Rapid Composting: A Solution for Elephant Dung Management in Captive Centres

We investigated methods for rapid composting of elephant dung to support
management of waste generated in establishments holding captive elephants. Elephant
dung treated with effective microorganisms (EM) or urea alone, both EM and urea, and
untreated dung were composted for 45 days. C:N ratios of treatments were estimated at
10-day intervals. Phytotoxicity and maturity of compost were evaluated after 45 days by
a germination bioassay. Addition of urea decreased the C:N ratio more rapidly. EM and
urea treatment resulted in an optimum C:N ratio of 22:1 after 20 days. Phytotoxicity was
lowest in dung composted with EM and urea. Maturity of compost as indicated by seedling tolerance index was highest in EM and urea treatment. We conclude that EM and
urea treatment results in the fastest composting and provides the best compost.