Chicken Dung Research Articles

Interactions between soil additives and a variety of naturally occurring nematode-demolishing fungi in banana fields of Meru and Embu Counties, Kenya

Abstract. Wairimu WJ, Kimenjul JW, Muiru WM, Wachira PM. 2022. Interactions between soil additives and a variety of naturally occurring nematode-demolishing fungi in banana fields of Meru and Embu Counties, Kenya. Cell Biol Dev 6: 82-93. Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a significant danger to banana production, as they reduce the productivity, quality, and lifetime of banana orchards. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity, quantity, and occurrence of nematode-demolishing fungi in banana production farms to use them to manage plant-parasitic nematodes. Also examined was the impact of organic and inorganic soil additives on nematode-demolishing fungi. The study region was divided into three agroecological zones: UM3 (Low), UM2 (Middle), and UM 1 (Upper). Ten farms were chosen randomly for a soil sample in each zone to determine the diversity and abundance of nematode-demolishing fungi. One farm was chosen randomly for soil additive treatments in each zone. The gathered soil samples were used to isolate and identify nematode-demolishing fungi at the species level. The diversity of nematode-demolishing fungi varied significantly between zones, with the highest variety and number of fungi found in the highest zone. Arthrobotrys, Monacrosporium, Nematoctonus, Harposporium, and Paecilomyces were the identified genera. Arthrobotrys was the most often isolated genus, with a frequency of 45%, followed by Harposporium, with a frequency of 18%. The remaining three genera each had a frequency of 9%. The A. dactyloides, A. oligospora, A. robusta, A. longispora, A. superba, H. anguillulae, H. crassum, Meria coniospora, Monacrosporium cionopagum, N. leiosporus, and P. lilacinus were among the species identified. The A. oligospora had captured and destroyed 98 plant parasite nematodes, whereas M. cionopagum and Dactyllela phymatopaga had eliminated 88 and 76 plant parasitic nematodes, respectively, within the same time frame. The amount of nematode-demolishing fungi was significantly different between the various soil additives, with chicken dung having the greatest number of 74 isolates, followed by cow manure, goat manure, the control treatment, and inorganic additive with 71, 69, 54, and 39 isolates, respectively. The amount of isolated nematode-demolishing fungi fluctuated throughout time, from 89 pre-treatment isolates to 122 after three months and 96 after six months. The variation of nematode-demolishing fungi over time was significantly different, demonstrating the impact of diverse soil additives on their existence. Arthrobotrys spp. is a suitable option for field efficacy studies since it was the most diversified, had the highest demolishing rate, and the organic additives facilitated its dispersion in banana plantations.

Manure and mosquitoes: life history traits of two malaria vector species enhanced by larval exposure to cow dung, whilst chicken dung has a strong negative effect

BackgroundMalaria vectors have a strong ecological association with rice agroecosystems, which can provide abundant aquatic habitats for larval development. Climate-adapted rice cultivation practices, such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), are gaining popularity in malaria-endemic countries seeking to expand rice production; however, the potential impact of these practices on vector populations has not been well characterised. In particular, SRI encourages the use of organic fertilisers (OFs), such as animal manures, as low-cost and environmentally friendly alternatives to industrially produced inorganic fertilisers. We therefore set out to understand the effects of two common manure-based OFs on the life history traits of two major African malaria vectors, Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.).MethodsLarvae of An. arabiensis and An. gambiae s.s. were reared from first instar to emergence in water containing either cow or chicken dung at one of four concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 g/100 ml), or in a clean water control. Their life history traits were recorded, including survival, development rate, adult production, and adult wing length.ResultsExposure to cow dung significantly increased the development rate of An. gambiae s.s. independent of concentration, but did not affect the overall survival and adult production of either species. Chicken dung, however, significantly reduced survival and adult production in both species, with a greater effect as concentration increased. Interestingly, An. arabiensis exhibited a relative tolerance to the lowest chicken dung concentration, in that survival was unaffected and adult production was not reduced to the same extent as in An. gambiae s.s. The effects of chicken dung on development rate were less clear in both species owing to high larval mortality overall, though there was some indication that it may reduce development rate. Adult wing lengths in males and females increased with higher concentrations of both cow and chicken dung.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that manure-based OFs significantly alter the life history traits of An. gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis. In both species, exposure to cow dung may improve fitness, whereas exposure to chicken dung may reduce it. These findings have implications for understanding vector population dynamics in rice agroecosystems and may inform the use of OFs in SRI, and rice agriculture more widely, to avoid their adverse effects in enhancing vector fitness.Graphical

