Vol. 4, Issue 12, Part C (2018)

Abstract
A composting study of farm wastes was carried out on the site of the CNRA Research Station (Bimbresso, in the South of Côte d’Ivoire) in order to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of the compost obtained for a sustainable production of plant material of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Müll Arg.) in nursery. During the composting process, temperature, humidity rate, pH and C/N ratio were followed. It appears that all these parameters evolved according to two major characteristics phases. Firstly, a phase of active fermentation characterized by high temperatures (≥ 45 °C), resulting from intense microbial activity. Secondly, a phase of maturation and stabilization characterized by a slow process of mineralization and humification at low temperature (≈ 27 ° C). The compost obtained, after 18 weeks, show an important proportion of fine elements (φ ≤ 2 mm), about 60% and has an almost homogeneous structure. The chemical characteristics of this compost indicate that the mineral element content (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), expressed in percentage of dry matter, is acceptable according to the AFNOR standard. This could allow it to play the double role of amender and fertilizer. The vegetative growth test used to evaluate the effect of this compost on the development of plant of rubber tree in nursery showed that the compost obtained did not present any toxicity. Moreover, the compost-based substrates made, permit to achieve a significant growth gain ranging from 17 to 24% in height and from 24 to 27% in diameter compared to control substrate. This composting technique, which valorize farm waste in a fast and efficient way, could reduce the flow of organic waste presented as a source of pollution for the environment and also contribute to sustainable production of quality plant material of rubber tree.