Effect of municipal solid waste and agricultural composts on growth and yield of fenugreekseeds (trigonella foenum graecum)

Composting is a natural biological process which is environmentally friendly waste management technology, helpful for quantification of organic matter, leading to recycling of valuable nutrients. The present study deals with the comparison of municipal solid waste and agricultural composts, nutritional quality. The fully degraded solid waste samples were taken and analysed for physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metals concentrations (Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Mercury and Arsenic). The compost maturity tests (germination and plant bioassay) were evaluated using Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum). The results, shows that, more salts and metal ion concentrations are present in MSW compost sample, compared to agricultural compost sample. Heavy metals concentrations are within the permissible limits of Ohai EPA standards in both the compost samples. In the germination and plant bioassay tests, MSW compost samples were found to be more favorable compared to agricultural compost samples. The overall study concluded that, both the samples were safe for use in agricultural fields. Further, municipal solid waste compost has more micronutrients, hence helpful for soil enrichment