Abstract
Spent bleaching earth (SBE) derived from the degumming and bleaching of crude palm oil (CPO) from physically refined palm oil is commonly disposed off at landfills at a high cost. Its disposal has so far led to environmental degradation but has not been addressed. This study demonstrates the innovative utilization of SBE as a bio organic fertilizer. The SBE was co-composted with some agricultural and palm oil milling by-products. Composted SBE has a positive impact on soil physical attributes for plant growth and microbial rejuvenation due to adequate amounts of beneficial mineral elements; improved organic carbon (OC); cation exchange capacity (CEC); water-holding capacity and C:N ratio. The pot and field trials carried out indicate highly significant increases in the productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), kangkung (Ipomoea aquatic) and groundnut magenta with 2-fold increases (35–60%) on average in fresh and dry matters production.
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