Organic Fertilizer

Land spreading of dairy soiled water (DSW) may result in pollution of ground and surface waters. Treatment of DSW through sludge-supernatant separation using chemical coagulants is a potential option to reduce the negative environmental impacts of DSW. The aims of this study were to (1) assess the effectiveness of three chemical coagulants-poly-aluminium chloride (PACl), ferric chloride (FeCl 3) and alum-in improving effluent quality, and (2) assess the properties of the sludge that is generated as by-product from the process for its suitability for land application. Taking into consideration optimum doses to minimize pollutants (turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and E. coli), optimum mixing times and cost, FeCl 3 was the best performing coagulant. Generated sludges had higher nutrient content and fewer E. coli than raw DSW, and did not display any evidence of phytotoxicity to the growth of Lolium perenne L. using germination tests. The study discussed the results in a sustainable farm management context, and suggested that the effluent (supernatant) from the treatments may be recycled to wash farm yards, saving water. In parallel, the sludge portion can be applied to amend soil properties with no adverse impacts on the grass growth, providing an agronomic value as an organic fertilizer, and reducing the risk of nutrient losses. This management approach could minimize the overall net cost compared to land application of raw DSW.

Current experiment was laid out in order to compare different kinds of organic manure and chemical fertilizer application in growing spinach under the open-field conditions in two successive seasons. Matador type spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) was cultivated organically and conventionally and spinach growth, yield, vitamin C and nitrate concentrations were checked throughout two successive seasons (autumn and winter). Commercial chemical

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer application either with or without antagonistic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis SQR-5 and Paenibacillus polymyxa SQR-21) on the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cucumerinum J. H. Owen wilt disease in cucumber. The incidence of Fusarium wilt disease was 5.3–13.5% for cucumber plants treated with bioorganic fertilizer, while it was 30.3–51% in controls (only with organic fertilizer). Higher yields and lower disease incidences were observed in the dry season when compared with the wet season for both types of organic fertilizer treatments. Biolog analysis showed a significant change in soil bacterial composition and activity after bioorganic fertilizer application. The numbers of colony-forming units of F. oxysporum f. sp. Cucumerinum J. H. Owen for bioorganic-fertilizer-treated soils were significantly decreased compared with control. Scanning electron micrographs of cucumber basal stems showed a presence of mycelia-like mini strands accompanied by an amorphous substance within the xylem vessels. This amorphous substance and mini strands were richer in calcium and phosphorus but had low carbon and oxygen than the living mycelia. Reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopic analysis showed that the antagonistic bacteria produced the antifungal compounds fusaricidin A, B, C, and D with molecular weights of 883.5, 897.5, 947.5, and 961.5 Da, respectively. The application of bioorganic fertilizer has a great potential for the control of F. oxysporum wilt disease in cucumber plants.

The natural 15N abundance (δ15N) of different ecosystem compartments is considered to be an integrator of nitrogen (N) cycle processes. Here we investigate the extent to which patterns of δ15N in grassland plants and soils reflect the effect of different management practices on N cycling processes and N balance. Investigations were conducted in long-term experimental plots of permanent montane meadows with treatments differing in the amount and type of applied fertilizer (0–200 kg N ha−1 yr−1; mineral fertilizer, cattle slurry, stable manure) and/or the cutting frequency (1–6 cuts per season). The higher δ15N values of organic fertilizers compared to mineral fertilizer were reflected by higher δ15N values in soils and harvested plant material. Furthermore, δ15N of top soils and plant material increased with the amount of applied fertilizer N. N balances were calculated from N input (fertilization, atmospheric N deposition and symbiotic N2 fixation) and N output in harvest. ‘Excess N’—the fraction of N input not harvested—was assumed to be lost to the environment or accumulated in soil. Taking fertilizer type into account, strong positive correlations between δ15N of top soils and the N input–output balance were found. In plots receiving mineral N fertilizer this indicates that soil processes which discriminate against 15N (e.g. nitrification, denitrification, ammonia volatilization) were stimulated by the increased supply of readily available N, leading to loss of the 15N depleted compounds and subsequent 15N enrichment of the soils. By contrast, in plots with organic fertilization this correlation was partly due to accumulation of 15N-enriched fertilizer N in top soils and partly due to the occurrence of significant N losses. Cutting frequency appeared to have no direct effect on δ15N patterns. This study for the first time shows that the natural abundance of 15N of agricultural systems does not only reflect the type (organic or mineral fertilizer) or amount of annual fertilizer amendment (0–200 kg ha−1 yr−1) but that plant and soil δ15N is better described by N input–output balances.

