Optimizing Compost Quality: Decomposition Of Rice Straw Agro-Waste Through Various Biological Agent Supplementations

Abstract

ntensive agricultural activities in rice cultivation impact increasing waste, especially straw. Unfortunately,
straw contains cellulose and lignin, which are difficult to decompose. This study examines the effect of adding biological
agents on compost quality from rice straw waste. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four treatments
and six replications, including T0: control (without biological agents), T1: POF catalyst, T2: Bacillus sp., T3: Trichoderma
sp. Observation variables for compost quality include analysis of temperature changes, pH value, water content, and
chemical analysis, including the content of total macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Quantitative data
were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and the LSD test p <0.05. The findings indicated that incorporating biological
agents in rice straw composting markedly enhanced the quality of the resulting compost. Utilizing biological agents,
particularly the Trichoderma treatment, led to a notable enhancement in compost quality. The macronutrient content of
nitrogen (N) increased by 3.60%, phosphorus (P) by 0.49%, and potassium (K) by 1.67%. This increase could have
significant implications for the composting process. Additionally, an increase in temperature, reaching 50-60°C,
significantly impacts the composting process, collectively affecting microorganisms and facilitating the decomposition of
organic matter. Furthermore, the thermophilic phase in Trichoderma treatment accelerates decomposition, thus offering a
potential solution for faster composting