OPTIMIZING SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA) YIELD, SOIL HEALTH AND NUTRIENT CONTENT ENHANCEMENT WITH POULTRY LITTER AND KITCHEN WASTE COMPOST

Managing food waste is key to tackling climate change

The broad objective of the study is to comparatively analyse the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers among yam farmers. The specific objectives are to determine farmers preference for the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers , their average yam yields per hectare and the annual income realized from the sales of yam. It also include the examination of various factors militating against the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers .To achieve this, the study was conducted in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria.The methodology involved a stepwise random sampling of 10 wards, 19 villages and purposive sampling of 131 yam farmers. Primary data were collected with the aid of Interview Schedule that was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Test- retest method ( r = 0.83). Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used to analyse data collected for the study. Hypotheses were tested at 5% significant level. Results showed that 40.5% and 59.5% of the farmers preferred the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers respectively. Findings also indicated that there was no significant difference between annual yam yields per hectare, using organic and inorganic fertilizers. However, the study confirmed a significant difference between the income realized from sales of yam by the farmers. This might be connected to different marketing strategies being adopted by individual farmer. It is recommended that Extension Agents (EAs) should encourage farmers to adopt the use of organic fertilizers with a view to complementing the use of inorganic fertilizers which were considered very expensive and not readily available by the yam farmers.Key words: Organic fertilizer, Inorganic fertilizer, Yield, Income, Soil nutrients and Yam

Poultry litter can be a beneficial organic fertilizer if managed properly. Treating poultry litter can impact litter decomposition and nutrient release after application to soil. Knowledge about potential benefits to soil and crop quality from formulated pelletized or composted poultry litter amendments is limited. Few studies have focused on legumes and value-added crops such as edamame soybean. Here, we conducted greenhouse and field experiments in northwest Arkansas to investigate the effects of a composted and two formulated poultry litters applied at a 112 kg P ha−1 on nutrient availability and enzyme activities in a silt loam soil growing edamame. Litters were incorporated pre-plant, and soil parameters were monitored throughout the growing season. Plant nutrient concentrations and seed composition were measured at reproductive stages. Our results show that the composted litter and the two formulated litters have similar P content equivalent to about 5 % P2O5. Both litters increased Mehlich-3 and water soluble P in soil, with soluble P concentrations ranging from 33 to 316 % over the control. Dissolved organic C and inorganic N increased in the field following application of formulated poultry litter but not following application of composted poultry litter. Plant N and P uptake and seed nutritional value were not significantly increased by poultry litter addition. We conclude that composted poultry litter may be a better alternative for edamame production than formulated litters because it adds a more stable organic substrate to soil.

Though composts are prepared with different agricultural and non-agricultural materials, information on preparation of compost with water hyacinth is limited. An experiment was conducted at the Germplasm Centre of Agrotechnology Discipline of Khulna University of Bangladesh during January to March 2014 to evaluate the nutrient content of composts made from water hyacinth (WH), kitchen waste (KW), cow dung (CD), farmyard manure (FYM), and poultry litter (PL). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 15 treatments viz. WH, KW, CD, FYM, PL, WH:KW (1:1), WH:CD (1:1), WH:FYM (1:1), WH:PL (1:1), KW:CD (1:1), KW:FYM (1:1), KW:PL (1:1), CD:FYM (1:1), CD:PL (1:1), and FYM:PL (1:1) and three replications. The prepared composts were dark brown to black with earthy smell and large-textured. Cow dung in combination with farmyard manure or poultry litter resulted highest content of total N, S, Zn, and B and farmyard manure and poultry litter had highest content of total P. Again, poultry litter with water hyacinth estimated highest total K. Combination of water hyacinth with farmyard manure had the highest Ca and Mg content. Therefore, combination of composting materials (CD, PL, FYM, WH) resulted better nutrient content of composts rather than using alone. The results suggest use of water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed, as a composting material that can improve our soil health.

The decline in soil nutrient availability caused by long-term inorganic fertilizer use has prompted the adoption of organic-based alternatives in paddy systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and its combination with inorganic NPK fertilizer on soil nutrient content—specifically total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K)—in lowland rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Ciherang). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 11 treatments: nine LOF dose variations, one recommended dose of NPK, and one unfertilized control, replicated three times. The results showed that both LOF and NPK had significant effects on soil nutrient status, with the combined application producing superior outcomes compared to single inputs. Among all treatments, the full combination of LOF and NPK (treatment H) yielded the highest nutrient concentrations: 0.30% total N, 35.65 mg/100g P₂O₅, and 36.14 mg/100g K₂O. These findings indicate that integrated fertilization enhances nutrient availability more effectively than individual applications, supporting the potential of LOF as a complementary component in sustainable nutrient management for paddy rice cultivation.

