Aerobic bioprocess of coffee pulp

• José Ramón Ferrer Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Gisela Páez Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela
• Miguel Chirinos Universidad del Zulia-Venezuela

Abstract

The biotransformation of coffee pulp in organic fertilizer was studied within the framework of technological alternatives to us coffee pulp to its full advantages. The methodology used consist of a controlled aerobic bioprocess by natural convection (bitter) or forced convection (turned over) without mixing other materials. Ambient temperature of every step was measured dally and the bioprocess course was followed by determining pH, humidity percentage, carbon-nitrogen ratio, density and microbiological count. Chemical and microbiological characteristics of fresh coffee pulp show that it can be used as a semisolid substrate in an aerobic bioprocess (Composting). The diferences of composting temperature levels in relation to ambient temperatures were maintained over 1ºC during the first eleven days of the process, a 51ºC maximun temperature being reached for the turned over process. Evaluation of product qualities, namely, pH = alcaline (9.4- 9.6), C\N ratio;= (8.68-9.62), physical state amorphous with damp land odour and high mineral concentration (N, P, K) demonstrate that the described composting has the required characteristics for its effective application as soil fertilizer.