KAJIAN ETNOFARMASI DENGAN PENGGUNAAN TANAMAN OBAT TRADISIONAL DI KECAMATAN TANRALILI, KABUPATEN MAROS, PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN

The study of ethnopharmaceuticals is a scientific approach that can assist in exploring the knowledge of the local tribe towards traditional plants that are efficacious as medicine and still rely on or use plants as medicine. This study aims to determine the use of medicinal plants which include the parts of the plants used, processing methods and usage methods. The method used in this research is purposive sampling method. The results of the study obtained as many as 42 species spread into 28 and have 3 plants that have frequency values, Use Value (UV) and percent of plants including soursop, kaposanda and papaya plants and the lowest values are bandotan, chicken dung, cinnamon, gedi, tapak liman plants used by the people of Tanralili sub-district, Maros district as traditional medicine. The conclusion is that the level of knowledge related to the use of traditional medicinal plants tends to still use and utilize and as an alternative treatment.This plant has the highest parameter of frequency 28, Use Value (UV) is 0.28 and plant percent is 11.97% on soursop plants and has the lowest value with a frequency value of 1, Use value (UV) is 0.01 and percent of plants namely 0.43% on bandotan, chicken dung, cinnamon, gedi, tapak liman and sweet potato plants

Effects of different organic fertilizers on growth and yield potential of Solanum melongena (eggplant) in Malaysia

Eggplant is a vegetable crop where its growth rate and yield quality are largely influenced by fertilizer application. The application of organic fertilizer has high economic advantages when compared to inorganic fertilizer. The study aimed to determine the growth of eggplant and quantify its fruit yield based on the fresh weight as affected by different organic fertilization. The experiment was conducted in the Greenhouse 3, UiTM Malacca Branch, Campus Jasin from March to July 2022 with 4 treatments and 4 replications by using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of T0 (control), T1 (252g chicken dung), T2 (252g vermicompost), and T3 (252g biochar) with two split applications. The results showed that the application of chicken dung had significantly increased the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight and dry weight, and number of flowers compared to the other treatments. This study confirmed that chicken dung was the best organic fertilizer for eggplant’s growth and yield potential.

Pembentukan Biogas pada Media Eceng Gondok dengan Starter Kotoran Ternak

Animal manure and water hyacinth become waste if not used. One of its uses is as raw material for biogas. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the type of manure on the formation of biogas from water hyacinth as seen from: 1) the rate of biogas formation, 2) the temperature of the slurry, 3) the pH of the slurry, and 4) the weight of the biogas produced. Research with Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisted of five treatments (P); P1: cow dung + water hyacinth + water, P2: buffalo dung + water hyacinth + water, P3: goat dung + water hyacinth + water, P4: horse dung + water hyacinth + water, and P5: broiler chicken dung + water hyacinth + water . Each treatment was repeated 4 times to obtain 20 experimental units. The composition of the raw material mixture consists of 8 kg of water hyacinth chopped 2 cm + 3 kg of livestock manure + 2 liters of water. Parameters observed were: rate of gas formation, slurry pH, slurry temperature, and weight of biogas produced. The research was conducted at the Biology Education Laboratory, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Kapuas Sintang University. Data were analyzed by ANOVA at 5% significance level using SPSS 16.0 and BNT test if there was a significant difference between treatments. The results showed that the type of manure only had a significant effect on the weight of biogas formed, but had no significant effect on the rate of biogas formation, slurry pH, and slurry temperature. Thus the five types of manure can be used as a starter in the manufacture of biogas made from water hyacinth.

