Abstract Improper disposal of coconut water extraction residues, such as green coconut shells, poses environmental risks. This study evaluated different composting formulations as a sustainable management approach for these residues. The experiment was conducted at Fazenda Reunidas Socôco ® in Santa Izabel do Pará, Amazon region, Brazil, using a randomized block design with five treatments (T1: Crushed Coconut Shells (CCS); T2: CCS + 3% Poultry Litter (PL); T3: CCS+Inoculant (IN); T4: CCS + 3% PL + IN; T5: CCS + 5% PL) and being analyzed at six composting times (0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 days), with four replicates. Laboratory analysis showed reductions in the Carbon/Nitrogen ratio (C/N), total organic carbon (TOC), and organic matter, alongside increases in N, P, Fe, Al, and ash content for all treatments. Treatments T2, T4, and T5 achieved optimal C/N ratios within 36 days, with higher nutrient values. Principal Component Analysis indicated that C/N reduction was linked to mineralization processes. These findings demonstrate that adding poultry litter to coconut shell composting accelerates C/N reduction, cutting down composting time and associated costs.
Guimarães et al. (Wed,) studied this question.