Juan Emilio Pineda Palencia's personal collection (2025). 1
Abstract
Composting is an ancestral technique for managing organic waste. Recent studies show that incorporating ''Trichoderma'' spp., especially ''T. harzianum'' and ''T. viride'', significantly accelerates the decomposition of organic residues thanks to enzymes capable of degrading cellulose, chitin, and glucans. This improves the quality and nutritional value of the final compost, optimizing soil fertility and nutrient availability for crops. Therefore, implementing ''Trichoderma'' as a microbial bioactivator in compost represents a sustainable agroecological solution that strengthens soil fertility and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers. In many rural and periurban areas, organic waste is poorly managed and there is excessive dependence on synthetic fertilizers, which degrade soil health. Inoculating compost with ''Trichoderma'' enhances compost quality—by increasing its nutritional content and biological activity—and provides biological control of pathogens, contributing to healthier and more sustainable agriculture. Composting with effective microorganisms (EM) is based on introducing beneficial microbial communities such as lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and actinomycetes that rapidly decompose organic waste. According to Higa and Parr (1994), EM improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and suppress pathogenic organisms. In an agroecological approach, microbially enriched compost contributes to regenerative and resilient agricultural systems. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots. These associations enhance nutrient uptake—especially phosphorus—and increase plant resistance to soil pathogens. Additionally, mycorrhizae contribute to soil structural stability and microbial biodiversity. Including them in composting can enrich soil microbiota and promote a healthier, more productive environment for plants.
Abstract Composting is an ancestral technique for managing organic waste. Recent studies show that incorporating ''Trichoderma'' spp., especially ''T. harzianum'' [...]