Utilization Of Organic Fertilizer Research Articles

Potential to Ensure Safe Production of Water Spinach in Heavy Metals-Contaminated Soil by Substituting Chemical Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are widely used to improve soil quality. However, their potential for ensuring the safe production of vegetables in soils with varying levels of heavy metals pollution remains inadequately explored. Here, we conducted a pot experiment to investigate the effects of substituting chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizer on the HMs accumulation in water spinach by simulating soils with different levels of HMs pollution. The results showed that the organic fertilizer significantly increased the soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter (OM). Furthermore, it led to a reduction in the soil DTPA–Cd and DTPA–Pb levels by 3.3–20.6% and 22.4–47.3%, respectively, whereas the DTPA–As levels increased by 0.07–7.7 times. The organic fertilizer effectively reduced the Cd and Pb content in water spinach below the safety limits when the added Cd content in the soil was less than 2 mg/kg and the Pb content was equal to or less than 90 mg/kg. However, its efficacy in reducing As accumulation in water spinach was limited, emphasizing the need for caution when using organic fertilizers in As-contaminated soils. Our results provide valuable insights for the scientific and precise utilization of organic fertilizers, thereby contributing to the safe production of vegetables.

Growth and Yield Performance of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Swayed by Mulching and Organic Fertilizers

The utilization of organic fertilizers is currently on the rise to sustain higher food quality while minimizing environmental pollution. Mulching with organic materials maintains soil physical conditions, crucial for realizing a crop’s genetic yield potential even when all other requirements are met. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of mustard oil cake (MOC), poultry manure (PM) and vermicompost (V) alone and in combination with mulching (Mu) on growth and yield parameters of Tomato. Significant increases were (p ≤ 0.05) observed in plant height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth, root length and root girth of tomato plants compared to the control (T1), where no fertilizers were applied. At 90 days after transplantation (DAT), the T9 (V8Mu0) treatment resulted in the highest plant height (142 cm) and the longest root length (25 cm) while the maximum quantity of fresh weight (154.63 g plant-1) for tomato plant was obtained from the treatment T6, which received vermicompost at 4 t ha-1 with mulching. Application of poultry manure at the rate of 8 t ha-1 without mulching (T8) resulted in a significant higher number (14 fruits plant-1) of green tomatoes. Fresh weight of green tomatoes were varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the treatments with the maximum fresh weight obtained from the T₉ (128.97 g plant-1) and the minimum from T₁ (12.73 g plant-1) treatments. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg and S of green tomatoes varied significantly among the treatments. The utmost P, K, S, Ca and Mg contents (0.72, 6.26, 0.23, 0.54 and 0.31 g kg-1, respectively) of green tomatoes were recorded in the treatment T₆ (V₄Mu). Hence, the utilization of organic fertilizers, either alone or in conjunction with mulching, markedly enhanced the growth and yield of the tested vegetable, offering viable strategies for enhancing the yield potential. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 53-65, 2024 (July)

Environmental Impact of Agricultural Land Transfer in China: A Systematic Review on Sustainability

Farmland holding fragmentation facilitates more extensive use of agricultural chemicals, which harm the natural environment. Agricultural land transfer in China aims to consolidate agricultural holdings, promoting economies of scale and addressing socio-economic and environmental concerns. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of agricultural land transfer on the environment. The review evaluates 60 empirical research articles retrieved through the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases, which discuss the relationship between agricultural land transfer and the environment. The findings indicate that agricultural land transfer has both positive and negative impacts on the environment. Farmers who engage in land rental and adopt sustainable agricultural practices, including the utilization of organic fertilizers, implementation of conservation measures, and application of efficient carbon reduction techniques, have demonstrated a notable positive influence on the environment. The lack of regulatory mechanisms concerning agricultural land transfer, including non-adjacent agricultural land transfer and large-scale farmers’ improper chemical utilization, causes significant negative environmental consequences such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem destruction. As such, we recommend innovative institutional developments addressing spatial and temporal considerations, land use, market systems, and household conditions to reconcile the links between agricultural land transfer policy and environmental outcomes. We urge continued research into the multidimensional and potential effects of agricultural land transfer to facilitate better-informed policy-making.

Dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes during manure composting: Reduction in herbivores manure and accumulation in carnivores

The elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock manure represent a significant threat to both the environment and human health. Composting has been recognized as an effective strategy to mitigate the abundance of ARGs in manure. However, notable rebounds in ARGs abundance have been observed during this process. This study explored the changes in ARGs abundance and the underlying influencing factors during the composting of carnivore (chicken and pig) and herbivore (sheep and cow) manures, along with mushroom residues. The findings revealed that the total relative abundance of ARGs increased by 6.96 and 10.94 folds in chicken and pig manure composts, respectively, whereas it decreased by a remarkable 91.72% and 98.37% in sheep and cow manure composts. Nitrogen content emerged as the primary physicochemical factors governing the abundance of ARGs in chicken and pig manure composts. Conversely, carbon content played a pivotal role in determining ARGs abundance in chicken and pig manure composts. Furthermore, the presence of dominant hosts, such as Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Clostridium, along with emerging bacteria like Thermobifida, Saccharomonospora, and Actinomadura, contributed significantly to the enrichment of total ARGs, including tetG, tetO, tetX, and sul2, in chicken and pig manure composts. The coexistence of these genes with mobile genetic elements and a plethora of host bacteria, coupled with their high abundance, renders them particularly high-risk ARGs. On the other hand, the observed decrease in the abundance of total ARGs in sheep and cow manure composts can be attributed to the decline in the population of host bacteria, specifically Atopostipes, Psychrobacter, and Corynebacterium. Collectively, these results provide crucial insights into the management of ARGs risks and offer essential theoretical support for enhancing the safe utilization of organic fertilizer in agriculture.

Unraveling the mechanism of shell powder as a potent additive for pathogens eradication in compost

The effective elimination of pathogens during the composting process is essential for ensuring the safe utilization of organic fertilizers and maintaining food security. However, the development of innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly techniques for pathogen eradication remains insufficient. Actually, the improper disposal of shell powder, a prominent by-product of the seafood industry, can result in environmental pollution and the wastage of resources. The present study examined the effectiveness of incorporating shell powder as a composting amendment for the efficient eradication of pathogens. Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses were utilized to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms. Our findings revealed that the addition of shell powder enhanced compost temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and extracellular enzyme activity, creating a conducive environment for pathogens elimination. Furthermore, fungal diversity was positively correlated with pathogens abundances. The addition of shell powder altered critical compounds levels such as 11(E)-Eicosenoic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Daidzein, and Erucic Acid, resulting in reduced fungal diversity during the thermophilic phase and indirectly suppressing the pathogenic fungi abundance. Additionally, anti-pathogenic metabolites were induced after shell powder supplementation demonstrating greater diversity including alkaloids, terpenoids flavonoids and phenolic compounds exhibiting higher selectivity and specificity for different pathogens. In conclusion, incorporating shell powder during composting is recommended as a viable strategy for utilizing seafood waste resources, reducing pathogen risks, and thereby enhancing the quality of organic fertilizer.

Divergent assembly of soil microbial necromass from microbial and organic fertilizers in Chimonobambusa hejiangensis forest.

Variability in microbial residues within soil aggregates are becoming progressively essential to the nutritive and sustainability of soils, and are therefore broadly regarded as an indispensable part of soil organic matter. It is unexplored how the widespread implementation of microbial fertilisers in agricultural production impacts soil organic nutrients, in particular the microbial residue fraction. We performed a three-year field experiment to verify the distinct impacts of microbial and organic fertilizers on carbon accumulation in soil microbial leftovers among aggregate fractions. Microbial residual carbon was shown to decrease insignificantly during the application of microbial fertilizer and to rise marginally afterwards with the utilization of organic fertilizer. However, the combined effects of the two fertilizers had substantial impacts on the accumulation of microbial residual carbon. Changes in the structure of the fungi and bacteria shown in this study have implications for the short-term potential of microbial fertilizer shortages to permanent soil carbon sequestration. Additionally, our findings revealed variations in microbial residue accumulation across the microbial fertilizers, with Azotobacter chroococcum fertilizer being preferable to Bacillus mucilaginosus fertilizer due to its higher efficiency. In this scenario of nutrient addition, fungal residues may serve as the primary binding component or focal point for the production of new microaggregates, since the quantity of SOC provided by fungal residues increased while that supplied by bacterial residues decreased. Our findings collectively suggested that the mechanisms behind the observed bacterial and fungal MRC (microbial residue carbon) responses to microbial fertilizer or organic fertilizer in bamboo forest soils are likely to be distinct. The application of microbial fertilizers for a limited duration led to a decline soil stable carbon pool, potentially influencing the regulation of soil nutrients in such hilly bamboo forests.

