and A. Sánchez, “Composting of food wastes: Status and challenges,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 344, p. 126377, 2022.
[9] M. K. Gallardo, “Elaboración del compostaje a nivel sostenible de proyectos mineros en fase de exploración,” Tesis de grado, Universidad Continental, Perú, 2021.
[10] L. F. Jordán and Z. M. Pizarro, “Elaboración de abono tipo bocashi a partir de residuos orgánicos de origen doméstico y de actividad agropecuaria,” Tesis de grado, Universidad Continental, Perú, 2020.
[11] A. Aguilar Torres, “Efecto de tres abonos orgánicos en plantones de café (Coffea arábica L.) variedad Catimor, Jorobamba–Utcubamba–Amazonas–2020,” Tesis de grado, Universidad Politécnica Amazónica, Perú, 2022.
[12] J. Jara-Samaniego, M. D. Pérez-Murcia, M. A. Bustamante, and M. P. Bernal, “Composting as a strategy for the management of organic waste in developing countries: A case study in Ecuador,” Waste Management & Research, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 390–402, 2021.
[13] E. Valenzuela and J. C. Pino, “Evaluation of compost quality and agronomic efficiency in tropical soils of coastal Ecuador,” Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 4, p. e25731, 2024.
[14] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Manual del compostaje del agricultor, FAO, Roma, 2013.
[15] N. E. Estrada, Manual para la elaboración de abonos orgánicos sólidos tipo compost, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Agrícola (ICTA-CIAL), Guatemala, 2010.
[16] M. A. Rodríguez, “Propuesta para la producción de un abono orgánico partiendo de los lodos residuales de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales del Colegio Rochester,” Tesis de grado, Fundación Universidad de América, Colombia, 2017.
[17] E. A. Cevallos Chacón, “Elaboración de abonos orgánicos a partir de residuos vegetales en la finca Tóala León…,” Tesis de grado, Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí, Ecuador, 2020.
[18] L. C. Castillo Huamán, “Evaluación de la calidad del compost obtenido a partir de residuos orgánicos y microorganismos eficaces (EM) en el distrito de Perené,” Tesis de licenciatura, Universidad Continental, Perú, 2020.
[19] M. P. Bernal, J. A. Alburquerque, and R. Moral, “Composting of animal manures and chemical criteria for compost maturity assessment: A review,” Bioresource Technology, vol. 100, no. 22, pp. 5444–5453, 2009.
[20] Y. Li, W. Zhang, and D. Wu, “Influence of different bulking agents on organic matter degradation and compost quality during the composting of cattle manure,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 259, p. 110009, 2020.
[21] I. Gavilanes-Terán, A. Jaramillo, and M. D. Pérez-Murcia, “Windrow composting as horticultural waste management strategy: A case study in Ecuador,” Waste Management, vol. 48, pp. 127–134, 2016.
Published
2026-01-10
How to Cite
Colobon Realpe, P. J., & Castro Landin, A. L. (2026). Physicochemical Characterization and Production of an Agro-livestock Compost as a Sustainable Alternative for Soil Fertilization in Tropical Areas of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Ciencias De La Ingeniería Y Aplicadas, 10(1), 26 - 34. https://doi.org/10.61236/ciya.v10i1.1230
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Research article
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