Cow Dung Manure Research Articles

Sustainable soil health and agricultural productivity with biochar-based indigenous organic fertilizers in acidic soils: insights from Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Depletion of soil fertility in tropical regions is a pressing concern contributing to lower crop yields. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and co-composted biochar on acidic soil and the growth performance of teff (Eragrotis teff (Zucc.)) in the sub-tropical highlands of Ethiopia. Co-composted biochar was produced by mixing Acacia decurrens biochar with chicken litter and cow dung manure at different ratios of 100:0:0, 25:75:0, 15:85:0, and 25:0:75. Treatment impact on soil properties and crop yields were evaluated with applications of 0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha–1 in field trials. The study shows interaction effects of biochar-based amendments significantly (P < 0.001) improved soil bulk density (g/cm3), moisture content (%), pH, total nitrogen (%), total organic carbon (%), available phosphorus (mg/kg), cation exchange capacity (cmol ( +)/kg)) and teff yield. The application of 20 t ha–1 sole biochar significantly improved soil acidity by 0.99 units. Soil treated with 20 t ha–1 of BCLL and BCM resulted in notable increases in soil pH, ranging from 0.12 to 0.83 units for BCLL and 0.15 to 0.81 units for BCM. Soil treated with 20 t ha–1 BCLL showed a significant increase in tef grain yield, with improvements of 315%, 48%, 48%, and 84% compared to the control, compost, inorganic fertilizer, and sole biochar application, respectively. In conclusion, the application of 20 t ha–1 BCLL has significantly improved soil properties and crop yield. This emphasizes the need to expand the intervention to assist farmers facing similar soil fertility challenges.

Organic Manure as Rearing Substrates for Red Worms (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eisenia fetida&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;): Effects on Chemical Composition and Growth Performance

Red worms (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eisenia fetida&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) can convert biowaste and by-products into body mass and become high in protein and lipid content. However, the type of growth media used affects both larval body composition and growth performance. Using recycled organic materials from chicken manure (CM), cow dung manure (CDM) and rabbit manure (RM), the present study evaluated the production of red worms that could be used as a substitute protein source for fish meals. Two experiments were conducted, the first experiment tested the compatibility of each organic manure when mixed with soil separately, whereas the second experiment combined the three organic manures with a fixed amount of soil. The study was conducted for 60 days. The findings showed that red worms reared on 100 % CM had a significantly higher body weight (19.27 ± 0.9 g) followed by those reared on 100 % CDM and 75% RM, whereas red worms reared on 100 % RM had the lowest body weight (4.9 ± 0.1 g). A combination of 20% CM + 40% CDM + 20% RM + 20% Soil supported significantly higher body weight of red worms (24.9 ± 1.1 g), while the lowest value of body weight (5.1 ± 0.2 g) was in a combination of 20% CM + 0% CDM + 60% RM + 20% Soil). Furthermore, the results revealed that red worms reared on 100 % CDM without soil as waste substrate had the highest crude protein (73.28% DM) compared to red worms reared on other types of substrates. The study suggests the potential of reusing organic manure such as chicken and cow dung manure at different inclusion levels in the production of red worms.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and productivity of four high-yielding rice varieties of Eastern India

