Comparative Effects of Cellulolytic Bacteria on Compost Quality and Production Cost

Bacteria play a crucial role in converting agricultural waste into compost. Rice straw and corn waste show promise as organic fertilizers. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of different decomposer bacteria in the composting process of straw and corn waste.

Conducted in Bowan, Klaten, from February to April 2024, the study utilized a factorial completely randomized design with eight treatments and four replications. The first factor examined was the type of bacteria, which included: No bacteria; a combination of cellulolytic, rhizomonas, subtilisand cattle rumen bacteria; a mix of cellulolytic, rhizomonasand subtilis and only cellulolytic bacteria. The second factor was the type of composting media, specifically straw and corn waste. Observations focused on compost pH, weight shrinkage, water holding capacityand water content. An economic analysis was conducted to compare the cost of producing compost with the best decomposer bacteria and the cost of using commercial compost.

Results indicated that straw combined with cellulolytic bacteria produced compost that best met the quality standards outlined in SNI 19-7030-2004. The type of compost material influenced compost pH and water content, while the type of bacteria affected all parameters, including pH, weight shrinkage, water holding capacityand water content. Additionally, the interaction between compost materials and bacteria types impacted water holding capacity and water content. The cost of derived straw waste compost input is IDR52,709,000 per hectare for two planting seasons, which is lower than the commercial compost which amounts to IDR72,000,000, making self-produced compost a more economical choice.