scholarly journals The Effects of EM (Effective Microorganisms) and Biochar on the Rate of Decomposition and the Nutrient Content of the Compost Manure Produced from the Locally Available Materials during Composting in Kakamega Central Sub County Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 33-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inviolata Nanyuli ◽  
Stanley Omuterema ◽  
Francis N. Muyekho
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Effective Microorganisms ◽  
Total N ◽  
Compost Manure

Kakamega County is one of the most densely populated regions in Kenya and most people are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. High population has led to continuous cultivation hence depletion of nutrients through the removal of crop residues, leaching and soil erosion. Inorganic fertilizers can restore soil fertility but are unaffordable for the majority of smallholder farmers living with 1240 KES (10.32 EUR) per month. However, despite government and NGOs interventions towards promoting the use of organic fertilizers in Kakamega County, the adoption rates are still low due to the long waiting period before the compost manure is ready. This study aimed at solving the problem of the period taken by the locally available organic matter to decompose and consequently the quality of the compost manure produced from various treatments. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of EM and Biochar on the rate of decomposition of locally available organic materials under Berkeley composting technique; and to evaluate the nutrient content of compost manure produced from the different treatments. Experimental design was used to examine the effects of EM and Biochar on the rate of decomposition under Berkeley composting technique and to evaluate the nutrient content of compost manure produced from different treatments. Four treatments; (i) Normal Berkeley (Control) (ii) EM+Berkeley (iii) Biochar+Berkeley, and (iv) EM+Biochar+Berkeley were evaluated in a completely randomized block design replicated three times. Nutrient content analysis used; Wet chemistry, LDPSA, PXRF and Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. Berkeley Hot/Rapid composting was the most adopted composting technique (28.65%), significance (χ2 = 66.500). Combining Biochar and EM (T4) significantly (P<0.05) accelerated the rate of decomposition of organic matter by attaining the highest temperature of 60°C on the 4th day, followed by compost heap with biochar alone (T3) and compost heaps with EM (T2) which attained the highest temperature of 58°C respectively on the 6th day compared to compost piles without biochar or EM at a temperature of 55°C on 8th day. The results suggest that Biochar and EM accelerate the composting process. pH, total N, K and CEC were not significantly affected by the composting treatments, while Total Carbon was significantly (p<0.05) highest in the Biochar+Berkeley treatment, followed by EM+Berkeley treatment and lowest in EM+Biochar+Berkeley treatment. Phosphorus and Total carbon were also higher in EM compost (1.8% and 5.4%) (p<0.05) compared to non-EM compost (1.2% and 5.0%).

Response of corn (Zea mays L.) to various organic-based fertilizers in marginal upland of Sta. Rita, Samar

2017 ◽  
pp. 31-43
Author(s):  
Berta Ratilla ◽  
Loreme Cagande ◽  
Othello Capuno
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Physical And Chemical Properties ◽  
Total N ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

Organic farming is one of the management strategies that improve productivity of marginal uplands. The study aimed to: (1) evaluate effects of various organic-based fertilizers on the growth and yield of corn; (2) determine the appropriate combination for optimum yield; and (3) assess changes on the soil physical and chemical properties. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, with 3 replications and 7 treatments, namely; T0=(0-0-0); T1=1t ha-1 Evans + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T2=t ha-1 Wellgrow + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T3=15t ha-1 chicken dung; T4=10t ha-1 chicken dung + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1; T5=15t ha-1 Vermicast; and T6=10t ha-1 Vermicast + 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1. Application of organic-based fertilizers with or without inorganic fertilizers promoted growth of corn than the control. But due to high infestation of corn silk beetle(Monolepta bifasciata Horns), its grain yield was greatly affected. In the second cropping, except for Evans, any of these fertilizers applied alone or combined with 45-30-30kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 appeared appropriate in increasing corn earyield. Soil physical and chemical properties changed with addition of organic fertilizers. While bulk density decreased irrespective of treatments, pH, total N, available P and exchangeable K generally increased more with chicken dung application.

Soil organic carbon fractions in a Vertisol under irrigated cotton production as affected by burning and incorporating cotton stubble

Soil Research ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 655 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Conteh ◽  
G. J. Blair ◽  
I. J. Rochester
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Labile Carbon ◽  
Total N ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Organic Matter Fractions