Growth, yield and microbial contamination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown under two types of cultivation system as influenced by different organic fertilizers

Increasing popularity of lettuce in the tropics is becoming evident due to its widespread use in health and nutrition. Lettuce, a ready-to-eat vegetable is expected to be safe and of good quality. A study was conducted to assess the effect of different organic fertilizers on the growth, yield and microbial contamination of lettuce grown under two types of cultivation system. This was carried out in a combined analysis arranged in randomized complete block design with the following treatments: without organic fertilizer (control), cow manure, fresh chicken dung, dried chicken dung, vermicast and goat manure. Results showed that lettuce grown under structure performed better than in open field as manifested by early heading, bigger polar head size, longer and broader leaves and more compact head. Among the organic fertilizers used, dried chicken dung and vermicast enhanced the yield and yield components of lettuce. Microbial contaminants like E. coli were detected in soils applied with organic fertilizers. The highest microbial count was recorded in fresh chicken dung-treated soils in both open field and under structure. E. coli contamination in lettuce leaves was more evident in the open field than under structure. Regardless of soil and crop samples, treated or not, positive detection of Salmonella was observed.

Anaerobic Digestion, Codigestion of Food Waste, and Chicken Dung: Correlation of Kinetic Parameters with Digester Performance and On-Farm Electrical Energy Generation Potential

Valorization of agro-food waste through anaerobic digestion (AD) is gaining prominence as alternative method of waste minimization and renewable energy production. The aim of this study was to identify the key parameters for digester performance subjected to kinetic study and semicontinuous operation. Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests were conducted in two different operating conditions: without mixing (WM) and continuous mixing (CM). Three different substrates, including food waste (FW), chicken dung (CD), and codigestion of FW and CD (FWCD) were used. Further kinetic evaluation was performed to identify mixing’s effect on kinetic parameters and correlation of the kinetic parameters with digester performance (volatile solid removal (VS%) and specific methane production (SMP)). The four models applied were: modified Gompertz, logistic, first-order, and Monod. It was found that the CM mode revealed higher values of Rm and k as compared to the WM mode, and the trend was consistently observed in the modified Gompertz model. Nonetheless, the logistic model demonstrated good correlation of kinetic parameters with VS% and SMP. In the continuous systems, the optimum OLR was recorded at 4, 5, and 7 g VS/L/d for FW, CD, and FWCD respectively. Therefore, it was deduced that codigestion significantly improved digester performance. Electrical energy generation at the laboratory scale was 0.002, 0.003, and 0.006 kWh for the FW, CD, and FWCD substrates, respectively. Thus, projected electrical energy generation at the on-farm scale was 372 kWh, 382 kWh, and 518 kWh per day, respectively. Hence, the output could be used as a precursor for large-scale digester-system optimization.

Effect of granular fertilizer of disinfected chicken dung application on crop productivity and soil fertility

On dark gray forest and leached chernozem soils of the Tambov region, the effectiveness of using new granular organic fertilizer from poultry excreta was evaluated. After disinfection of the litter by deep drying, the total content of NPK in the fertilizer constitutes 11-12%, the content of trace elements is about 1g/kg. Field experiments conducted in 2019 showed that the yield increase from the introduction of the studied organic fertilizer at a dose of 4-8 t/ha on spring wheat was 25-30%, on spring barley - 20-23%, on sugar beets from the introduction of 8 t/ha - 10-12%, on potatoes - 40-50%, on tomatoes from 6 t/ha - 30-32% Profitability from the use of this fertilizer on cereals is 130-145%, on technical crops - 140-150%, on vegetables - 230-250%. Optimal fertilizer doses contribute to increasing protein in wheat grains by 1.5%, sugar content in sugar beets by 8-9%, starch content in potatoes by 3-4%, and sugar, dry substances and vitamin C content in tomatoes by 1-2%. The introduction of fertilizer in doses higher than optimal contributes to the increase of basic nutrients and micronutrients content in the soil.

Inoculum source of Phytophthora palmivora jackfruit seedlings health in response to potting media porosity, sanitation, inoculation, and phosphonate application

