Factorial experimental design for optimization of organic compost production

Abstract

The present work had as objective to determine the optimal configuration to implement the organic recycling analyzing the compost that was produced in the Laboratory of Agro-environmental Technologies UFCG – CAMPUS I. The methodology based on IPT (2000) was used, making adaptations according to the climatological conditions. of the locality, where upturned windrows were set up, also known as the Windrow system, the waste pile (windrow) is mounted on the ground (compacted or waterproofed). To analyze it quantitatively, the following treatments were used: inoculant based on bovine manure, in the proportions of 10, 20 and 30%, and also the effect of turning over, which was performed every 7, 11 and 15 days. However, for the development of this work, the 2k central composite factorial experimental design was carried out, studying the effect of overturning time and inoculant on the amount of decomposed material. Eight (8) windrows with dimensions of 1.5 m wide by 2 m long and 1 m high were assembled, in the shape of a four-pitched roof, the experiment lasted 120 days. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the use of the central compound factorial experimental design in the formation of the organic compost, analyzing the variables amount of inoculant and overturning, obtaining the best performance or yield with the inoculant variable at its maximum level (32.4 kg) and rollover to its minimum level (7 days).