Aim: To investigate the integrated nutrient management in agricultural fields using cow dung manure and poultry manure as organic, and NPK as inorganic fertilizer at varied ratios. Methodology: Four rice varieties were selected for the experiment viz., MTU 1010, IET 4786, IET 17430, and IET 9947 under nine organic manure and inorganic fertilizer combinations in different ratios with one control treatment. The cultivation was carried out in three replications in a randomized complete block design. The biometric observations were noted at 30, 55, and 80 days after transplant (DAT). Leaf Area Index (LAI), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), and grain yield were calculated for the varieties under varied treatments. Results: Biometric observation and growth indices confirmed that the treatment T3 showed the highest value among all other treatments for shoot length, dry matter, LAI and LAD for all varieties. Treatment T7 recorded the maximum root length. For CGR treatment T2 and T3 recorded highest value for different varieties. Soil nutrient results suggest that treatment T2-T4 and T6-T8 showed the highest N, P and K content. The results showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in grain yield for all the treatments in all varieties, where T3 recorded the highest value. Interpretation: The year experiment revealed that integrated nutrient application resulted in considerably greater growth and productivity compared to the control and 100% inorganic fertilizer-treated cultivation. Key words: Cow dung, Integrated nutrient management, Poultry manure, Plant growth indices, Rice productivity Aim: To investigate the integrated nutrient management in agricultural fields using cow dung manure and poultry manure as organic, and NPK as inorganic fertilizer at varied ratios. Methodology: Four rice varieties were selected for the experiment viz., MTU 1010, IET 4786, IET 17430, and IET 9947 under nine organic manure and inorganic fertilizer combinations in different ratios with one control treatment. The cultivation was carried out in three replications in a randomized complete block design. The biometric observations were noted at 30, 55, and 80 days after transplant (DAT). Leaf Area Index (LAI), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), and grain yield were calculated for the varieties under varied treatments. Results: Biometric observation and growth indices confirmed that the treatment T3 showed the highest value among all other treatments for shoot length, dry matter, LAI and LAD for all varieties. Treatment T7 recorded the maximum root length. For CGR treatment T2 and T3 recorded highest value for different varieties. Soil nutrient results suggest that treatment T2-T4 and T6-T8 showed the highest N, P and K content. The results showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in grain yield for all the treatments in all varieties, where T3 recorded the highest value. Interpretation: The year experiment revealed that integrated nutrient application resulted in considerably greater growth and productivity compared to the control and 100% inorganic fertilizer-treated cultivation. Key words: Cow dung, Integrated nutrient management, Poultry manure, Plant growth indices, Rice productivity

Comparison of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity under the Reclaimed Conditions of Salt Affected Soil

Solving the soil problems that affect negatively on growth of plants and reduce the soil permeability is necessary for the study site, Thein Gone Village in Yamethin Township, Myanmar. The objectives of this study were; to identify the soil whether it is salt-affected or not and to investigate the proper reclamation method with different rates of amendments by comparing the saturated conductivity (Ks). Both composite (disturbed) and core (undisturbed) soil samplings were collected at three profiles (0 - 60 cm soil depth) during March, 2023. Some soil properties such as texture, bulk density (g cm-3), moisture content (%), ECe (electrical conductivity, saturated extract; mS cm-1), pH (1:5 water), SAR (sodium absorption ratio) and pH and EC of leaching water were also measured. Firstly, the study site was problematic with high pH due to Na+ distribution of underground water although there was some application of gypsum for a decade. Also, low permeability (Ks &lt; 1x10-8 cm s-1) was another problem there. To leach the salt (EC &lt; 1 mS cm-1 in leachate), 1500 cm3 of water was necessary for one core (98.21 cm3 soil volume). It was relatively high amount for using the quality-water. For reclamation methods, gypsum 5 t ha-1, sulphur 1 t ha-1, and cow-dung manure 20 t ha-1 gave the minimum (- log Ks) value among different rates of each amendment. The less the - log Ks, the more permeable the soil becomes. Among different amendments, gypsum 5 t ha-1 showed the fastest saturated hydraulic conductivity. Moreover, it is necessary to drain out the leachate to prevent the formation of saline -sodic soil.

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

To evaluate the effect of different levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of SinThuKha rice variety, the experiment was conducted with randomized complete block (RCB) design by three replications. The experiments were carried out in Water Utilization Research section, Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) at Yezin, Naypyitaw, Myanmar during dry and wet seasons, 2023.The organic sources used were poultry manure and cow dung manure. The treatments were T1 (Control ), T2 (100% RFF) (Recommended Rate of Fertilizer), T3 (6 t ha-1 Cow dung manure) (CM), T4 (6 t ha-1 Poultry Manure) (PM), T5 ( 25% RRF + 4.5 t ha-1 CM), T6 (25% RRF + 4.5 t ha-1 PM ), T7 (50% RRF+ 3 t ha-1 CM), T8 (50% RRF + 3 t ha-1 PM), T9 (75% RRF+1.5 t ha-1 CM), T10 (75% RRF+1.5 t ha-1 PM). It was observed that the grain yields as well as the yield attributing parameters like number of tillers hill-1, panicle length, number of panicles hill-1, number of spikelets panicle-1, filled grain percent were significantly different among different treatments except 1000 grain weight. The maximum grain yield was resulted (796.10 g m2) in dry season and (666.35 g m2) in wet season at T8 treatment (50% RRF + 3 t ha-1 PM). Among the treatments the higher yield of T8 and T10 were observed in both seasons followed by T2, T7 and T9.