Seedling dieback caused by <i>Phytophthora palmivora</i> (Butler) is a significant problem in jackfruit <i>(Artocarpus heterophyllus</i> Lam.) nurseries in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It has been linked to insufficient knowledge of inoculum sources and possible factors contributing to seedlings’ health. This study was conducted to identify potential sources of <i>Phytophthora</i> inoculum in representative nurseries in Eastern Visayas and evaluate the effect of possible factors that contribute to seedling health. <i>Phytophthora</i> detection was conducted from random samples of potting media, irrigation water, germination beds, and roots of seedlings from representative nurseries supplying seedlings in the region. Detection was done through tissue baiting and the use of a <i>Phytophthora-</i>specific diagnostic kit. The effect of the air-filled porosity (AFP) of potting media, sanitation, pathogen inoculation, and phosphonate on plant growth and seedlings’ health was evaluated. <i>Phytophthora</i> propagules were positively detected in most samples, suggesting that seedlings most likely already harbor the pathogen when distributed to farms in the region. Among the factors, AFP of the potting medium had the most profound effect on seedlings’ growth and health. The tallest plants with the largest stem diameter, highest dry weight biomass, and least disease rating were grown in the most porous medium (21 <i>%</i> AFP) consisting of 20 <i>%</i> garden soil, 20 % carbonized rice hull, 20 % rice hull, 20 % coco coir dust, 10 % sand, and 10 <i>%</i> chicken dung. The benefit of a highly porous medium was, however, seen only when external fertilization was undertaken. Unsterilized media resulted in healthier seedlings compared to sterilized media. Sterilized potting media that were inoculated with the pathogen after sterilization resulted in more severe disease. Sterilized potting media was beneficial for jackfruit seedlings when supplied with adequate nutrients and as long as contamination with the pathogen does not occur. Sterile media, therefore, should be kept away from recontamination with the pathogen otherwise more severe disease may occur. The addition of the plant defense regulator phosphonate showed no effect on the growth and health of seedlings under the trial’s conditions.

Effect of biochar, iron sulfate and poultry manure application on the phytotoxicity of a former tin mine

In phytomanagement approach the application of a combination of amendments is an option for remediating arsenic polluted areas and valorized biomass obtained. Various amendments can be used. Biochar has been shown to reduce metal(loid) availability, and increase soil fertility, while iron sulfate has a considerable As binding capacity, and poultry manure is a source of nutrients. A phytotoxicity test was performed by applying the three amendments (2% biochar, 0.15%, 0.30% and 0.45% iron sulfate and 0.4% poultry manure) to a former tin mine technosol, to investigate their effects on (i) soil pore water properties, (ii) metal(loid) immobilization and (iii) Phaseolus vulgaris L. growth, used as a bioindicator. Biochar addition alone did not affect soil properties or plant parameters. However, the addition of iron sulfate acidified the soil, decreased soil pore water As concentrations, and increased the ones of Fe and Pb. It also improved plant growth, and reduced As and Pb aerial and root concentrations. Finally, the addition of poultry manure had no effect on soil and plants. Based on our results, the combination of iron sulfate with biochar may be a solution for reducing soil toxicity of the Abbaretz mining technosol, improving its fertility, and thus ameliorating plant growth. Novelty statement: The work presented in this manuscript describes the effect of amendment application, i.e., biochar, chicken dung and/or iron sulfate, on soil properties, metals availability and dwarf bean growth, plant used as bioindicator. Our results showed that the combination of a low amount of iron sulfate with biochar is the strategy to reduce soil toxicity, improved its fertility and consequently authorizes plant growth. This study is one of the first describing the effects of combined amendments on a mining soil properties with focusing on metal(loid) mobility.

Accumulation of total nutrients, dry matter and phytochrome content in Boesenbergia stenophylla R.M Smith as affected by different light conditions

