APROVECHAMIENTO DE LOS RESIDUOS QUE SE GENERAN EN LA EXTRACCIÓN DEL ACEITE ESENCIAL DE ORÉGANO (Lippia graveolens HBK. s.l.)

Abstract

Compost was produced from waste generated by the extraction or essential oil of oregano. Composting systems were established under a Simplex Centroid design of three levels (bagasse leaf, stern and cow dung) and two factor (ratios of 50% y 33.3%): Treatment: I (bagasse), II (stem), III (cow dung), IV (bagasse + cow dung), V (bagasse + stem + cow dung), VI (stem + cow dung) and (bagasse + stem). The process was evaluated by the behavior or pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and reduction of organic matter (OM). The maturity of the compost was evaluated by the germination index (GI). The pH reached values greater than 8.5 to stabilize between 8.5 and 9.0, except in treatment II (pH=7.7). The resulting compost is classified as saline, producing significant differences; cow dung and degradation products of organic matter contributed to a high EC. MO reduction was greater in treatments with cow dung, as it incorporated beneficial microorganisms for biodegradation. The matured compost at 16 weeks with a GI greater than 90% indicating the absence of phytotoxic compounds, but only compost IV and VI met quality standards of reference. His cost of production was $2.93 and $2.98/kg not exceed the cost of doing business in other compost, this would benefit Durango oregano collectors put their marketing but also help to minimize the environmental impact by reducing the volume of waste incinerated or deposited in landfills