RESPUESTA DEL MAIZ A LA APLICACIÓN DE CONSORCIO MICROBIANO Y SU COMBINACION CON BIOL, EN CONDICIONES DE TRÓPICO SECO

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The utilization of organic fertilizers is put forward as an effective approach to address soil degradation and enhance crop yields. <strong>Objective:</strong> To assess the impact of applying microbial consortia, in combination with fermented liquid fertilizer (biol), on maize grain production, with a focus on fostering sustainable family farming in dry tropical conditions<strong>. Methodology:</strong> A randomized complete block design with three blocks and divided plots was employed, with the main plots featuring various maize cultivars, while the subplots consisted of four bioferments and a control treatment. The bioferments included Microbial Consortium (CM), BIOL+CM, and BIOL+EM-1, compared to the commercial product Efficient Microorganisms (EM-1) and a control with no application. Parameters such as days to male and female flowering, plant and ear height, leaf area, grain diameter, and yield, along with the physical and chemical soil characteristics, were evaluated following the bioferment application. <strong>Results:</strong> The application of BIOL+CM to the Marginal 28T variety resulted in increased plant height (164.17 cm) and cob size (65.83 cm), as well as a larger leaf area (361.17 cm²). It also enhanced the grain yield of the Marginal 28T variety (3.42 tꞏha<sup>-1</sup>) and the HS-1 hybrid (3.02 tꞏha<sup>-1</sup>). <strong>Implications:</strong> The combined use of locally-sourced microbial consortia and Biol significantly improves the agronomic performance of hard yellow corn and aids in maintaining the soil's physical and chemical conditions, thereby promoting its enhancement. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The Marginal 28T variety and the HS-1 hybrid exhibited a favorable response to the application of microbial consortia, particularly BIOL+CM, making it a viable option for family farming in dry tropical conditions.<strong></strong></p>

Organic fertilizer substituting 20% chemical N increases wheat productivity and soil fertility but reduces soil nitrate-N residue in drought-prone regions.

Organic fertilizer substitution is an effective measure for increasing both the quantity and quality of wheat grain while reducing chemical fertilizer input. However, the effects of reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer substitution on grain yield, grain protein content and protein yield, plant N accumulation and translocation, N use efficiency, soil fertility, N apparent surplus and nitrate-N residue in rain-fed drought-prone areas remains limited. In this study, field experiments were conducted over four consecutive seasons (2019-2023) at two sites with four treatments: zero N application (ZN), farmer N application (FN), reduced 20% N of FN (RN), and organic fertilizer substituting 20% N of RN (OSN). The results showed that compared with the ZN treatment, the FN, RN and OSN treatments increased grain yield and its components, grain protein content and protein yield, aboveground N accumulation at the anthesis and maturity stages, pre-anthesis N translocation, post-anthesis N accumulation, N use efficiency, soil fertility. Compared with RN and FN, OSN increased grain yield by 17.12% and 15.03%, grain protein yield by 3.31% and 17.15%, grain N accumulation by 17.78% and 15.58%, and N harvest index by 2.63% and 4.45% averaged across years and sites, respectively. Moreover, OSN increased the contents of organic matter, total N, available P and available K in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers, decreased N apparent surplus and nitrate-N residue in 0-100 cm, and pH in both 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layer. Fundamentally, this study suggests that integrating a 20% reduction N from conventional farmer practices with the utilization of organic fertilizer to replace 20% of the chemical N fertilizer (OSN) represents an effective strategy. This approach shows promise in enhancing wheat grain yield, grain protein yield, and N use efficiency. Additionally, it supports the improvement of soil fertility while simultaneously reducing soil nitrate-N residues and the apparent surplus of N in rain-fed drought-prone regions.

Can digital literacy improve organic fertilizer utilization rates?: Empirical evidence from China

Can digital literacy improve organic fertilizer utilization rates?: Empirical evidence from China

Analysis on Farmers' Decision-Making Processes Regarding Sustainable Agricultural Practices: A Case Study in Kademangan, Pagelaran, Malang, Indonesia

Pagelaran, located in Malang, is among the seven key rice-producing regions, encompassing an agricultural expanse of 2,592 hectares. Despite this, a notable scarcity persists in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among local farmers, such as the utilization of organic fertilizers and integrated pest and disease management within their agricultural enterprises. The investigation centered on Kademangan, Pagelaran, Malang, Indonesia. Employing a purposive sampling approach, the study engaged 66 respondents. Data synthesis encompassed primary and secondary sources. Methodologies encompassed descriptive analysis, Structural Equation Model (SEM), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Outcomes underscored the significant impact of innovation characteristics on farmers' attitudes, intentions, and decisions. Additionally, attitudes and moral norms emerged as influential determinants of farmers' intentions and decisions. Perceived behavioral control and intentions were pivotal in shaping farmers' decisions. Notably, strategies aimed at enhancing farmer capacity pertaining to sustainable agriculture emerged as paramount in augmenting its implementation, as per the study's findings.