Effect of organic nutrient management on yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa) in hill zone of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2021 at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, West Bengal, to study the response of 2 aromatic rice cultivars (‘Kalture’ and ‘Kalonunia’) under 4 organic nutrient management (cowdung manure @ 5 t/ha, vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha, mustardcake @ 0.5 t/ha, and leaf mould @ 1 t/ha). ‘Kalonunia’ exhibited greater tiller production (435/m2 ), leaf-area index (3.08) and dry-matter accumulation (452 g/m2 ) at 63 days after planting (DAT), and ‘Kalture’ showed taller plants (137.1 cm) and lodging susceptibility (score 4.0) at maturity. ‘Kalonunia’ performed significantly better in terms of grain yield (3.32 t/ha), non-lodging habit, protein content (7.25%) and net income (`57,043/ha) than ‘Kalture’ cultivar. Although the application of vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha resulted in the maximum grain yield (3.22 t/ha) and nutrient uptake (44.6 kg N, 16.4 kg P and 39.0 kg K/ha), mustard-cake @ 0.5 t/ha could be an alternative option owing to near-maximum grain yield (3.11 t/ha) with high protein content (7.1%), medium aroma (score 1.7), maximum net income (`51,040/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.01) in hill zone of West Bengal.

Correlation of the Effect of Spacing and Cow Dung Manure on the Growth and Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in Sudan Savannah of Nigeria

Anexperiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano and Kano State Institute of Horticulture, Bagauda, during the rainy season of 2015 to investigate the effect of spacing and cow dung manure rates on the growth and yield of radish. The experiment comprised four levels of spacing (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm) and five rates of cow dung manure (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t ha-1). It was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment's correlation analysis revealed positive associations between root yield and other parameters assessed at BUK and Bagauda. The results from regression analysis showed that planting at 12.5 cm spacing and applying 10 t ha-1 of cow dung manure is the optimum for yield in radish in the Sudan Savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria.

The Effect of Applying Cow Dung Manure on Plant Growth and Yield Honey Gray (Cucurbita moschata L.)

This study aims to examine the effect of cow manure on the growth and yield of pumpkin honey (Cucurbita moschata L.). This research has been carried out in the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tridinanti University located in Pulau Semambu Village, North Indralaya District, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The study has been conducted from April 2023 to July 2023. The method used in this study is an experimental method, using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 5 (five) treatments and 5 (five) repeats. Each unit consists of 20 plants so that the plants studied are 500 plants. The treatment in this study was P0 (without cow dung manure), P1 (10 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 300 g per plant), P2 (20 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 600 g per plant) P3 (30 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 900 g per plant) and P4 (40 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 1,200 g per plant). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the application of cow dung manure has a good effect on the growth and yield of honey gourd plants. The application of cow dung manure P2 (20 tons/ha) resulted in the main length of the 1st month as high as 187.62 cm, the length of the main stem of the 2nd month as high as 327.16 cm, the length of the main trunk of the 3rd month as high as 367.36 cm, the number of primary branches 2.33 branches, flowering age 37 hst, the number of female flowers 63.30%, dry weight of plants 53.09 g, the number of fruits per plant 1.18 pieces, Fruit weight per plant 1.12 kg and fruit weight per plot 12.71 kg.

