Efect of diferent initial C/N ratio of cow manure and straw on microbial quality of compost

Abstract

Purpose The efect of diferent 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. Methods 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 feld conditions in northern Mexico. Results 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 achieved99%) in all treatments while helminth eggs achieved