Authors : Nabaroon Das; Dr. Adlene Sangeeth

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/434nm9mk

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mrx5uk33

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun907

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Abstract : Sugarcane bagasse is one of the most abundantly produced lignocellulosic agricultural residues globally, yet its high lignin content and characteristically elevated carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio—often exceeding 60:1—present substantial barriers to efficient microbial decomposition and timely compost stabilization. While previous research has largely pursued environmental optimization or single-enzyme interventions as strategies to accelerate composting, the potential of deliberately engineered fungal consortia to improve both degradation kinetics and compost quality remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that the simultaneous introduction of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trichoderma viride—two fungi with complementary but non-overlapping substrate specificities—would generate synergistic improvements in both the rate of organic carbon mineralization and final compost maturity relative to either fungus inoculated alone. To test this, sterilized sugarcane bagasse was inoculated under controlled static conditions at 30°C, with measurements of organic carbon, lignin, total nitrogen, C:N ratio, phenolic content, and the germination index recorded at Day 0, Day 30, and Day 60.

Keywords : Sugarcane Bagasse; Lignocellulose; Composting; Fungal Consortium; Degradation Kinetics; Compost Maturity.

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