A study was conducted to determine the best agronomic practices for the cultivation of jerangau merah as a new medicinal crop. Jerangau merah is scientifically known as Boesenbergia stenophylla is a ginger plants that is highly endemic to the Borneo Highland. This understorey herb grows in cluster and under the heavy shades of forest canopies and perceived only the sunflecks that pass through the forest canopies. Jerangau Merah has been consumed by the locals for its medicinal values since decades ago. Generally, B. stenophylla is well known for its function as antidote for alcohol. Moreover, the B. stenophylla is also beneficial for rheumatic pains, remedies for stomach ache and toothache and as antiseptic wash as well. This herb is not propagate by the locals due to its sensitivity to sunlight and lack of agronomic information for B. stenophylla. Harvesting it from their natural habitat, however, seen the decline it its population size hence cultivation is essential. This paper aimed to determine the total nutrients, dry matter yield and phytochrome content of Bosenbergia stenophylla R.M. Smith under different light regimes. A study for determining suitable planting media for B. stenophylla was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The treatments are: i) (M1) with the ratio of 3:2:1 top soil: sand: organic matter, media ii) (M2) consists of soil mixture 3:2:1 placed in water-logged polyethylene bags and media iii) (M3) contained only leaf litters. The results showed that the herbs showed significantly higher number of shoots and leaves in the common soil mixture. But, better root development in media containing leaf litters. The study proceeded with field experiment at Ba’Kelalan to determine the effect of different shade levels and fertilizing regimes on growth. B. stenophylla was cultivated under two different levels of shade cloths: 70% and 90% level of shade and different fertilizing regimes (T1 as control, no fertilizer applied to the plants; T2, chicken dung; T3, NPKMg and T4, mixed of chicken dung and NPKMg). The study for determining the effects of different shade level and fertilizing regimes on seedling’s growth which conducted at Ba’Kelalan in factorial randomized completely blocked design (RCBD). The data collected for 9 weeks of planting which include nutrient content in soil, leaf, PAR and phytochrome content and growth parameters. Regarding the nutrient uptake, the results showed no interactions between fertilizing regimes and shade levels. There were no significant different in nutrient elements except for magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is essential for the formation of chlorophyll which ensure efficiency of photosynthesis when under higher light intensity. Among all the fertilizer treatment, it was showed that chicken dung amendment has higher nutrient uptake. Thus, it is recommended chicken dung should be added into the NPKMg for better nutrient uptake. Further study on suitable fertilizer rates apply to B. stenophylla should be taken into consideration. Moreover, plants cultivated under 70% have been higher and have higher dry matter yield than those plants cultivated under 90%. The result also revealed that there was significant different in chlorophyll content of B. stenophylla cultivated under 70% which treated either with chicken dung and NPKMG respectively. However, plants under 90% have higher chlorophyll content than those under 70%. Based on the results, plants under 70% shade was taller than those under 90% and there were significant difference in height among treatments under 70%. It was observed plant treated with NPKMg was taller. This study showed that shade and fertilizers significantly affected the dry matter yield of B. stenophylla. Moreover, adding NPKMg to the treatments yields more dry matter content of jerangau merah. As for phytochrome content, there was no significant effect of fertilizer on phytochrome content. However, there was significant difference among the shade levels. 90% shade showed higher phytochrome content than those under 70%. In overall, both shade and fertilizer is important in cultivation of Jerangau Merah. 70% shade was observed to have significant effects on growth of jerangau merah and also more economical compared to 90%. Moreover, combination of organic matter and NPKMg also promote the growth of jerangau merah enhance the nutrient uptake efficiency of jerangau merah. However, further investigation of suitable fertilizer and application rate are required to determine suitable fertilizer for jerangau merah and application rate for optimum growth of jerangau merah.

The effect of dung and local microorganism of banana corm application on the growth and the yield of mung beans (Vigna radiata L) Vima - 2 variety

Mung beans are plants that have high economic value but the production of mung beans in Indonesia is still low. Dung serves to provide nutrients for plants, improve soil structure, and retain water in the soil. MOL (local microorganisms) banana corm has a number of microorganisms that can help plants absorb nutrients found in the soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between types of dung (dung) and banana corm local micro organization (MOL) on the growth and yield of mung beans Vima 2 and to determine the type of dung and the MOL dose of banana corm that was best for the growth and yield of mung bean plants. The method used in this study was a randomized block design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor is the type of dung = no dung (j0), chicken dung (dung) (jl), goat dung (j2) and cow dung (j3). The second factor was the MOL dose of banana weevil, 0 ml plant-1 (m0), 50 ml plant-1 (m1) and 100 ml plant-1 (m2). The results showed that the application of dung and the MOL dose of banana corm did not show any interaction, but there was an independent influence by the type of dung on the parameters of plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, weight of seeds planted, and harvest index, so that the type of dung that gives optimum results in mung bean cultivation is chicken dung.