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-2015 season to study the effect of two soil fertilizer treatments 200 kg/ha compound fertilizer NPK 18-18-18 and organic manure (10 ton/ha of sheep manure) and their interaction with high potash [1% of N-P-K, 0-5-36] and silicon [0.5 mM of potassium silicate on broad bean antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and proline] in saline soil (9.4 dS/m). The application of soil fertilizers caused a significant increase in the activity of CAT, APX, GSH, but it had no significant effect on SOD activity. While it caused a significant decrease in proline and a changeable effect on ascorbic acid content whereas compound fertilizer caused a significant reduction in ascorbic acid compared to control. The organic fertilizer caused a significant increase in ascorbic acid compared to control. Foliar fertilizers resulted in significant increase in the activity of CAT, SOD, GSH and proline, but it had no significant effect on APX and ascorbic acid compared to control. The interactions between the factors caused significant effects on all parameters.

There are various biofertilizer products in the market in Nigeria and imported globally which claimed to have beneficial microbes for sustainable agriculture. Biowaste recycled in anaerobic digested (26 days)  and inoculated with Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and biocontrol microorganisms called OBD-Biofertilizer with field application and evaluation grown with selected crops in different agro-ecology in Nigeria certified by federal fertilizer department, federal ministry of agriculture and rural development, Abuja, Nigeria within  (2011-2015).  This study was conducted to identify and assess the microbial contents of various biofertilizer products available in the market known as imported biofertilizers (Thailand, China and Australia). A comparative analysis  of a total of 13 isolates of bacteria were identified from these biofertilizer products based on Tan et al, 2009 isolation of beneficial microbes from biofertilizer. Bacillus group was the most dominant strain found in these products imported biofertilizers and can be classified as Nitrogen fixing biofertilizers eg.  Rhizobium, Azospirillum  and  Azotobacter; Phosphorous solubilising biofertilizers (PSB) eg. Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Aspergillu ; PGPR) eg.  Pseudomonas and generally known as mono-biofertilizer (all bacteria only). OBD-Biofertilizer (broad spectrum biofertilizer) containing bacteria and fungi including Phosphate mobilizing biofertilizer eg. Mycorrhiza and Actinomycetes.  Imported Biofertilizer do not contain mycofungicides , biological control agents (BCA) while  OBD-Bioferilizer contain Aspergillus Niger. OBD-Biofertilizer contains Actinomycetes are also used as plant growth-promoting agents (help to produce plant growth hormone Indole-3-acetic acid), biocontrol tools, biopesticide agents, antifungal compounds, and biocorrosion and as a source of agroactive compounds. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in OBD-Biofertilizer are considered to be primary soil aggregators and aggregate stability in natural systems because it contain glomalin , a glycoprotein produced by AMF hyphae.  OBD-Biofertilizer contains genus Thiobacillus, sulphur oxidizers, which enhance the natural oxidation and speed up the production of sulphates; play important role in the formation of proteins, vitamins and enzymes in plant development, remediation and restoration ecology. Two field experiments were carried out at Badeggi, Niger state, Nigeria in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the response of lowland rice to a OBD-Biofertilizer. The experimental field was laid out in a strip-plot design with five treatments and three replications using the FARO 44 and FARO 52 rice varieties. The highest rice grain yield increase of 4.4 t/ha over the control in 2012 and was far more than Nigeria’s average of lowland rice grain yields of 1.5 t/ha.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eCAloMWG3g

Keywords:
Anaerobic digester,  Recycle  Bio-waste , OBD-Biofertilizer, isolation, beneficial microbes, biofertilizer products,  Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Rice crop

