Abstract
This study aimed to develop an innocuous and sustainable strategy for the utilization of black liquor generated from ethylenediamine pretreatment of corn straw by employing it as the sole nitrogen source during composting. The effects of exogenous bacterial agents (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus megaterium) on composting performance were evaluated. The results showed that composting with black liquor and bacteriological agents achieved maturity indicators comparable to those of conventional urea-based composting, including pH, nutrient content, germination index, and C/N ratio, while exhibiting a higher humification degree. Organic matter degradation was enhanced, and the final compost met the standards for organic fertilizers after 42 days. Microbial analysis indicated that black liquor application altered the community structure, with increased abundance of Firmicutes and enrichment of functional genera associated with nitrogen transformation. Overall, this study demonstrates that black liquor can effectively replace urea as a nitrogen source in composting, providing a feasible pathway for waste valorization and supporting circular economy and green agricultural practices.
NETL
NSTL
Elsevier