The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios on the organic matter degradation during active co-composting of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and palm oil mill effluent (POME) anaerobic sludge. The initial C/N ratio was varied from 25:1, 35:1 and 45:1. Co-composting was conducted by periodic addition of sludge to maintain the moisture content and enrich the compost product. The organic matter (OM), carbon to nitrogen profile and compost maturity index were analysed. The results showed that the initial C/N ratio of 35:1 was the best initial C/N ratio. In addition, the C/N ratio of 35:1 gave the best OM degradation. The appropriate amount of initial C/N ratio coupled with the correct composting process parameters such as daily mixing, suitable pH and moisture content improved the organic matter degradation. It reduced the composting time from 40-60 days to 30 days.
Indigenous cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic bacteria enhanced rapid co-composting of lignocellulose oil palm empty fruit bunch with palm oil mill effluent anaerobic sludge