The contribution of cotton stubble to the soil organic matter content of Vertisols under cotton production is not well understood. A 3-year experiment was conducted at the Australian Cotton Research Institute to study the effects of burning and incorporating cotton stubble on the recovery of fertiliser nitrogen (N), lint yield, and organic matter levels. This study reports on the changes in soil organic matter fractions as affected by burning and incorporating cotton stubble into the soil. Soil samples collected at the start and end of the 3-year experiment were analysed for total carbon (CT), total N (NT), and δ13C (a measure of 13C/12C isotopic ratios). Labile carbon (CL) was determined by ease of oxidation and non-labile carbon (CNL) was calculated as the difference between CT and CL. Based on the changes in CT, CL, and CNL, a carbon management index (CMI) was calculated. Further analyses were made for total polysaccharides (PT), labile polysaccharides (PL), and light fraction C (LF-C). Stubble management did not significantly affect the NT content of the soil. After 3 years, the stubble-incorporated plots had a significantly higher content of CT, CL, and polysaccharides. Incorporation of stubble into the soil increased the CMI by 41%, whereas burning decreased the CMI by 6%. The amount of LF-C obtained after 3 years in the stubble-incorporated soil was almost double that obtained in the stubble-burnt soil. It was concluded that for sustainable management of soil organic matter in the Vertisols used for cotton production, stubble produced in the system should be incorporated instead of burnt.

Effective microorganism levels in the performance of carrot crop (Daucus carota L.) chantenay variety in Cayhuayna edafoclimatic conditions – 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Juan Diolando Villanueva- Reátegui, ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Daucus Carota ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Effective Microorganisms ◽  
Foliar Fertilizer ◽  
Daucus Carota L ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Effective Microorganism

The research levels of microorganisms effective in the yield of carrot (Daucus carota l.) Chantenay variety under edaphoclimatic conditions of Cayhuayna, was carried out in the District of Pillcomarca, Province and Huánuco Region; With the purpose of evaluating the effect of the organic fertilizers on the yield of the carrot crop. A completely randomized block design was used, with 12 treatments and 3 replicates using the parametric F (ANVA) tests, and Duncan, the incorporation of Compost with MS was tested: 4, 6 and 8 t / ha, -A (Foliar): 1.0 and 2.0 l / rucksack. We evaluated yield by weight per experimental net area and then transformed yield per hectare; The results obtained in carrot yield were on average 43.33 tons with the foliar application of 1 liters of effective microorganisms and the incorporation of 8 tons of compost. Therefore, it is considered necessary to promote, promote and disseminate the technology of efficient microorganisms among f armers and growers who grow carrots, in order to obtain good yields and promote organic agriculture. Keyword: Compost, foliar fertilizer, effective microorganisms and yield.

Effect of density of Tephrosia candida stands on soil characteristics

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyang Lie ◽  
Zhuomin Wang ◽  
Li Xue
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Total N ◽  
One Year ◽  
Tephrosia Candida ◽  
Total P

With one-year-old Tephrosia candida trees as experimental material, influence of stand density on soil nutrient content and enzyme activity was studied. The results showed that density had little influenced on pH value in 2, 4 and 8 trees m2 stands. The contents of soil organic matter, effective nitrogen and effective phosphorus significantly increased in 2 trees m2 stands. The contents of soil organic matter and effective nitrogen significantly increased, whereas total N, total P, total K, effective N, effective P and effective K significantly decreased in 4 trees/m2 stand. Soil organic matter and nutrients except for total P significantly decreased in 8 trees m2 stand. Among the three density stands, the activities of urease, catalase and phosphatase were the lowest in 8 trees m2 stand.

Effets du scarifiage sur les propriétés du sol et l'ensemencement naturel dans une pessière noire à mousses de la forêt boréale québécoise

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Prévost
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Soil Warming ◽  
Total N ◽  
Humus Layer

Two types of scarification (cone and disk) were applied at two intensities (simple and double passes), in a randomized complete block design, established alongside buffer stands of spruce protective of water courses, that provided a natural seed source. Treatment effects on seedbed evolution, natural seeding of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP), competing vegetation, and soil physical and chemical properties were examined over a 3-year period. In situ nitrogen mineralization was also studied, using the buried-bag method. All scarification treatments created a surface horizon (0–10 cm) with 80% less organic matter content than the control treatment. However, treatments tended to loosen the exposed deep layers, creating microsites whose compactness appeared adequate for root development (1.07–1.22 Mg/m3). The organic matter loss mainly decreased exchangeable K and Mg in the surface 20 cm of scarified microsites. Scarification had little impact on total N of sampled profiles and clearcutting did not increase N mineralization with regard to the forest, during the first year after disturbance. The weak soil warming and the stability of temperatures under the unscarified humus suggest that clearcutting did not significantly enhanced microbial activity on the site. However, removal of the insulating humus layer allowed a significant summer soil warming in the furrows. Despite this, scarified microsites were characterized by N immobilization during the first growing season after treatment. However, net N production was positive during the winter period, presumably because of a N-flux phenomenon. Scarification improved black spruce regeneration by natural seeding. Three years after treatment, stocking levels reached 40 to 51% in the scarified sectors while they reached 31% in the controls, this gap being mainly attributed to the second germination year. The difference can be explained by the improved receptivity of bare mineral soil, well-decomposed humus, and mixed mineral–organic seedbeds that covered 12–20% of the scarified areas immediately after treatment. Generally, results indicate that microsites created by a light scarification are as receptive as microsites created by a severe perturbation. Finally, every scarification treatment efficiently controlled the ericaceous shrub cover during the first 3 years after treatment.