Nutritional Composition of Duckweed (Lemna minor) Cultured with Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic manure in Earthen Ponds

Duckweed (Lemna minor) have been used for several years to recover nutrients from wastewater and as feed ingredient for livestock, including fish and poultry. This study aimed at assessing the effect of different manure sources; inorganic fertilizer (a combination of DAP and Urea), and organic sources (chicken manure and cow dung manure) on the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profile of L. minor under culture conditions. Results indicated that L. minor cultured with chicken manure had significantly higher crude protein level (36.8%) (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and lower crude fat content (8.10%) compared to the ones cultured with inorganic fertilizer and cow dung manure. Essential amino acids proportion was 50% in L. minor cultured with inorganic fertilizer, 45.4% in chicken manure and 44.8% in cow dung manure with lysine and phenylalanine being the most abundant amino acids. The total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in L. minor cultured using inorganic fertilizer (43.05 mg/100 g) with linoleic acid being the most dominant PUFA. The presence of high levels of amino acids and PUFA in the L. minor cultured with organic and inorganic fertilizer respectively indicates that it can provide quality protein and PUFA required for fish growth and well-being.

RESPONSE OF SNAKE TOMATO (Tricosanthes cucumerina) TO DIFFERENT FERTILIZER SOURCES IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

Snake tomato is gaining popularity due to its nutritional, medicinal and health benefits. Its production is constrained by depleting soil fertility. Recently, there is increased interest in organic food owing to health and environmental benefits. Thus, an experiment on growth and yield of snake tomato as affected by fertilizer sources was conducted at Ponyan and Kabba during the 2019 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of the control, residues from maize, guinea corn and spear grass, residues from soybean, cowpea and black bean, residues from cocoa and kola, pig manure, goat manure, cow dung manure and NPK plus B fertilizer. Data were taken on vine length, number of leaves, vine girth, days to 50% flowering, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds/fruit, fresh fruit weight, marketable fruits, non-marketable fruits and fruit yield (t/ha). Analysis of variance results indicated that plants treated with NPK plus B fertilizer significantly (P&lt;0.05) recorded the longest vine, more number of leaves and branches. It also produced more fruits, longest fruit and heaviest fruits. Number of seeds/plant and marketable fruits were more in animal base manure. It is pertinent to know that non-marketable yield was highest in NPK plus B fertilizer. Contrarily, NPK plus B fertilizer increased yield, although statistically similar to animal base manure. Therefore, considering the benefits of organic manure on health and the environment, animal manure applied at 10 t/ha is recommended for snake tomato production in the study area

Response of scented rice landraces of North Bengal under organic nutrient management in Darjeeling hills

The traditional practice of growing scented rice in Darjeeling Himalayas needs refinement in nutrient management for sustained production with desired quality. The effect of organic nutrient sources (Cow dung manure @ 5 t/ha, Vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha, Mustard cake @ 0.5 t/ha, and Leaf mould @ 1 t/ha) on two aromatic rice cultivars (Kalture, and Kalonunia) was studied in a split-plot design during wet (kharif) season of 2021 at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, West Bengal. Kalture had taller plants (137.1 cm) and lodging susceptibility (score 4.0) at harvest, while Kalonunia remained unlodged. Kalonunia produced 16.1% greater grain yield (3.32 t ha-1 vs. 2.86 t ha-1) over Kalture due to more number of panicles m-2 (356.2) and filled grains panicle-1 (90.1). Both aromatic rice cultivars had medium-slender (MS) white kernels, but Kalonunia had higher protein content (7.3%), alkali spreading value (score 6.0) and aroma (score 1.8) than Kalture (6.7%, score 5.7 and score 1.6). The application of vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 resulted in higher grain yield (3.22 t ha-1), but mustard cake @ 0.5 t ha-1 might be better option due to moderate yield (3.11 t ha-1), better grain quality, and greater residual N (235.1 kg ha-1), P status (23.4 kg ha-1) in hill soil of West Bengal.

Sesbania - A Green Manure for Soil Productivity and Crop Enhancement

In order to determine how growing the green manure crop Dhaincha (Sesbania sesban) in acidic soil conditions affected the soil characteristics, nutrient availability, and rice productivity, among other things, a field study was conducted in the crop cafeteria at Galgotias University's School of Agriculture in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh from July 2019 to July 2022. As per the study, the green manure performed patch considerably increased the change in the soil physical qualities and availability of nutrients. In comparison to plots where Sesbania sesban was not grown-up as a green manure crop in the introduction of Sesbania sesban increased paddy output. The field investigation, which was carried out in the university's cafeteria in 2018, discovered that the soil's pH was 8.75, slowly and steadily improving to 8.0. The amount of soil organic carbon was low in 2018 at 0.27, 0.35 in 2019, 0.39 in 2020, and 0.45% in 2021, respectively. The application of green manure, vermi-compost, cow dung manure, gypsum, and Sesbania (Sesbania sesban) as part of an approved scientific method led to an improvement in soil quality. This also led to an increase in the production of agricultural crops.

