BARC (Baba Atomic Research Centre) has developed a single microbe (cellulolytic fungus) based formulation for decomposition of many types of biodegradable wastes like kitchen/market waste, dry plant matter (including coconut leaves), straw/agricultural residue and holy waste from temples.
Its application shortens the duration of degradation from years and months (required for natural processes, depending on type of biomass) to a few weeks. Additionally, it greatly reduces the cost of transportation involved in disposal of such wastes.
The compost generated in this process has high carbon content which will be beneficial in enriching organic matter-depleted soils. Inorganic fertilizers with high nitrogen content and no organic carbon facilitate temporary enhancement in crop productivity, but have serious long term negative effects on soil productivity.
On the other hand, this compost with 1-2% nitrogen, 28-36% carbon and a high water holding capacity (>150%) will have pronounced positive effects on soil health in a sustainable manner over long term as well as organic farming. This technology is based on a single, safe and beneficial microbe, and hence simple to adopt. It will also be an important contribution towards “Swachh Bharat Mission”.
For further details contact:
Head, Technology Transfer and Collaboration Division
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai 400 085.
technology@barc.gov.in
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