Abstract

Wastes constitute a source of pollution for the environment. By composting, the value of organic matter (OM) can be improved in agriculture. From this perspective, the aim of this our work was to study the biodegradation of shea-nut cake, which is a food industry waste. The shea-nut cake was composted with caprine manure for six months. Chemical parameters were followed during composting. The compost obtained had a pH of 6.5, an OM-loss of 52.1% and a C/N ratio of 9.2. Total lipid content was reduced by 84%. The parameters for humifying the organic matter C_HA/C_FA and E₄/E₆ were stabilized at 1.33 and 2.68, respectively. The sum of the three principal fertilizing elements (N+P₂O₅+K₂O) represents 7.4% of the compost dry weight. These chemical characteristics show that shea-nut cake can be successfully composted. Stable and mature compost obtained can contribute to the maintenance and increase of the organic matter stock of soils. It can also bring fertilizing elements to the plant.

Key words: Shea-nut cake, composting, organic matter, goat manure.