Formation and characterization of leaf waste into organic compost.

In solid waste management, pollution-free disposal of leaf waste in urban areas is still not standardized and adopted. According to the World Bank report, 57% of wastes generated in South East Asia are consisted of food and green waste, which can be recycled into valuable bio-compost. The present study shows a method of leaf litter waste management by composting it using essential microbe (EM) method. Different parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity, macronutrients, micronutrients, and potentially toxic elements (PTE) were measured at zero to 50 days of composting using appropriate methods. The microbial composting was shown to mature within 20 to 40 days, and its maturity could be evaluated by the attainment of stable pH (8), electrical conductivity (0.9 mS/cm), and C:N ratio ≥ 20. The analysis was also performed on other bio-composts viz. kitchen waste compost, vermicompost, cow dung manure, municipal organic waste compost, and neem cake compost. The fertility index (FI) was evaluated based on six parameters viz. total carbon, total nitrogen, N ratio, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur contents. The PTE values were used to calculate their clean index (CI). The results showed that leaf waste compost has a higher fertility index (FI = 4.06) than other bio-composts, except the neem cake compost (FI = 4.44). The clean index of the leaf waste compost (CI = 4.38) was also higher than other bio-composts. This indicates that leaf waste compost is a valuable bio-resource with high nutritive value and low PTE contamination, with a favourable prospective to be used in organic farming.

Effect of fertilization combination on cucumber quality and soil microbial community.

Due to the lack of scientific guidance on the usage of fertilizer, the overuse of chemical and organic fertilizer is commonly witnessed all over the world, which causes soil degradation and leads to environmental pollution. The effect of fertilizer strategies on soil properties, cucumber nutrients, and microbial community was investigated in this study with the aim to explore an optimized and enhanced fertilizer strategy. There were five fertilizer strategies conducted including CK (no fertilizer), M (cow dung manure only), NPK (chemical fertilizer only), NPKM (chemical fertilizer combined with manure), and DNPKM (30%-reducing chemical fertilizer combined with manure). It was found that different fertilizer strategies significantly affected the soil organic matter and nutrient levels and cucumber production and nutrient contents of the experimental field. Different fertilizer strategies showed dramatic effects on the alpha- and beta-diversity of soil microbial communities. Moreover, NPKM and DNPKM groups could significantly improve the bacterial abundance and fungal diversity. In addition, the structure of microbial communities was significantly changed in the presence of manure, chemical fertilizer, and their combination. Optimized combination of NPK with M improved the abundance of aerobic, biofilm formation-related, and Gram-negative bacteria and suppressed the anaerobic and Gram-positive bacteria. The presence of saprotrophs fungi was enhanced by all fertilizer strategies, especially the plethora of Gymnoascus. The combination of manure with chemical fertilizer could improve the availability of nutrients, and therefore reduce the adverse effects and potential risks induced by excessive fertilizer application. In conclusion, the new fertilization approach can not only meet the growth requirements of cucumber after reduced fertilization, but also protect soil health, which provides a new candidate for the eco-friendly technology to satisfy the topic of carbon neutrality.

Efficacy of cow and buffalo dung on vermiremediation and phytoremediation of heavy metals via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and comet assay.