The present study was carried out during two successive seasons, 2011/2012 and
2012/2013, at the Agricultural Research Station; El-Otouria, Sheehaniya, Doha,
Qatar; to investigate the response of two tomato cultivars (Isabella and Milas) to
biofertilizers and amino acids. Two biofertilizer treatments, rizobacterien at a rate of
2 and 4 liter per feddan and one of amino acid (Delfan) at a rate of 200 ppm, were
used. Chicken manure, at a rate of 10 tons/ feddan, was the control treatment. Results
showed the superiority of Isabella compared to Milas in terms of vegetative growth
and fruit yield. Using Rizobacterien at a rate of 4 liter/feddan plus Delfan (amino
acids) at a rate of 200 ppm increased growth and fruit chemical characters, earliness
and total yield. The average fruit weight per plant was significantly high under
Rizobacteria at a rate of 4 liter/feddan plus Delfan (amino acids) at a rate of 200 ppm.
The lowest vegetative growth, fruit and yield characters were obtained from
Rizobacteria at a rate of 2 liter/feddan. The water productivity results showed that all
treatments led to the increase of fruit yield. Isabella cultivar had higher water
productivity than Milas cultivar. Using of Rizobacterien at a rate of four liter/feddan
also increased the water productivity. The same trend was obtained by using Delfan
at a rate of 200 ppm. Concerning water productivity, Isabella cultivar had higher
water productivity 16.7 and 17.2 kg of tomato fruits per cubic meter of irrigation
water (m
3
)compared with Milas cultivar which produced15.9 and 16.5 kg tomato
fruits per cubic meter of irrigation water for first and second seasons, respectively.
Isabella cultivar plus amino acid (Delfan) gave the highest water productivity 19.1
and 19.7 kg of tomato fruits per m3 water for first and second seasons, respectively
compared the other treatments

— A field experiment was conducted during rainy season 2015 at experimental farm of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Gadraif in Sudan. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different sources of fertilizers (i.e. organic and inorganic) on the performance of okra under rainfed conditions of Gadarif State in Sudan. The experiment contained eight treatments, two levels of organic fertilizer; with and without application of chicken manure and four levels of nitrogenous fertilizers (urea) donated as 0N (control), 1N (80kgN/fed), 2N (160 kg/fed), 3N (240 kg N/fed). These treatments were allocated in factorial arrangement according to randomized completely block block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed significant differences among the treatments in all growth and yield parameters. The application of organic fertilizer (chicken manure) substaintially increased growth and improved yield of okra comparing with the sole application of the chemical fertilizer (urea). Moreover increasing nitrogen rate significantly increased growth and yield of okra up to 2N (160 kg N/fed) but the highest rate of nitrogen (240 kg N/fed) substantially recorded lower averages of all parameters compared with 2N rate (160 kg N/fed) in sole application of urea and in combination with chicken manure. The combination of 2t/ha chicken manure and 2N rate (160 kg N/fed) significantly increased all growth and yield attributes of okra crop under rainfed conditions of Sudan.

The study was conducted to observe the effects of different organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of lettuce in the field conditions during the period from October 2011 to January 2012. The experiment was performed by randomized block design consisted of four factors as well as control (without fertilizer), poultry manure (chicken litter), cattle manure (cow dung) and commercial fertilizer. Under these four factors, eight treatments namely T 0 (control); T 1 , T 2 and T 3 (10, 20, 30 tons/ha of poultry manure, respectively); T 4 , T 5 and T 6 (15, 25, 35 tons/ha of cattle manure, respectively); and T 7 (10 tons/ha commercial fertilizer), with three replications were applied. The studies revealed that the highest production of lettuce was obtained by using eco-friendly organic fertilizer followed by commercial fertilizer than control one. The average maximum number of leaves, root length and yield per plot were observed by using cow dung in T 6 , while the lowest in T 0. The chicken litter fertilized plants had relatively higher average leaves length, leaves breadth and base diameter; while the maximum dry matter content and yield per hectare were found by applying cow dung in T 5. The highest gross return of BDT 1168800/ha and net return of BDT 683229/ha with the benefit cost ratio of 1.40 was obtained from T 5. From the economic point of view, it is concluded that T 5 was the best dose of fertilizer for maximizing the growth and yield of lettuce.

