Evaluating Compost Feedstock Amendments and Decomposition Dynamics with European Green Crabs

Abstract

Two studies were carried out using Carcinus maenas to evaluate different feedstocks for composting with green crab (GC) biomass, including a sawdust (SD)-based carbon source with a mass ratio of 1:2 and a straw (SW)-based carbon source with a mass ratio of 1:4 while using a C: N ratio target of 25:1. Decomposition of carbon and nitrogen, and changes in respiration rates and temperature changes were monitored periodically over the studies. The SD and SW-based composts were combined with a potting media at different percentages (0, 10, 20, 50) and planted with Garden cress. The plant’s height and germination index improved with the addition of SD+GC-based compost. The positive influence of the soil properties with the compost suggested that the TOC and TN availability in SD+GC compost brought a sound output on plant growth, helped to recover the nutrient efficiency, making it a suitable method to redefine the nutrient cycles.