UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Mulberry shoot residues generated after silkworm rearing and also from annual bottom pruning in the field. Huge quantity of mulberry shoot is often left over as waste after silkworm rearing especially with the introduction of shoot rearing method. These shootstake10-12 months for decomposition under natural condition as it contains high amount of cellulose (37.38%), hemicelluloses (25.32%) and lignin (9.99%). The present study focus on left over mulberry shoots after rearing were shredded and used for composting treating with microbial agents viz., organic waste decomposer, Trichoderma spp, Pseudomonas spp, cow dung slurry and biogas slurry. Addition of microbial inoculants significantly accelerated the process of decomposition and enhanced nutrient content at different time intervals. This ensures for a sustainable recycling option for converting bulk biomass into nutrient- rich compost. Shredded mulberry shoot compost samples were analyzed at 30,60,90 and120days for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon and CO₂ evolution. The combined microbial inoculation T4 (50Kg of SMS+50grams of Trichoderma spp+ 50grams of Pseudomonas spp) had a highest nutrient composition at 120days, with N:P:K (2.58%: 1.29%: 3.34%). Organic carbon reduces from 31.13 to 18.42 per cent in T4. CO₂ evolution, a key indicator of microbial activity, peaked at 102.01 mg CO₂/100 g at 75 days under T4, confirming rapid lingo-cellulosic degradation. After the peak, CO₂ evolution declined sharply (90–120 days), representing the stabilization or maturation phase, where organic matter had been decomposed and compost approached maturity. composting approach provides a sustainable waste- management strategy for cost effective mulberry cultivation.