a b s t r a c t
The microbiological and physicochemical parameters were monitored for 12 weeks during composting of
five piles (1.5 1.0 0.80 m3) containing mainly rice straw, soybean residue and enriched with rock
phosphate. Two treatments were inoculated with buffalo’s manure or composite inoculum, two were
supplemented with vinasse and inoculated with either the composite inoculum or with both, the last
one was served as a control. Four typical phases of composting were observed during the bioprocess:
short initial mesophilic phase followed by, thermophilic, cooling and maturation phases. Physicochemical
changes confirmed the succession of microbial populations depending on the temperature of each phase
in all treatments. Intense microbial activities led to organic matter mineralization and simultaneously
narrow C/N ratios. Inoculation of composting mixtures enhanced the biodegradation of recalcitrant substances.
The duration of exposure to a temperature above 55 C for at least 16 consecutive days was quite
enough to sanitize the produced composts. After 84 days, all composts reached maturity as indicated by
various parameters.