Abstract
Three efficient Bacillus species selected among the 55 indigenous isolates from poultry manure (PM) were used for the development of a rapid and efficient composting process. The biochemical and 16sr RNA sequence analyses identified the isolates as Bacillus flexus (B-07), B. cereus (B-41) and B. subtilis (B-54). Collectively, the consortium has the ability of cellulolysis, keratinolysis, ammonia oxidation, nitrite oxidation and P solubilization for composting PM along with carbon amendments. The efficacy of composting with rice husk or sawdust with the consortium (10(9) CFU/ml) was tested. The biochemical and microbiological profiles showed that the efficacy of compost with sawdust along with consortium was better when compared to rice husk, resulting in the development of a rapid and single cycle of composting in 30 days. The resultant compost in pot trials enhanced the yield of the pulse crop, Vigna radiata to 78% and the oilseed crop, Sesamum indicum to 45% when compared to the addition of chemical fertilizers.