The major constraint limiting crop yield in developing countries globally and especially in the tropical Africa is soil infertility. In order to improve the fertility of the soils for maximum food production and supplies, the use of inorganic (chemical) fertilizers was adopted and used extensively. However, the scarcity and high cost of the inorganic fertilizers in recent times due to economic and global challenges like covid 19 pandemic and wars is worrisome. Also, research has shown that the continuous use of inorganic fertilizer and total dependence on it for agricultural production have led to a decline in soil fertility, land degradation and rottening of certain crops especially tubers, hence the need for an alternative. This review work studies the need of producing organic fertilizers from various organic wastes (such as agricultural waste, sewage sludge, animal waste, municipal solid waste, food waste, etc) as alternative soil amendment using the technology advancement for solid organic waste management as obtained in the developed countries. This when adopted will not only enhance and sustain soil productivity but will help to free the environment of pollution and encourage economic growth. The work also provides insight to the production line of the organic fertilizer, sources or raw materials and advantages of substituting chemical (inorganic) fertilizer with organic fertilizer. It is obvious that organic fertilizer when produced will be affordable, available, cheaper and will improve and sustain the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the soils.

Depletion of soil fertility is a main problem to sustain agricultural production and productivity in many countries. The use of inorganic or organic fertilizer alone has both positive and negative effects on plant growth, nutrient availa-bility and the soil. Organic fertilizer improves physical and biological activities of soil but they have comparatively low in nutrient content, so larger quantity is required for plant growth. However, inorganic fertilizer is usually immediately and fast containing all necessary nutrients that are directly accessible for plants. But continuous use of inorganic fertilizers alone causes soil organic matter: degradation, soil acidity and environmental pollution. So the integrated nutrient management system is an alternative system for the sustainable and cost-effective management of soil fertility by combined apply of inorganic with organic materials resulting in rising soil fertility and productivity without affecting environment. The objective of the present review is to assess the effect of mixing organic with inorganic fertilizer on soil fertility and productivity. The study revealed that appropriate application of organic with inorganic fertilizers increases the productivity without negative effect on yield quality and improves soil fertility than the values obtained by organic or inorganic fertilizers separately.

The survival and growth of larval walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, and trophic dynamics in fertilized ponds

Deterioration of physical properties of soil and there after depletion the soil fertility are the main constrains in food and environment security of any country. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge and information on the effect of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures on soil physical properties. The use of inorganic fertilizer or organic fertilizer alone has both positive and negative effects on soil properties, plant growth and nutrient availability. Most of earlier investigators confirmed that combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures improved the physical properties and available nutrient status in soils. Organic manures improve physical properties of soil but they are comparatively low in nutrient content, addition of larger quantity of manures is required for successful plant growth. However, inorganic fertilizers is contain all the essential nutrients which are early accessible for plants. Due to continuous use of inorganic fertilizers alone causes soil organic matter degradation, soil acidity or alkalization, soil deterioration and environmental pollution, so integrated or mixed inorganic and organic nutrient management system is an alternative system for the sustainable and cost effective management of soil and the result is improve in soil properties and raising soil fertility without affecting environment. The objective of the review is to assess the effect of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure on physical properties of soil. The study revealed that appropriate application of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures improves soil physical properties and increases the productivity without negative effect on soil health than the values obtained by organic or inorganic fertilizers separately.

Fertilizer, though one of the most essential inputs for increasing agricultural production, is a leading cause of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture, contributing significantly to global warming. Therefore, understanding factors affecting farmers’ use of fertilizers is crucial to develop strategies to improve its efficient use and to minimize its negative impacts. Using data from 2528 households across the Indo-Gangetic Plains in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, this study examines the factors affecting farmers’ use of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the two most important cereal crops – rice and wheat. Together, these crops provide the bulk of calories consumed in the region. As nitrogen (N) fertilizer is the major source of global warming and other environmental effects, we also examine the factors contributing to its overuse. We applied multiple regression models to understand the factors influencing the use of inorganic fertilizer, Heckman models to understand the likelihood and intensity of organic fertilizer (manure) use, and a probit model to examine the over-use of N fertilizer. Our results indicate that various socio-economic and geographical factors influence the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in rice and wheat. Across the study sites, N fertilizer over-use is the highest in Haryana (India) and the lowest in Nepal. Across all locations, farmers reported a decline in manure application, concomitant with a lack of awareness of the principles of appropriate fertilizer management that can limit environmental externalities. Educational programs highlighting measures to improving nutrient-use-efficiency and reducing the negative externalities of N fertilizer over-use are proposed to address these problems.

The integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers is gaining importance as a strategy to improve crop yield while maintaining soil health and reducing environmental risks. Poultry manure is a nutrient-rich organic amendment that can enhance soil fertility and partially replace synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of poultry manure applied at six rates (0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 kg/da) in combination with a fixed dose of chemical N fertilizer (20 kg N/da) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, plant nutrient composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), soil nutrient availability, and soil electrical conductivity (EC) under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in 5 kg pots filled with clay loam soil (pH 7.6; CaCO₃ 9.6%; OM 1.35%). All pots received uniform basal applications of P and K (20 kg/da each). After 90 days, plants and soils were analyzed for nutrient contents. Results showed that grain yield significantly increased with manure application, reaching a peak of 5.74 kg/pot at 1000 kg/da. Grain N, K, and Ca contents increased significantly, while P and Mg showed minor or statistically non-significant trends. Soil nutrient levels also improved across all manure doses, particularly for N, K, and Ca. However, soil EC increased steadily from 1.39 to 3.12 dS/m with increasing manure dose, indicating a risk of salinity buildup at high application rates. The results suggest that poultry manure, when applied at moderate doses, can effectively improve wheat yield and nutrient availability while reducing the need for synthetic N fertilizers. However, EC monitoring is essential to avoid salinity-related constraints, especially in greenhouse or poorly drained conditions.

Balanced nutrition guided by soil test values is essential for maintaining and enhancing soil productivity. An integrated approach combining organic inputs, secondary and micronutrients, and inorganic fertilizers is necessary to prevent a decline in soil fertility, crop yields, and overall sustainability. The present study evaluated the effect of farmyard manure (FYM), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) applied alone or in combination with inorganic NPK fertilizers on soil nutrient availability. It was found that FYM amendment enhanced soil organic carbon content and nutrient availability when compared to non-amended soils or soils that received only inorganic fertilizers. The combination of FYM with S and Zn enhanced its positive effects further.

Poultry litter (PL) is an organic matter source used as soil amendment. Besides its important nutrient content, it is a cheap alternative to conventional fertilizers in crop production. The efficient use of PL also helps reduce the environmental problems normally associated with its disposal near poultry production farms. This article reports the relative effects of PL and conventional fertilizers on the availability of soil N, P and K, dry matter (DM) production and total nutrient content in silage corn (Zea mays L.). The field experiment was carried out in a soil derived from volcanic ash (Tipic Melanoxerands) of Central South Chile. Corn was grown for three seasons (2002-2005) and PL and conventional fertilizers were applied in the first two years. The residual effect of the added fertilizer sources was evaluated in the third year. DM production in the fertilized treatments was similar and fluctuated between 30.6 and 37.1 Mg ha-1 for the two years of fertilization, and between 18.9 and 20.4 Mg ha-1 for the year without addition of nutrients. The plant nutrient concentrations were similar between fertilized treatments, except for the second year, in which N and P concentrations were higher with PL. During the third year (without fertilization), N decreased in the whole plant. Soil nutrient availability was similar between fertilization sources for the three years evaluated, the higher concentration being presented in the first two years (with fertilization). These results suggest that PL is an alternative fertilizer source to conventional fertilizers.

The demand for agricultural commodities increases from year to year, so farmers also have to increase the production of agricultural products. Farmers can increase agricultural yields through the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers. This causes many problems for the environment, so it is required to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers in agricultural land. This study aimed to determine the effect of a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of rice. This research was carried out in a screen house in Jatisela, Gunung Sari Subdistrict, Lombok from June to October 2020. The three treatments used in this study were P0 N0 with no organic and inorganic fertilizers; P0 N100 with a dose of 100% inorganic fertilizer and P50 N50 with a dose of 50% organic fertilizer and 50% inorganic fertilizer. The results showed that the combination of organic fertilizers (50%) and inorganic fertilizers (50%) can increase the growth and yield of rice in the screen house compared to control plants and plants which given only 100% inorganic fertilizers. In summary, the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers can reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers.

Biofertilizers are a sustainable biotechnological alternative for decreasing use of inorganic fertilizer. Some bacterial strains, such as Bacillus pumilus, can solubilize phosphates, making them available to crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Citlali). In this paper was studied the effect of Bacillus sp. strain Fo03, a phosphate solubilizer bacterial strain, on the growth promotion, production, and sprouting of potatoes under greenhouse conditions, compared with inorganic fertilizer. Five treatments were assayed: NPK 100% (T1), NK 100% (T2), Bacillus sp. strain Fo03, BP (T3), BP + NPK 50% (T4), and BP + NK 50% (T5). The parameters evaluated were plant height, fresh and dry weights, number of internodes, SPAD values, fresh weight of tubers, total number of tubers, number of tubers with diameters greater than or equal to 15mm, length and width of sprouts. Treatments T1 and T4 showed a similarity in plant height (21.65cm, 20.95cm), number of internodes (12.42, 13.11), fresh weight (9.97g, 5.53g), and dry weight (1.87g, 1.08g), respectively. The tuber fresh weight (g), number of total tubers, tuber diameter ≥ 15mm, and sprout width were statistically significant in T4 compared to the treatment with Bacillus sp. strain Fo03. The highlight result was the effect combined of Bacillus sp. strain Fo03 and the half dose of mineral fertilizer (NPK 50%) for having good yield of potato cultivation (growth, production, and sprouting), providing to farmers an alternative response for decreasing use of inorganic fertilizers. The use of Bacillus sp. strain Fo03 as biofertilizer may have a promising effect on the quality of potatoes, particularly in sprout length and width.