Acceleration of Organic Waste Decomposition: A Comparative Study of ASEM-7 Decomposer Efficiency on Several Organic Wastes

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Published May 25, 2025
https://doi.org/10.55043/jaast.v9i2.394
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Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Applied Agricultural Science and Technology

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Ana Khalisha
Universitas Padjadjaran
Dwi Novanda Sari
Universitas Padjadjaran
Stefina Liana Sari
Universitas Padjadjaran
Rani Sukmadewi
Universitas Padjadjaran
Adi Surya Pradipta
Politeknik Manufaktur Bandung
Astri Nur Istyami
Institut Teknologi Bandung

Abstract

Effective organic waste decomposition is vital for sustainable waste management and agricultural productivity. This study investigates the efficacy of ASEM-7—a newly developed decomposer comprising a consortium of seven microorganisms—in accelerating the composting process and enhancing compost quality across various types of organic waste. Five treatment groups were evaluated: paddy straw; animal manure; fruit and vegetable waste; a mixture of fruit and vegetable waste with straw; and a combination of fruit, vegetable waste, straw, and manure. During the decomposition process, key physicochemical parameters— including pH, temperature, moisture content, organic carbon (C-organic), total nitrogen (N-total), and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio—were systematically monitored. The results demonstrated that ASEM-7 significantly enhanced composting efficiency compared to both EM-4 and control (no-decomposer) treatments, achieving optimal pH stabilization (7–8) at a faster rate. Additionally, ASEM-7 reduced moisture content and C/N ratios more effectively, indicating a higher degree of compost maturity. Compost treated with ASEM-7 also exhibited the lowest levels of organic carbon, reflecting superior decomposition efficiency. Although temperature levels remained below the threshold required for effective pathogen elimination, microbial activity successfully facilitated nutrient recycling. The microbial consortium—comprising Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., and Trichoderma sp.—demonstrated high efficacy in degrading recalcitrant organic materials such as straw and manure, thereby improving the compost's nutrient composition. By meeting key compost quality standards—organic carbon (≥15%), total nitrogen (≥0.5%), and a C/N ratio of 15–25—ASEM-7 effectively converts organic waste into high-quality compost. These findings underscore the importance of tailored microbial consortia in advancing sustainable waste management practices and enhancing soil fertility.

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Author Biographies

Ana Khalisha, Universitas Padjadjaran

Agrotechnopreneur Program, Vocational School

Dwi Novanda Sari, Universitas Padjadjaran

Agrotechnopreneur Program, Vocational School

Stefina Liana Sari, Universitas Padjadjaran

Agrotechnopreneur Program, Vocational School

Rani Sukmadewi, Universitas Padjadjaran

Business Logistics Program, Vocational School

Adi Surya Pradipta, Politeknik Manufaktur Bandung

Department of Manufacturing Design Engineering

Astri Nur Istyami, Institut Teknologi Bandung

Department of Bioenergy Engineering and Chemurgy

How to Cite
1.
Khalisha A, Sari DN, Sari SL, Sukmadewi R, Pradipta AS, Istyami AN. Acceleration of Organic Waste Decomposition: A Comparative Study of ASEM-7 Decomposer Efficiency on Several Organic Wastes. J. appl. agricultural sci. technol. [Internet]. 2025May25 [cited 2025Jul.23];9(2):225-38. Available from: https://jaast.org/index.php/jaast/article/view/394

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