Impact of Gibberellic Acid and Organic Growth Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)

One of the best interventions to hasten seed germination and seedling development is the exogenous application of phytohormone. This study evaluated the germination and seedling development of rubber seeds in response to gibberellic acid (GA3) and organic growth media under nursery condition. The experiment was arranged in a 4x3 factorial experiment in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Growth media (including: top soil, TS; TS + rice hull, RH; TS + chicken dung, CD; TS + vermicast, VC) were considered as Factor A, and different concentrations of GA3 (0, 50, and 100 ppm) were comprised as the Factor B. Newly fallen seeds (with no defects) from existing ‘RRIM 600’ rubber tree plantation were collected and used in the experiment. Seeds were subjected to float in GA3 solutions based on corresponding treatments for 18 h prior to sowing in different organic growth media. GA3 (100 ppm) led to the earliest emergence, highest germination percentage and normal seedlings with least mortality. The TS+VC was the best growth media influencing germination. The TS+VC media regardless of the concentration of GA3 caused 100% normal seedlings. Likewise, the combination of TS+CD as growth media and 100 ppm of GA3 also produced promising percentage of normal seedlings of rubber with 97.33%. Seedling mortality was lessen using the combination of TS+VC as growth media and 100 ppm GA3. Generally, application of 100 ppm GA3 and top soil mixed with vermicast as growth media provoked better seed germination and early seedling development in rubber.

The Influence of Some Type of Manure on The Growth and Production of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) CV. Taiwan in Acid Soil

This study aims to determine the effect of some types of manure on growth and production of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) cv. Taiwan. The expected results of this research can determine which is the type of manure suitable for the area of the former coal mines that have acid soils (marginal lands). This research using Complete Random Design with four treatments and six replications. The treatment is different source of manure which is control, cow manure, goat manure, and chicken manure. The parameters observed were plant growth including plant height, leaf width, leaf length, fresh weight production, and dry weight production. This study uses the acid soils of the former coal mine with a pH of 4.2 which is input into the polybags, seedlings of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) cv Taiwan in the form of cuttings, Cow, goat and chicken dung are used as a source of manure. This research was conducted in the green house for 60 days. The results of the research obtained the data for plant height (cm) the highest Goat Manure (P2) 229.85; leaf Length (cm) the highest Goat Manure (P2) 113.10: Leaf width (cm) the highest Goat Manure (P2) 5.50; Production of Fresh Weight (gr/polybag) the highest Goat Manure (P2) 1361.67; the Production of Dry Weight (gr/polybag) the highest Goat Manure (P2) 214.28. The conclude that the manure suitable for the area of the former coal mines that have acid soils (critical area) is the manure from goat because it produces the highest growth and production than others.

Rice Husk Compost Production and Use in Mitigating Ammonia Volatilization from Urea

Using value-added products such as compost in farming systems could enable optimization of nitrogen (N) fertilizers whose world-wide demand is on the increase. The objectives of this study were to: (i) produce compost through co-composting rice husk (RH) with chicken dung slurry (CDS), chicken feed, and molasses, (ii) determine the effects of optimum rate of urea and RH compost on minimizing ammonia (NH3) volatilization, and (iii) determine total N, exchangeable ammonium (NH4+), and available nitrate (NO3−) retained in soil following co-application of urea and RH compost. Compost was produced for 60 days by mixing RH, CDS, chicken feed, and molasses at a ratio of 20:1:1:1. The color of RH compost was dark brown and had significant amounts of major nutrients such as N (1.15%), phosphorus (3101 mg kg−1), potassium (2038 mg kg−1), calcium (863 mg kg−1), magnesium (276 mg kg−1), organic matter (OM) (60.67%), organic carbon (35.17%), and humic acids (5.87%). The C/N ratio of the RH compost was 30. The electrical conductivity and pH of the RH compost were 2.79 µS cm−1 and 6.55, respectively, and they were not phytotoxic because paddy seeds were successfully germinated in all of the RH compost extractants. The high cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the RH compost (100.67 cmolc kg−1) at the end of composting was one of the determinant factors that controlled NH3 loss from urea. The effectiveness of the RH compost in minimizing urea-N loss was determined using a close-dynamic air flow system. The RH compost significantly minimized NH3 volatilization because of the high affinity of the RH compost for NH4+. An attestation of this reaction was that the high negative charges due to high CEC and OM of the RH compost temporarily protected NH4+ from being transformed into NH3 gas. Further evidence is the higher soil total N and exchangeable NH4+ for the treatments with RH compost than with urea alone. High quality compost can be produced from RH to reduce urea-N from being lost from urea. For the optimum rate, co-application of 60 g RH compost and 2.9 g urea per trough is recommended to mitigate NH3 volatilization instead of the existing practice (7.3 g urea alone per trough).