Heavy metal contamination raised significant concerns throughout the world. The current research aimed to evaluate the impact of organic manure (cow dung and buffalo dung) on vermiremediation and phytoremediation and to remediate heavy metals, i.e., cadmium, lead, and chromium, from artificial contaminated soil via both remediation techniques. The impact of livestock manure was evaluated for the first time which could be effective in in situ as well as ex situ studies. Eisenia fetida, Pheretima lignicola, and Spinacia oleracea were used for the remediation process. Results revealed that E. fetida tolerated lead at 280mg, cadmium at 150mg, and chromium at 860mg compared to P. lignicola. The growth and reproduction of E. fetida were efficient in the cow dung manure compared to buffalo dung. Similarly, seed germination and growth of Spinacia oleracea were better in cow dung media compared to buffalo dung. Bioaccumulation factor showed that E. fetida showed a higher accumulation of heavy metals in their tissues when vermi + phytoremediation was jointly applied (9.50mg/l of Pb, 24.166 of Cd, and 6.695 of Cr). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that heavy metals had no drastic effects on E. fetida and S. oleracea. Similarly, comet assay revealed that heavy metals had no genotoxic effect on the E. fetida and S. oleracea. It was concluded that both E. fetida and S. oleracea are appropriate for heavy metals remediation in cow dung manure.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Komposisi Media Tanam Tanah, Arang Sekam, Dan Pupuk Kandang Kotoran Sapi Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Tanaman Sawi (Brassica juncea L.)

This research was carried out from February to April 2022, in the yard of NaikotenSatu Output, Kupang City, with the aim of knowing the combination of the composition ofsoil planting media, husk charcoal, and cow dung on the growth and yield of mustard plants.This research was designed with a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatmentbeing tested was kobasi the composition of soil planting media material, husk charcoal, andcow dung manure which consisted of 6 treatments. P0 = Soil (100%), P1 = Soil with ricehusk charcoal (2:1), P2 = Soil with cow manure (2:1), P3 = Soil with rice husk charcoal(1:1), P4 = Soil with cow dung manure (1:1), P5 = Soil with husk charcoal and cow dungmanure (1:1:1). Each treatment was carried out in four (4) replications. Observationalvariable data (height, number of mustard leaves, total plant fresh weight and net freshweight of mustard greens were analyzed using Variety Print Analysis, followed by DuncanMultiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level. The results showed: 1). The combinationtreatment of soil media composition, husk charcoal, and cow manure had a significant andvery significant effect on the height and number of leaves of mustard plants at observations3 and 4 MSPT (1 WAP and 2 WAP), gross fresh weight, and net fresh weight, 2) . Thecombination treatment of soil media composition, husk charcoal, and cow manure ratio 1: 1:1 (P5) gave the best results on plant height, number of leaves, fresh gross weight, fresh netweight, each of which was 28.70 cm for height. plants, 10.50 leaves for the number ofleaves, 39.00 grams for fresh gross weight and 35.08 grams for fresh net weight of mustardgreens.

Manures, vermicompost, and chemical fertilizer impacts on the yield and volatile compounds of the damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) flower petals

Volatile oil from the flower petals of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is one of the most valuable and important raw materials in the perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, the impacts of vermicompost, animal manures, and chemical fertilizer on the flower yield, quantity, and chemical compositions as well as the quality index of the volatile oils from the R. damascena flower petals were assessed during three experimental years (2016–2018). Results indicated that the influences of the organic manures and chemical fertilizer during three experimental years were significant on the volatile oil content and yield and the percentages of some major constituents of the volatile oil. The maximum value of the fresh flower petals weight was obtained from the vermicompost, horse dung manure, and N-P-K fertilizer in the third experimental year. In addition, chemical fertilizer treatment followed by the vermicompost and horse dung manure had the highest essential oil content in the second and third experimental years. The vermicompost, horse dung manure, and N-P-K fertilizer improved the volatile oil yield by 102.6%, 99.9%, and 107.9%, respectively in the third experimental year (2018) with control (non-amendment) in the first experimental year (2016). Furthermore, the main compounds of the R. damascena volatile oils analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS were β-citronellol, geraniol, nonadecane, heneicosane, 1-nonadecane, E-citral (geranial), Z-citral (neral), and α-pinene, which the experimental treatments had significant impacts on their percentages. The highest concentration of monoterpene alcohols (such as β-citronellol and geraniol), as an important quality index, which contributes mainly to the perfumery value of rose oil, were obtained from the vermicompost and animal manures in the third experimental year (64.35%, 65.47%, and 61.53%; vermicompost, horse dung manure, and cow dung manure, respectively). Moreover, the best treatment for β-citronellol/geraniol (C/G) ratio, as a typical characteristic of rose oil, was the cow dung manure in the third experimental year by 1.3. On the other hand, the highest values of hydrocarbons such as heneicosane, n-nonadecane, 1-nonadecene, and docosane were obtained from control and N-P-K fertilizer in the first and second experimental years. In conclusion, to improve the quantity and quality of the damask rose volatile oil and also aromatic plant, applying organic sources such as vermicompost and animal manures are recommended in the semiarid climate.

