Enhanced lignocellulose degradation and composts fertility of cattle manure and wheat straw composting by Bacillus inoculation

Few studies on Bacillus inoculation have been reported for lignocellulose degradation and composts fertility during composting. This research explored the enhanced lignocellulose degradation and composts fertility of cattle manure and wheat straw composting by Bacillus inoculation. Bacillus methylotrophicus F-6, Bacillus velezensis T-B, and Bacillus haynesii R-1 were used in this research. The results indicated that Bacillus inoculation (1) prolonged the thermophilic phase by 1–2 days, (2) decreased the NH+4-N/NO-3-N value, E4/E6, and respiration activity for four days (RA4) of final composts, (3) increased the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin degradation rate by 17.1%− 46.4%, 16.9%− 34.5%, and 30.6%− 69.4%, and (4) increased biomass of plant growth by 8.6%− 42.5% (based on final dry matter) and 16.4%− 42.4% (based on final organic matter). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that total nitrogen, total phosphorous, total potassium, and relative abundance of Atopostipes, Proteiniphilum and Thermobifida of final compost were positively correlated to the plant growth. Bacillus is a genus of thermophilic bacteria that can improve microbial biodiversity and population, further altering the physical and chemical properties of compost. The results showed Bacillus inoculation is beneficial to improve compost maturity, promote lignocellulose degradation, and improve composts fertility.