A field experiment was conducted on sweet pepper for yield and quality of fruits using different types of organic and inorganic fertilizers at the farm of Patuakhali Science and Technology University. Inorganic and organic fertilizers treatments were tested on California variety of sweet pepper. The fertilization treatments were T1, (Urea +TSP+ MOP): (260+120+124) kg/ha; T2, Cow dung: 9 t/ha; T3, Poultry manure: 7 t/ha; T4, (Urea + cow dung): (195kg +2.5 t/ha); T5,(Urea + poultry manure): (180 kg + 2t/ha); T6, (Urea + cow dung): (130kg + 4.5 t/ha); T7, (Urea + poultry manure): (140kg +3 t/ha);T8, Control: no manure and fertilizer. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates were used to conduct this experiment. Physiochemical properties of soil were increasing after harvesting of sweet pepper. Obtained results showed that urea with cow dung (130kg + 4 tons)/ha (T6) increased sweet pepper production. Combined application of urea with cow dung showed significant increase in leaves number per plant (174), Leaf area (48.6cm2), Root/canopy (15.2%), Plant fresh weight (378.5g), No. of fruits/plant (16.6), Fruit length (9.9cm), Fruit diameter (5.8cm), Average green fruit weight (142.1g), Average dry fruit weight (84.6g), yield/replicate (38.5Kg), no. of branching (10.6). Urea with cow dung influenced the total yield per replicate and extended the period of pepper fruit production compared to other treatments.

Organic fertilizer is a good source of nutrients for the soil. It improves the soil's physical, chemical and biological characteristics. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield performance of pechay applied with different levels of compost as organic fertilizer and determines the effect of organic fertilizer in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight per plant and leaf area. The pot experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and replicated three times. Significant differences between treatments means were determined using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed, that there were no significant differences in the plant height and number of leaves. However, leaf area of pechay was significantly affected by application of T3 = 50% pure garden soil: 50% pure compost (OF) in combination and in terms of yield, the fresh weight of pechay was significantly increased with the application of T4 = 75% pure garden soil: 25% pure compost (OF). Application of 50% pure garden soil: 50% pure compost (OF) and 75% pure garden soil: 25% pure compost (OF) significantly affected the leaf area and fresh weight of pechay. This implies that compost application greatly increased or influenced the growth and development of the pechay plant.

This paper aims to (1) examine the challenges in the compost facilities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), (2) optimize the composting techniques using indigenous natural zeolite and locally produced biochar from agricultural residues and (3) evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of optimized food waste composting. In KSA food waste is the most abundant stream of municipal solid waste that contribute up to 50% of the total waste. The landfill disposal of this waste results in several environmental and public health issues. Resource recovery through composting is one of the best approaches for treating such nutrient-rich organic waste. There exist several facilities in KSA for the conversion of food waste to compost using conventional methods of compost piles and trenches. However, none of the produced compost is capable of improving the quality and fertility of sandy soils and the growth of the crops due to limited values of organic matter, nutrients and water holding capacity along with high moisture contents, nitrification index, weed seed contents and ammonia emissions. In KSA, vast reservoirs of natural zeolite are available near to Jeddah city. Similarly, in KSA the most cultivated tree is date palm with more than 22 million date trees that would provide sufficient feedstock for biochar production. Therefore, diverting food waste from landfills to optimized composting facilities using natural zeolites and biochar could benefit the KSA economy with a total net savings of about US $70.72 million per year.

... climatic conditions Ana Meijide & Laura M. Cárdenas & Laura Sánchez-Martín & Antonio Vallejo Received: 7 December 2008 /Accepted: 15 July 2009 /Published online: 1 August 2009 © Springer Science+Business Media BV 2009 ... 2000; Chantigny et al. 2001). Mondini et al. ...

