Physicochemical characteristics of oil palm frond (OPF) composting with fungal inoculants

This investigation highlights the chemical and physical properties of oil palm frond (opf) observed during 14 weeks of composting. composting is a controlled biological decomposition process that converts organic waste into humus-like material. two white rot fungi species,trametes versicolor and schizophyllum commune,were introduced as inoculants for the composting process. oil palm fronds (opf) were composted for 14 weeks,with four treatments,i) control (untreated opf),ii) opf treated with t. versicolor,iii) opf treated with s. commune,iv) opf treated with both t. versicolor and s. commune,with four replications. the resulting compost was brown in colour with a homogenous appearance,and no unpleasant odour was detected. in this study,c/n ratio and percentage volume reduction became the most important parameters to be monitored. inoculation with s. commune achieved the acceptable c/n ratio of 63.2 at the end of the composting period. compared to other treatments,single inoculation of s. commune indicated a higher percentage of volume reduction with a value of 62.8%. single inoculation of s. commune,therefore,provides a suitable medium for composting of opf. © universiti putra malaysia press.