Abstract:
Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) has recently been proposed as an indicator of compost stability. We
assessed the earthworms’ effect on DOC content and composition during composting, and linked compost
stability to greenhouse gas emissions and feeding ratio. Earthworms reduced total DOC content, indicating larger stability of vermicompost than of thermophilic compost. The concentrations of humic acid and
fulvic acid were reduced by earthworms, whereas there was no significant effect on hydrophobic neutrals
and hydrophilics. The humic acid fraction was depleted more quickly than the other compounds, indicating humic acid degradation during composting. The optimum feeding ratio decreased DOC content compared to the high feeding ratio. The lowest N2O emissions were also observed at the optimum feeding
ratio. Our study confirmed the use of DOC content and composition as an indicator of compost stability
and suggested that feeding ratio should be considered when assessing the earthworms’ effect on stabilisation and greenhouse gas emissions.