Purpose Field experiment was carried out in Akure in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to determine the effect of poultry manure, wood ash and rice bran on the soil fertility improvement, growth and head yield of cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L) in 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons. Methods The three organic fertilizer treatments were applied each at 6 t/ha with a reference treatment NPK 15-15-15 applied at 300 kg/ha and a control treatment arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results The results showed significant increases (P \ 0.05) in the growth and head yield parameters of cabbage crop under the different organic fertilizers compared to the control treatment. The application of poultry manure resulted in the highest values of cabbage plant height, stem girth, leaf number, leaf area, head weight, head length and head girth followed by NPK 15-15-15, wood ash and rice bran, respectively. Cabbage head weight, head girth, head length, plant height, stem girth, leaf number and leaf area increased by 17, 18, 8,17, 19, 10 and 16 %, respectively, with application of poultry manure compared to NPK fertilizer. Also, these parameters increased by 23, 21, 13 29, 25, 17 and 45 % compared to the wood ash treatment. The highest values of soil pH, Ca and Mg were obtained under wood ash application, while the highest values of soil O.M and moderate values of soil P, K, Ca and Mg were obtained under poultry manure application. Moderate values of soil pH, K, Ca and low % N were also recorded under rice bran treatment. However, the highest K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios of 93.1, 74.1 and 572.1, respectively, were obtained under NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer application compared to 2:1 K/Ca, 2:1 K/Mg and 16:1 P/Mg in rice bran treatment. Conclusion The poultry manure applied at 6 t/ha gave the best results in improving soil fertility, growth and head yield of cabbage, and this was because of its balanced nutrient composition and the least C/N ratio. Keywords Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae) Á Head yield and growth parameters Á Organic fertilizers and soil fertility improvement

Since soil management systems infl uence soil physical fertility, it is important to determine the effect of long-term organic fertilizer amendments on soil physical properties such as water-holding capacity. Addition of organic materials of different origins to soil has been one of the most common rehabilitation practices to improve soil physical properties. This is essential to sustaining the productivity of

This study examined the hypothesis that incorporation of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp.) (gliricidia), a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree, into agroforestry systems in southern Malawi may be used to increase the input of organic fertilizer and reduce the need for expensive inorganic fertilizers. The productivity of maize (Zea mays L.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and gliricidia grown as sole stands or in mixed cropping systems was examined at Makoka Research Station (latitude 15° 30′ S, longitude 35° 15′ E) and a nearby farm site at Nazombe between 1996 and 2000. Treatments included gliricidia intercropped with maize, with or without pigeonpea, and sole stands of gliricidia, maize and pigeonpea. Trees in the agroforestry systems were pruned before and during the cropping season to provide green leaf manure. Maize yields and biomass production by each component were determined and fractional light interception was measured during the reproductive stage of maize. Substantial quantities of green leaf manure (2.4 to 9.0 Mg ha−1 year−1) were produced from the second or third year after tree establishment. Green leaf manure and fuelwood production were greatest when gliricidia was grown as unpruned sole woodlots (c. 8.0 and 22 Mg ha−1 year−1 respectively). Improvements in maize yield in the tree-based systems also became significant in the third year, when c. 3.0 Mg ha−1 of grain was obtained. Tree-based cropping systems were most productive and exhibited greater fractional light interception (c. 0.6 to 0.7) than cropping systems without trees (0.1 to 0.4). No beneficial influence of pigeonpea on maize performance was apparent either in the presence or absence of gliricidia at either site in most seasons. However, as unpruned gliricidia provided the greatest interception of incident solar radiation (>0.9), coppicing may be required to reduce shading when gliricidia is grown together with maize. As pigeonpea production was unaffected by the presence of gliricidia, agroforestry systems containing gliricidia might be used to replace traditional maize + pigeonpea systems in southern Malawi.

Traducido y adaptado del Capítulo 8 del libro “THE BIOGAS HANDBOOK, SCIENCE, PRODUCTION AND APPLICATIONS”, , editado por ARTHUR WELLINGER, JERRY MURPHY & DAVID BAXTER, publicado en el año 2013. La parte inicial del capítulo se publicó en las partes I y !!. Con esta parte III se completa la traducción y adaptación de ese capitulo.