The present field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different compost cultures on decomposition efficiency and cost economics of silkworm rearing waste under farmer’s conditions during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in Kolar district, Karnataka. Four treatments were imposed viz., 1 ton Silkworm rearing waste only (T1), 1 ton Silkworm rearing waste + 3 kg cow dung + 2 liter cow urine + 1 kg UAS (B) compost culture (T2), 1 ton Silkworm rearing waste + 20 kg rock phosphate + 1 kg Trichoderma sp (T3) and 1 ton Silkworm rearing waste + 200 ltrs of prepared waste decomposer solution (T4). Significant differences were observed among four treatments. T1 required the longest decomposition period (281 days), while T4 achieved the shortest (78 days), followed by T2 (87 days). Compost recovery was highest in T4 (88.96%) and T2 (85.36%), compared with T1 (72.41%). Maximum compost yield was recorded in T4 (893 kg/ton; 22.32 t/ha), followed by T2 (853.6 kg/ton; 17.87 t/ha), whereas the lowest yield was obtained in T1 (724 kg/ton; 3.62 t/ha). Economic analysis revealed superior profitability for T4, with the highest gross return (Rs. 44,640/ha), net return (Rs. 44,640/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (17.85). T2 also performed well economically (Rs. 35,740/ha gross return; Rs. 32,757/ha net return; B:C ratio 11.98). The study clearly indicates that composting of silkworm rearing waste using waste decomposer consortia (T4) or UAS (B) compost culture (T2) ensures faster decomposition, higher compost yield, and greater economic benefits compared to conventional practices.
Shashidhar KR, Noorulla Haveri, Nagaraja KS, Chikkanna GS, Manjunatha Reddy TB, Krishna KS. Efficacy of different compost cultures on bioconversion of silkworm rearing waste into quality compost. Int J Agric Extension Social Dev 2025;8(11):47-50. DOI: 10.33545/26180723.2025.v8.i11a.2617