Characterization of Wet Mesophilic Biomethanization of Three Types of Materials: Chicken Dung, Rabbit Poop and Pig Slurry

Biomethanization is a process leading to the production of biogas. Characteristics effects of some materials on biomethanization results are not well known by now. That is the raison of studying the effect of the chemical composition of chosen substrates that are chicken dung, pig slurry and rabbit poop on biomethanization characteristics. These substrates of 1 mm particles size and 13.33% water content were first subjected to chemical analysis. Experimentation consisted of mixing 1.3 kg of each substrate with 6.2 L of water for a 15% dry matter content in the final mixture. Biomethanized cow dung (0.81 L) was added as inoculum to each mixture to give a ratio of inoculum volume to mixture volume of 10%. The biomethanization temperature was maintained at 38°C during all the process. The evolution of the composition and the biogas yield of each substrate was monitored using respectively an infrared biogas analyser and a digital manometer installed on each experimental unit. The main results were as follows: the C/N ratio was highest in rabbit poop (28.57), followed by pig slurry (14) and finally chicken dung (11). The organic matter content was also highest in rabbit poop (80%), but followed by chicken dung (65%) and pig slurry (50%). The final methane content was highest in rabbit poop (58.61%), followed by chicken dung (51.59%) and pig slurry (50.83%). The final percentage of carbon dioxide was highest in the pig slurry (12.62%), followed by the rabbit poop (11.31%) and finally the chicken dung (9.98%). In terms of biogas yield and hydraulic retention time, rabbit poop gave the highest yield of 0.109 m³.kg^-1 of dry matter in 37 days. This were followed by chicken dung with 0.067 m³.kg^-1 of dry matter in 27 days and pig slurry with 0.037 m³.kg^-1 of dry matter in 20 days. In the light of these results, the main conclusion is that, more the organic matter content is high and C/N ratio is in the optimal range of 25 to 30, higher are biogas yield and methane content, and longer is the hydraulic retention time.

Inoculum source of Phytophthora palmivora jackfruit seedlings health in response to potting media porosity, sanitation, inoculation, and phosphonate application

Seedling dieback caused by <i>Phytophthora palmivora</i> (Butler) is a significant problem in jackfruit <i>(Artocarpus heterophyllus</i> Lam.) nurseries in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It has been linked to insufficient knowledge of inoculum sources and possible factors contributing to seedlings’ health. This study was conducted to identify potential sources of <i>Phytophthora</i> inoculum in representative nurseries in Eastern Visayas and evaluate the effect of possible factors that contribute to seedling health. <i>Phytophthora</i> detection was conducted from random samples of potting media, irrigation water, germination beds, and roots of seedlings from representative nurseries supplying seedlings in the region. Detection was done through tissue baiting and the use of a <i>Phytophthora-</i>specific diagnostic kit. The effect of the air-filled porosity (AFP) of potting media, sanitation, pathogen inoculation, and phosphonate on plant growth and seedlings’ health was evaluated. <i>Phytophthora</i> propagules were positively detected in most samples, suggesting that seedlings most likely already harbor the pathogen when distributed to farms in the region. Among the factors, AFP of the potting medium had the most profound effect on seedlings’ growth and health. The tallest plants with the largest stem diameter, highest dry weight biomass, and least disease rating were grown in the most porous medium (21 <i>%</i> AFP) consisting of 20 <i>%</i> garden soil, 20 % carbonized rice hull, 20 % rice hull, 20 % coco coir dust, 10 % sand, and 10 <i>%</i> chicken dung. The benefit of a highly porous medium was, however, seen only when external fertilization was undertaken. Unsterilized media resulted in healthier seedlings compared to sterilized media. Sterilized potting media that were inoculated with the pathogen after sterilization resulted in more severe disease. Sterilized potting media was beneficial for jackfruit seedlings when supplied with adequate nutrients and as long as contamination with the pathogen does not occur. Sterile media, therefore, should be kept away from recontamination with the pathogen otherwise more severe disease may occur. The addition of the plant defense regulator phosphonate showed no effect on the growth and health of seedlings under the trial’s conditions.

