A research study, funded by the Mauritius Research Council was initiated in 1995 at the University of Mauritius in collaboration with Rose Belle Sugar Estate to assess the composting potential of sugar cane byproducts. Composting is generally defined as an exothermic process of biological oxidation in which organic matter is decomposed by a mixed population of microorganisms in a warm, moist aerobic environment. The microorganisms require oxygen, moisture, a source of carbon and macro nutrients such as N, P, K usually found in the waste material. In the process, the organisms reproduce themselves and eventually die. Composting to biologically stabilize these wastes into a humus material similar to soil organic matter could prove to be a viable process. The final composted product is less bulky than that of raw waste and because of the reduced volume, it will cost less to haul and apply. Also the heat produced by the compost process destroys pathogens. Numerous options exist for organic materials management, ranging from simple on site composting to capital intensive mixed waste compost facilities. The objectives of the project were to:
I. Characterise the sugarcane by products, bagasse and filtercake
2. Develop and use a laboratory composter so as to
a. Determine mixing ratio of bagasse/filtercake b. Monitor composting parameters
c. Determine maturity of composts