Compostaje como una herramienta de la economía circular aplicada a la gestión de residuos orgánicos en finca

Abstract

Abstract: In Ecuador, agro-livestock waste is often abandoned or discharged into ravines due to a lack of proper management and environmental awareness, leading to negative environmental impacts. Within a circular economy framework, this study explores small-scale composting as a tool to manage organic waste on agricultural farms. A composting process involving cow manure, guinea pig manure, and rice husks was implemented for a total of 98 days using two treatments: open pile (OP) and closed pile (CP). The CP system demonstrated better temperature control, with a progressive decrease compared to the OP. Humidity remained between 45% and 65% in both systems. Agrochemical characteristics of the compost, except for humidity and density, met the standards set by Ecuadorian regulations for organic fertilizers in both systems. These findings suggest that small-scale composting, especially through the closed pile system, can serve as an effective strategy for the sustainable management of organic waste on Ecuadorian farms.