Physico-chemical assessment of pomace exhausted and appreciation of their compostability in the delegation of Kalaa Kebira (Tunisia)

Abstract

Olive pomace is the solid by-product obtained from the extraction of olive oil revealing serious environmental problems in all Mediterranean countries olive growing. Generally, that pomace can be valued, among others, as a source of organic matter (composting). In this perspective, we have addressed in this work to the quantitive and qualitative characterization (limited to certain physico-chemical parameters) of the solid by-product of olive oil extraction in the delegation of Kalaa Kebira (Sousse, Tunisia) while appreciating their compostability. The results showed that those olive residues are essentially dry, carbon-rich and CF, low in nitrogen. They can be used as compost by combining them with other available sources of plant originand/or animal such as manure of cattle, sheep or poultry (in varying proportions and responsible of the nature very heterogeneous and the variable quality) that can be applied to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.

Keywords: pomace exhausted; disponibility; qualitative characterization; co composting; Tunisian Sahel