Physico-Chemical Characterization of Co-compost Before and After Extraction for Better Use as a Growing Medium
Abstract
To evaluate the quality of Co-compost before and after extraction and to study the possibilities of improving its physic-chemical proprieties, two types of Co-compost, Raw Acacia cynophylla Co-compost (RACCC) and Raw Sheep Manures Co-compost (RSMCC) were manufactured by composting, in various proportions (2/3-1/3 and 1/3-2/3), Acacia cynophylla biomasse and sheep manures. In order to obtain exhausted Co-compost, obtained Co-composts (RACCC and RSMCC) were extracted with water for one month in a ratio of 1/5 to obtain Exhausted Acacia cynophylla Co-compost (EACCC) and Exhausted Ovin Manures Co-compost (EOMCC). Raw and exhausted Co-composts were subjected to physic-chemical analysis (Standard Test of Porosity, Organic Matter and Carbone contents, Cation Exchange Capacity). Results obtained showed variations in physic-chemical parameters depending on the type of Co-compost (Acacia cyanophylla or Sheep Manure Co-compost) and the influence of extraction procedure (Raw or Exhausted Co-compost). Even if significant differences were observed for diverse Co-composts, recorded values were in the standards of acceptance.