Effects of EM on Humus Composition during Decomposition of Fresh Waste Leaves of Tobacco

The aims of this study are to elucidate the effects of different amount of EM agents on the decomposition of fresh waste leaves of tobacco, and further to find out its optimal amount used in the utilization process of fresh waste tobacco leaves in the tobacco-growing region of Yunnan Province. Amounts of EM agents were 0, 2000, 4000 and 6000mL/t used in the composting experiment. The changes of organic matter, C/N ratio, humic acid, fulvic acid and HI (humification index) were analyzed during the composting process. The results indicated that the addition of EM agents accelerated the transform of organic matter, humus, humic acid and fulvic acid, harmonized the carbon-nitrogen ratio, improved the composting efficiency and reduced the composting time of fresh waste tobacco leaves. Compared with control treatment which composting time was 56d, addition of 4000 and 2000mL/t EM agents reduced the composting time to 26 days and saved 30 days; and addition of 6000 mL/t EM agents reduced to 33 days and saved 23 days. Results indicated that addition of 4000mL/t EM agents was the optimal amount used in the composting of fresh waste tobacco leaves.