Efecto de mezclas de residuos orgánicos triturados en la calidad del compost en sistemas agroecológicos del subtrópico ecuatoriano

Objective: The effect of different mixtures of shredded organic waste on the physicochemical parameters of compost was evaluated. The aim was to identify combinations that optimize their quality for application in agroecological systems of the Ecuadorian subtropics. In these countries, inadequate management of agricultural waste represents a significant environmental and productive issue. Methodology: Eight combinations of organic waste available in the La Maná canton (Cotopaxi, Ecuador) were studied under an A×B factorial design with three replications: factor A included palo de fréjol branches (A1) and obo branches (A2); factor B included cassava branches (B1), corn stubble (B2), cocoa pruning (B3), and its husk (B4). For 15 weeks, temperature, pH, weight, electrical conductivity, and apparent density were monitored; at the end, the organic fraction and ammoniacal nitrogen were determined. Results: All mixtures showed a significant reduction in weight (from 1608–1954 g to 602.67–822.00 g). The final temperatures remained in the mesophilic range (average 27.65°C). The pH was acidic in all treatments (5.11–5.87). The electrical conductivity fluctuated between 2.18 and 2.85 dS/m. The apparent density varied from 1.24 to 1.51 g/cm³. The organic fraction was around 50%. Moreover, the concentration of N-NH₄ was below 0.00218% in all cases. Conclusions: The shredding of local waste allows stable compost in 15 weeks with physicochemical characteristics suitable for agronomic use. However, the absence of the thermophilic phase indicates that it is necessary to adjust the C/N ratio from the beginning or better manage moisture to improve disinfection and optimize mineralization in future studies.