The Response of Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) Growth Planted on Raised-Bog Peatland towards the Provision of Chicken Dung and Swallow Guano

—Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) is one of the agricultural commodities needed and a kind of vegetables favored because it is not only good in the taste, it also contains potassium and vitamin A which can be beneficial for the body. Eggplant production in Indonesia is low, but the need is high. So it is necessary to increase production, one of them is conducting agricultural extensification. Agricultural extensification can be carried out on land that has not been used properly, such as raised-bog peatland. On the other hand, raised-bog peatland is marginal land that is poor in nutrients and acidic in nature, so that the condition of the peatland is not supportive for plant growth. Therefore, it is necessary to add organic materials such as chicken dung and swallow guano to support the growth and yield of eggplant on raised-bog peatland. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of chicken dung and swallow guano and their interaction on the yield of eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) in the raised-bog peatland. This research used a group-randomized design (GRD) with 2 factors: chicken dung and swallow guano as fertilizer with 3 equal levels (a1/w1 = 5 tons/ha; a2/w2 = 10 tons/ha; a3/w3 = 15 tons/ha). The parameter observed and measured were the yield of eggplant. The results showed that the single use of swallow guano as fertilizer had a significant effect on fruit diameter and length, the quantity of fruit for each plant, the average weight of fresh fruit, fruit weight for each plant, and fruit weight for each hectare. On the other hand, the use of chicken dung as fertilizer had a significant effect on the number of fruit per plant, fruit weight per plant, and fruit weight per hectare. The results showed that the best eggplant yield component was obtained from the addition of swallow guano fertilizer at a dose of 15 t ha-1, namely resulted in a fruit weight per plant of 541,14 g tan-1 and a total fruit weight per ha of 12,88 t ha-1. Whereas in chicken dung fertilizer treatment, the most optimum dose is 10 t ha1 which can produce eggplant fruit weight per plant of 531,56 g tan-1 and 12,66 t ha-1 in total eggplant fruit weight per ha.

Impure Hydrazone Preparation from Chicken Dung

Hydrazones are strong reducing agents. Some hydrazones like hydrazine are is highly toxic and unstable and are therefore found dissolved in water. Chicken dung contains amines and uric acid that are potential sources of hydrazones. This paper reports on the use of chicken dung as an important raw material for the industrial hydrazones. In this study, we investigated the conversion of amine to amide compounds in chicken dung and later chlorine treatment to produce impure hydrazones. In the preparation, 1.0 kg of the chicken dung was soaked in 2.0 litres of distilled water for fifteen days. After filtration, the leachate obtained was treated with chlorine gas. The chemical conversion of the compounds in the chicken dung leachate before and after chlorination was monitored using FT-IR and MS. A sample of pure hydrazine hydrate was analyzed using the two techniques and the spectra obtained was used as a reference standard. The findings of this study indicate that chicken dung is rich in amine-containing compounds that can be converted to amide derivatives under ambient conditions. A comparison of FT-IR and MS data before and after chlorination indicated the formation of hydrazones. The findings of this study provide some scientific rationale for using chicken dung as an alternative source of industrial hydrazones. Keywords: Hydrazones, amines, amides, chicken dung. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/12-7-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Compost Physical Properties Study on Degradation of Poultry Manure Composting in Closed-Aerated Composter

A variety of parameters including physical, chemical, and biological properties of different input materials contribute to different composting performance. This study aimed to investigate the compost physical properties (bulk density, porosity, specific surface area and water holding capacity) on the composting process at different initial moisture content (MC). The degradation of total organic carbon (TOC) for the compost inoculated with Bacillus coagulans (BC) and effective microorganism (EM) was determined. The composting materials consisted of 50 % sawdust, 12 % chicken dung and 38 % rice husk with a fixed initial C/N ratio of 30. A closed-aerated composter was fabricated with an optimum air flow rate of 0.3 L/min.kg compost to avoid O2 limitation for 7 d of composting. The compost temperature was recorded to exhibit the active reaction between microorganisms and compost materials will generate a considerable amount of heat. The effect of the initial MC of the compost bed has been intensively investigated with regards to compaction analysis and compost particle for the composting inoculated with BC or EM in an aerated closed-system composter. The results showed that composting using the single strain of BC provides comparable results to that degraded by the commercial mixed culture EM.