scholarly journals Abundance and diversity of soil nematodes as influenced by different types of organic manure

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hu ◽  
Y. Qi
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Organic Manure ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Effective Microorganisms ◽  
Total N ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Nematode Abundance ◽  
Abundance And Diversity

AbstractNematode abundance and diversity from different types of organic manure soil treatments were investigated in a longterm field experiment carried out in Qu-Zhou experimental station, China Agricultural University. The composts used in the experiment were a traditional compost (C) (60 % straw, 30 % livestock dung, 5 % cottonseed-pressed trash and 5 % brans), traditional compost and chicken dung compost (60 % straw, 30 % chiken dung, 5 % cottonseedpressed trash and 5 % brans) added with effective microorganisms, EMC and EMCDC respectively. Six treatments were arranged according to a randomized block design with three replicates per treatment. Treatments were incorporation into the soil of compost EMC, EMCDC, and C each at the rates of 7.5 and 15 t/ha. Plots were sown with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.) every year from 1997 to 2004. Overall, 28 nematode genera were found. Seven genera were bacterivores, 3 genera were fungivores, 13 genera were plantparasites and 5 genera were omnivores-predators. The Rhabditis, Cephalobus, Helicotylenchus were dominant genera in the present study. The bacterivores and plantparasitic nematodes were the dominant trophic groups except in C treatment. Nematode abundance per 100 g dried soil ranged from 372 to 553. Addition of effective microorganism increased the number and proportion of bacterivorous nematodes and decreased the number and proportion of plant-parasitic nematodes compared to traditional compost C. Total number of nematode was significantly influenced by compost amount, but didn’t significantly influence by EM agent. Total abundance of nematode was positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter, total N, available P and K. The long-term addition of EM agent hasn’t adverse effect on soil nematode community.

scholarly journals Flora of spoil heaps after hard coal mining in Trzebinia (southern Poland): effect of substratum properties

2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin W. Woch ◽  
Magdalena Radwańska ◽  
Anna M. Stefanowicz
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Hard Coal ◽  
Total Carbon Content ◽  
Total N ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Spoil Heaps

Abstract - The aim of the present study was to investigate the composition of spontaneous plant cover and the physicochemical properties of the substratum of spoil heaps of the Siersza hard coal mine in Trzebinia (southern Poland) abandoned in 2001. Floristic and soil analyses were performed in 2011. The substratum was very diverse in terms of texture (sand: 55-92 %, clay: 6-38 %), nutrient content (total C: 1.3-41.0 %, total N: 0.05-0.49 %, total Ca: 0.5-7.3 %) and pH (3.7-8.7). Moreover, total thallium concentration in the substratum was high, ranging from 6.0 to 14.6 mg kg-1. Plant cover varied from 50 to 95 %. The number of plant species per 4m2 varied from 6 to 29 and correlated negatively with total carbon content (r = -0.85, p < 0.01), and positively with sand content in the substratum (r = 66, p < 0.05). The highest number of species per area unit was observed on a humus substratum, where initial soil has developed on the part of carboniferous waste rock spoil under 20-30 year old trees, and the lowest on carbon shale with coal and culm. Among 197 plant species, most belong to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae families. Hemicryptophytes (49%) and terophytes (18%) predominated. The investigated area was primarily colonized by native species spread by the wind. However, invasive alien species also had a significant share (8%) in the plant cover.

scholarly journals Response of Arabica Coffee Cultivated on Andisols on Organic Matter Applications

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pujiyanto .
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Cow Dung ◽  
Arabica Coffee ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Rainfall Type ◽  
Leaf Water Deficit

