Stage-dependent roles of Trichoderma longibrachiatum and manganese sulfate in humification and nitrogen conservation during chicken manure composting.
Yang Y, Fan S, Zhang D, Wu P, Peng S
Composting
Backyard composters losing that sharp ammonia smell from their chicken-manure pile are watching nitrogen escape into the air — and this research shows a simple mineral additive plus a common soil fungus can lock in nearly a third more of that fertility before it vanishes.
Researchers tested whether adding a helpful fungus and a mineral salt to chicken manure could make the composting process work better. The fungus jumped in early to break down raw materials quickly, while the mineral kept the environment stable later so nutrients didn't escape. Together, they produced compost that was richer in the deep, dark compounds plants love and kept 30% more nitrogen locked in — and radishes grew noticeably better when fed this compost.
Key Findings
Combined fungus + manganese sulfate treatment increased humic acid content by 13.8% over untreated compost by day 50
Apparent total nitrogen loss was reduced by 30.1% compared to untreated control, preserving more plant-available fertility
Seed germination index increased by more than 81.8% over control, and radish aboveground growth improved under equal compost application
chevron_right Technical Summary
Adding a soil fungus (Trichoderma longibrachiatum) and manganese sulfate together to chicken manure compost produces richer, more stable compost with 14% more humic acid and 30% less nitrogen loss compared to untreated compost — meaning better fertilizer from the same pile of waste.
Abstract Preview
Chicken manure composting is often limited by insufficient humification and substantial nitrogen loss. This study investigated the stage-dependent effects of four treatments during 50-day compostin...
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
Was this useful?
Ancient DNA Reveals Pre-Columbian Amazonian Forest Management at Scale
Forests and fruits we romanticize as wild — including many plants now in our kitchens and gardens — may exist in their current abundance precisely because an...
The radish is a flowering plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its large taproot is commonly used as a root vegetable, although the entire plant is edible and its leaves are sometimes used as a leaf vegetable. Originally domesticated in Asia, radishes are now grown and consumed globally. Th...