Solid-state bioconversion of organic wastes into compost as bio-organic fertilizer by screened fungal isolates and its performance in agronomic usage

Rejuvenation of composting of organic wastes (OW) by application of useful potential microbes is an emerging science of solid waste management. Globally generation of OW is being emerged tremendously and it becomes acute in megacities. Its sustainable management is essential. Solid-state bioconversion (SSB) of OW was evaluated with application of screened indigenous fungal consortia for sustainable management of OW as quality compost production for agronomic practices. Prior prepared fungal spores suspension was used as mixed culture for SSB of OW into compost. After assessment of SSB process and compost quality, the produced compost, i.e. fungal enriched bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) was assessed for bottle gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria ) cultivation in field. Decreased optical density/color intensity and increased electrical conductivity values at fungal treatments as compared to control implied enhanced biodegradation, i.e. SSB was accomplished. Conversely, the significant (P ≤ 0.05 ) values of C/N ratio around 16.0, germination index around 90% and decreased organic matter at fungal treatments strongly supported the produced biodegraded products were quality compost/BOF. Significant (P ≤ 0.05 ) yield performance of the produced BOF in bottle gourd production in field environment was noticed compare to control treatments. The applied SSB technique with indigenous fungal consortia offered fast production of quality BOF for agronomic usages.