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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Production and characterisation of briquettes from municipal solid waste compost and zeolite as slow-release fertilisers

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14926
Submitted
11 April 2026
Published
10-07-2026

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Department of Natural Resource Management, Periyakulam, during the year 2024–2025. This research investigated the production of briquettes combining municipal solid waste (MSW) compost with natural zeolite as a novel slow-release fertiliser. MSW compost was prepared through aerobic composting techniques involving the decomposition of organic waste in the presence of oxygen using windrows, static piles, or in-vessel systems. Various formulations were developed with different compost-to-zeolite ratios (80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50) and tested for physical properties, nutrient content and agronomic efficiency. Briquettes were produced using a hydraulic press at 20 MPa with 10 % cassava starch as a binding agent. Results demonstrated that the 60:40 compost-zeolite ratio produced briquettes with optimal physical properties (bulk density: 0.85 g cm-3, crushing strength: 2.4 MPa, water stability: 92 %). Nutrient analysis showed enhanced nutrient retention capacity, with zeolite significantly reducing nitrogen leaching by 43–65 % compared to compost-only briquettes. Heavy metal concentrations, including Lead for 60:40 (23.5 mg kg-1) were comparable to 50:50 (19.7 mg kg-1, Cadmium for 60:40 (0.49 mg kg-1) was comparable to 50:50 (0.41 mg kg-1), Chromium for 60:40 (16.2 mg kg-1) was comparable to (13.5) mg kg-1, Nickel for 60:40 was comparable to 50:50 (9.6 mg kg-1), Copper for 60:40 (62.8 mg kg-1) is on par with 50:50 (52.5 mg kg-1), Zinc for 60:40 (130.4) was comparable to 50:50 (108.2 mg kg-1). Column experiments showed that briquettes with 60:40 ratio reduced the heavy metal leaching. The integration of zeolite into MSW compost briquettes presents a promising approach for developing sustainable fertilisers while addressing municipal waste management challenges.

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