Andisols  are characterized  by  dominance  of  amorphous  minerals  which form strong and stable bonding with organic matter, therefore Andisols always contain high organic matter. For that reason, organic fertilizer is generally not applied  on  Andisols,  because  it  is  assumed  that  it  will  not  give   any  positive effect  on  growth  or  yield.  The  experiment  was  aimed  to  evaluate  response  of mature Kartika 1  Arabica coffee variety (seven years old) cultivated on  Andisols applied with organic matter derived from cow dung manure. The experiment was carried out at Andungsari  Experimental Station located in Bondowoso District, East  Java. Elevation of the site was 1,150 m asl., with rainfall type of C (Schmidt &  Fergusson).  The  experiment  was    arranged  according  to  completely randomized  block  design  with  four  replications  to  evaluate  effect  of  ninecombination  treatments  of  application  rates  at   application  depths  of  50,  100, and 150 cm. The  range of organic fertilizers rates were  0 - 13.5 kg/tree/year. The experiment revealed that cow dung manure applications on Arabica coffee cultivated  on  Andisols  significantly  increased  yield  at  the  average  of  33% compared  to  the  untreated  crop.  No  significant  effect  of  the  treatment  onvariables of leaf water deficit and soil moisture content during dry season and root  density.  At  range  of  application  depths  of  50  -  150  cm,  the  deeper  the organic matter applications, the higher the yield will be.Key words: Andisols, Arabica coffee, organic matter, cow dung manure

scholarly journals Studies of the influences of different N fertilizers and Microbion UNC bacterial fertilizer on the nutrient content of soil

2010 ◽  
pp. 134-140
Author(s):  
Andrea Balla Kovács ◽  
Anita Szabó ◽  
Emese Bartáné Szabó
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Total N ◽  
N Fertilizers ◽  
Soil Measurements

A field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of different nitrogen fertilizers in combination with bacterial fertilizer onnutrient uptake of horseradish and plant available nutrients of the soil. Three different N fertilizers, ammonium-nitrate, urea and calciumnitrate(116 kg ha-1 N) in combination with Microbion UNC bacterial fertilizer (2 kg ha-1) were applied as treatments in a randomizedcomplete block design in three replications. In this paper we presented the results of soil measurements. The soil of the experimental areawas chernozem with medium sufficiency level of N and P and poor level of K.Our main results:The amount of 0.01M CaCl2 soluble inorganic nitrogen fractions, NO3--N and NH4+-N and also the quantity of soluble organic-N werealmost the same in the soil. N fertilizers significantly increased all the soluble N fractions. The amount of NO3--N increased to the greatestextent and the increase of organic N was the slightest. We measured the largest CaCl2 soluble NO3- -N and total-N contents in the plotstreated with ammonium-nitrate, the largest NH4+-N in the plots treated with calcium-nitrate and the largest organic-N fraction in plotstreated with urea.Bacterial inoculation also increased both soluble inorganic nitrogen forms and also total-N content of soil compared to the control. Inthe case of combined (artificial and bacterial fertilizer) treatments we measured lower NO3--N, organic-N and total-N compared to thevalues of plots having only nitrogen fertilizer treatments. On the contrary in the plots with combined treatments the CaCl2 soluble NH4+-Ncontent of soil in more cases were higher than that of values with artificial fertilizer treatment.As a function of calcium-nitrate application increased AL-P2O5 and AL-K2O values were measured compared to control. MicrobionUNC supplement of calcium nitrate yielded also increase in AL-P2O5 and AL-K2O values, till then supplement of ammonium-nitrate fertilizeryielded a decrease in these values compared to the control.All nitrogen fertilizers resulted in a significant decrease in AL-Mg content of soil compared to the control. Nevertheless bacterialfertilizer increased AL-Mg values in any cases.

scholarly journals Sustainable soil management for improving sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production in West Africa, Burkina Faso

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 2373-2382
Author(s):  
Jacques Sawadogo ◽  
Pane Jeanne d’Arc Coulibaly ◽  
Wendpouiré Carine Valea ◽  
Jean Boukari Legma
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Yield Components ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Organic Resources

Improved sorghum management practice can provide smallholder farmers with stability in their household nutritional needs and ensure food security. This study was therefore conducted to compare the effect of the single of two organic resources and their combined use with inorganic fertilizer (IN) on soil fertility and sorghum production. It was conducted in the Northern part of Burkina Faso. The treatments consisted of two levels of IN (the normal and the half dose of NPK + urea) and two types of organic resources (simple compost SC and Piliostigma reticulatum leaves compost CP). These treatments were combined to give 6 treatments: T1: control ; T2 : SC ; T3 : CP; T4 : SC + ½ dose of IN ; T5 : CP + ½ dose of IN ; T6 : normal dose of IN. The experiment was led using a randomized complete block design in three replications. The result revealed a greater  improvement of soil pH and nutrients induced by CP used alone. However, when combined with IN, it decreased significantly soil nutrients and  sorghum yield components and yield. Contrary, the SC in combination with IN gave the highest improvement in yield components and yield of sorghum. The use of IN alone increased sorghum yield components and yield but it contributed to decrease soil pH and nutrients content. A combined use of inorganic and organic fertilizers could be therefore recommended for maintaining soil fertility and for a sustainable production of sorghum.Keywords : Organic and inorganic resources, soil nutrients, sorghum yield.

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