Developing efficient methods for preparation of compost from different locally available raw materials in different eco-climatic zones.

---

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sandeep Sharma
Duration: 2002-2005
Achievement:

• Trials to assess the time taken for preparation of compost from locally available organic raw material was undertaken in temperate regions. It took around 4 months for production of compost from grasses, nursery weeds and leaves of broadleaved species like, Poplar, Salix, Alnus etc. through aerobic composting technique applied during March to December at Shillaru - Narkanda region (2400m a msl) of district Shimla.
• Aerobic composting of Kail and Deodar needles in the region, however, took more time period i.e. 5-6 months (May – December) when around 20-25 per cent fresh cow dung fully soaked in urine was added to the total volume of material being used for composting.
• In sub-tropical/ lower regions of Himachal Pradesh time period of 50-60 days only was enough for production of compost through aerobic composting from nursery weeds, grasses and leaves of shrubs and trees of broadleaved species with the addition of 15-20 per cent fresh cow-dung.