Evaluación de la calidad de residuos y posibilidades de compostaje, como alternativa para la utilización de los residuos vegetales producidos en la granja El Romeral de la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

The generation of organic residues in agricultural areas promotes the search for alternative uses, one goal being to convert these residues into valuable products. Compost, derived from the decomposition of organic materials, serves as an excellent natural fertilizer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of residues and the feasibility of composting as a management strategy at El Romeral farm of the University of Cuenca. The characteristics of the material were evaluated by classifying them based on their carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, as well as their physical and chemical properties. An open composting system was constructed (total area 15m2

), which allowed for the control of oxygen, moisture, and temperature. The project employed organic material (green grass) with a C/N ratio of 20 (Group 1) and straw (semi-moist grass) with a C/N ratio of 80 (Group 2). The decomposition

period of the organic material for both groups was 150 days. The compost identified as CH- 01 (green grass) presented nutrient content as follows: nitrogen (58.8 ppm - high), phosphorus

(361 ppm - high), and potassium (92.8 ppm - high). In contrast, the CS-01 sample (semi-moist grass) reported nutrient concentrations such as: N (11 ppm - low), P (359 ppm - high), and K (103 ppm - high). The results indicate that green materials generate higher humidity levels, requiring compensation with high-carbon materials. Finally, the open composting system produced a product with favorable physical-chemical characteristics, constituting a viable option considering the resources (costs, space and environmental conditions) available at the El Romeral farm