THE EFFECT OF DOSAGE OF COW MANUAL FERTILIZER AND INORGANIC NPK ON THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF MUSTARD PLANTS (Brassica Juncea L.)

This research was carried out in Oematnunu Village, West Kupang District, Kupang Regency and the study was carried out from February to April 2022. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the dose of cow dung manure and inorganic NPK on the growth and yield of mustard plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the dose combination of cow dung manure and inorganic NPK fertilizer that could provide the best growth and yield of mustard plants. This study is a single factor experiment designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments in the form of doses of rice straw mulch. Each treatment combination was repeated 6 (six) times so that a total of 30 experimental units were obtained.The results showed that 1). The combination of cow dung manure and inorganic NPK had a very significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, total fresh weight, and total net weight of mustard plants. 2). The combination treatment of manure dose of 5 tons/ha and NPK 300 kg/ha, combination dose of 10 tons/ha and NPK 200 kg/ha, and 400 kg/ha NPK fertilizer gave the best results on plant height, number of leaves, total fresh gross weight of mustard plant, and total net weight of mustard plant.&#x0D;

Biotransformation of Flower Waste: Effect of Bulking Agent and Microbes

In India, the flower or temple waste engendered from various sources also gets commingled with the municipal/urban solid waste or directly disposed of in the river. India is in the second position after China for flower waste generation worldwide. The high organic content of flower waste can be used to develop nutrient-rich compost that can further be used for the growth of plants. However, bulking agents (dry leaves/sawdust/coco-peat) and microbes (culture/manure) can affect composting. Thus, the prime objective of this study was to understand the effect of sawdust and cow dung manure on composting process. Two earthen pots were prepared with a 70%:10%:20% ratio of flower waste: cow dung manure: and sawdust, respectively. The other two pots with 70%:20%:10% ratio of flower waste: cow dung manure: and sawdust, respectively. An earthen pot with 100 % flower waste (control experiment) was also analysed throughout the study. The variation in temperature, moisture content, pH, conductivity, volatile content, ash, CO2 evolution, phosphate, and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) was monitored to achieve the objective of the whole study. The presence of sawdust was observed to be important by arresting leachate and maintaining aeration in the waste mixture, but cow dung manure also played a significant role in making more microbes and nutrients available for speeding up the process. The control experiment showed lump formation in the waste mixture due to excessive moisture development. Stable, mature, and nutrient-rich compost was obtained at the end of the composting process.

PENGARUH INTERVAL PEMBERIAN AIR KELAPA DAN APLIKASI PUPUK KANDANG KOTORAN SAPI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TOMAT (LYCOPERSICUM ESCULENTUM MILL)

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) is the most popular agricultural product with a high economic value in society. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect and interaction of adding coconut water and cow manure on the growth and yield of tomato plants. This research was conducted from August to October 2021 at Putri Mandiri Green House, Sipatana Subdistrict, Gorontalo City using a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The interval of adding coconut water consisted of 3 levels, while the adding of cow dung manure consisted of 4 levels. The results of this study indicated that the interval of adding coconut water and cow manure affected the growth and yield of tomato plants. It is further explained by the following results: 1) The interval of giving coconut water every 8 days has an effect on plant height, 2) The treatment once every 4 days has an effect on the number of leaves of tomato plants, 3) The adding of cow manure in the treatment of 120 g polybag-1gave an effect on the number of leaves, number of fruits, and fruit weight per tomato plant, and 4) The treatment of 60 g polybag-1 had an effect on the fruit weight of tomato plants. Besides, the interaction of treatment intervals of adding coconut water and cow manure did not affect the growth and yield of tomato plants.Keywords: Tomato Plants, Coconut Water, Cow Manure