Greenhouse gas emissions during composting inevitably cause environmental pollution. This study investigated the effects of 10 % vermiculite of four particle sizes (<1.5 mm, 1.5-3 mm, 3-5.5 mm and 5.5-8 mm) on greenhouse gas emissions during vermicomposting of corn stover and cow dung. The results revealed that vermiculite reduced CH4 and N2O emissions but increased CO2 emissions. Vermiculite with a particle size of 3-5.5 mm presented the greatest environmental benefits, increasing cumulative CO2 emissions by 19 % and reducing CH4 and N2O emissions by 49 % and 62 %, respectively. A negative correlation was found between the specific surface area of vermiculite and cumulative greenhouse gas emissions (r = -0.7949). Furthermore, vermiculite intensified microbial interactions and accelerated microbial community succession. These results have important implications for understanding how vermiculite regulates greenhouse gas emissions and microbial mechanisms during the vermicomposting process.
Keywords: Agricultural organic wastes; Bacterial community; Clay mineral application; Earthworm; Emission reduction.
Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.