An investigation was carried out on the effect of inoculation methods on the compost of an organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Three types of white-rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor and Fomes fomentarius), and a consortium of these fungi, were used. The study assessed their influence on microbial enzymatic activities and the quality of the finished compost. It was found that the addition of white-rot fungi to municipal solid waste (after 37days of composting) could be a useful strategy for enhancing the properties of the final compost product. In comparison with the control sample (compost without inoculation), it accelerates degradation of solid waste as indicated by changes in C/N, electrical conductivity and pH. However, the effectiveness of waste degradation and compost maturation depends on the type of microorganism used for inoculation. The presence of inoculants, such as Trametes versicolor and Fomes fomentarius, led to a higher degrading ratio and a better degree of maturity. This resulted in an increase of enzymatic activities (especially dehydrogenase and protease) and a germination index in comparison with inoculation using Phanerochaete chrysosporium or a consortium of fungi.

Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Purkynova 656 123 Brno CZ 616 00 Czech Republic

Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology Faculty of Agronomy Mendel University in Brno Zemědělská 1 1665 613 00 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty of Agronomy Mendel University in Brno Zemědělská 1 1665 613 00 Czech Republic

Department of Geology and Pedology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Mendel University in Brno Zemědělská 1 1665 613 00 Brno Czech Republic

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