GONGOCOMPOSTAGEM COMO ESTRATÉGIA NA PRODUÇÃO DE HÚMUS

Abstract

Humus is the final, stabilized organic matter of the soil, rich in nutrients and humic acids, essential for soil fertility and structure. Its production can be enhanced by the action of decomposer organisms, such as millipedes (Trigoniulus corallinus), which are detritivorous diplopods known as millipedes, efficient in fragmenting and transforming plant residues into high-quality organic compost, a process known as millipede composting. This study evaluated the nutritional value of millipede compost, an organic fertilizer produced from the action of these diplopod. The research, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, developed over 120 days, evaluated three millipede composting systems: one consisting only of bovine manure, another only of goat manure, and a third system composed of a combination of bovine manure, goat manure, and plant residues. Physicochemical analyses (Moisture, pH, Total Organic Matter, Organic Carbon, macro and micronutrients, and Electrical Conductivity) revealed that the gongocompost had a neutral pH (6.0 - 6.8), a high organic matter content (39.34% - 51.44%), and a stable C/N ratio (17-18), indicating adequate maturation. The gongocompost exhibited lower levels of NPK (Nitrogen (1.13 - 1.69% w/w), Phosphorus (0.70 - 1.66% w/w), and Potassium (0.15 - 0.30% w/w)), but stood out for the significant presence of Calcium (6.37 - 12.75% w/w), Magnesium (3.25 - 8.50% w/w), and micronutrients, in addition to good organic matter stability. Among the samples tested, the humus produced from goat manure and plant residues showed the highest average overall quality, with the highest levels of total organic matter (42.53 - 55.23%) and micronutrients. It was concluded that gongocompost is a viable and high-quality organic fertilizer, with the potential to act as a soil conditioner and a complementary source of nutrients, promoting agricultural sustainability through the use of residues and the reduction of dependence on synthetic inputs.