G. MANJULA AND T. MEENAMBAL
Abstract
The compost obtained from composting of organic fraction of Municipal Solid waste, Dairy Industry sludge and saw dust using different initial mix ratios (1:3, 1:6, 1:9) in static piles was used to evaluate phytotoxicity to green gram seeds (Vigna radiata) using seed germination method. The tests were repeated for compost obtained from organic fraction of MSW and saw dust without the addition of sludge. The control germination test was carried out using deionized water. The results showed that composting generally reduced the phytotoxicity of the mixtures. The germination index was high in mix ratio of 1:9 in the compost obtained from the addition of Dairy Industry sludge and germination index was high in mix ratio of 1:6 in the compost obtained without the addition of sludge. The germination percentage, Germination index and Vigor index values were relatively higher in the compost obtained with the addition of Dairy Industry sludge. The vigor index was found to be maximum in the mix ratio of 1:3 from the compost obtained with the addition of sludge.