Application of zero waste farming system technology for the empowerment of farmers and breeders in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi

The Covid-19 pandemic affects all sectors, including agriculture. Challenges faced by the "Belo Singgani" Livestock Farmer Group include a lack of skills in enhancing agricultural productivity at a macro level, resulting in low marketability of agricultural products, and insufficient community engagement and awareness regarding agricultural maintenance and utilization. To address these issues, implementing zero waste farming system technology, specifically integrated farming techniques, is proposed as a solution. The Community-based Empowerment Program (PBM) aims to support the community in implementing a zero waste farming system for economic empowerment post-Covid-19. Methods employed include training, demonstration plots, and community assistance. Results from the community service initiative indicate an 80% increase in participants' knowledge about zero-waste farming systems and 60% of participants successfully utilizing waste to produce organic fertilizer. This is evidenced by the production and utilization of organic fertilizer, contributing to the development of a sustainable zero waste farming system.

Efeito residual de fontes de fósforo na presença e ausência de composto orgânico na produção de beterraba e chicória em cultivo sucessivo de brócolis

ABSTRACT The utilization of organic fertilizer for a short cycle crop may allow planting, in sequence, another short cycle crop, without the need for new fertilizers, reducing the costs of a new fertilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the residual effect of fertilization applied to broccoli with phosphorus sources in the presence and absence of organic compost, on beet and chicory production in subsequent cultivation. In broccoli cultivation, four sources of phosphorus (thermophosphate, natural phosphate, natural reactive phosphate, and triple superphosphate) (600 kg/ha of P2O5) were evaluated in the presence and absence of organic compost (Visafértil®, 55 t/ha) before planting. After the removal of the cultural remains of broccoli, beet and chicory, seedlings were transplanted in the same plots of the first crop treatments. For each species eight treatments were evaluated, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme. The first factor were the four sources of phosphorus and the second one was the application or not of organic compost before broccoli (hybrid BRO 68) planting. Treatments with organic compost showed greater production of beet and chicory, compared to the absence of compost. Fertilization with organic compost associated to the phosphorus sources provides necessary residual effect to beet and chicory production. The best P source for beet was triple superphosphate, and for chicory, in the absence of organic compost, triple superphosphate was the best source. In the presence of organic compost, the best sources were triple superphosphate and natural phosphate.

Eco-friendly green roof from biodegradable substrate for stormwater quality improvement

Currently, there is a significant surge of interest in green roof technology for construction buildings due to its numerous environmental benefits, such as stormwater management, energy efficiency, and enhanced urban biodiversity. However, the issue of potential pollutant release from green roof substrates into runoff water, causing water pollution, needs to be addressed. To tackle this concern, a lab-scale green roof model was assessed, utilizing a biodegradable substrate made from banana peels and eggshell waste (organic fertilizer). Three models were tested: a conventional green roof (control), a green roof with chemical fertilizer, and a green roof with organic fertilizer. Various water quality parameters, including pH, total suspended solids (TSS), nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), were evaluated. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of organic fertilizer in reducing TSS and COD levels, where the eco-friendly green roof with biodegradable substrate exhibited an impressive performance, achieving a higher COD removal percentage (78%) compared to the green roof with chemical fertilizer (50%). The utilization of organic fertilizer led to an enhancement in the quality of stormwater runoff, resulting in NPK removal percentages ranging from 17% to 25%. Additionally, the organic fertilizer fostered healthier vegetation growth, leading to a greater number of leaves compared to the chemical fertilizer. These findings highlight the potential of eco-friendly green roofs as a sustainable and effective tool for stormwater management, provided suitable substrate materials are employed.

Identification of optimal organic fertilizer subsidy policies under dual uncertainty via a self-calibrated fuzzy-boundary interval programming method

The effective design of organic fertilizer subsidy policies requires a precise understanding of their socio-economic and environmental impacts under uncertainty. However, previous methods face challenges in accurately simulating policy impacts due to the lack of a calibration process for observations and their inability to handle the dual uncertainty, where intervals and fuzziness coexist within a parameter. To fill such gap, a fuzzy-boundary interval positive mathematical programming (FIPMP) model was proposed. FIPMP improves upon previous positive mathematical programming (PMP) by handling dual uncertainties expressed as fuzzy-boundary intervals in both the objective function and constraints. FIPMP can also calibrate to observed values and address constraint-violation issues. This study further integrated the inventory analysis (IA) method into the FIPMP framework (IA-FIPMP), which enabled the impact analysis of organic fertilizer subsidy policies on TN and TP loads. Applied to a case study in Chengde City, Northern China, IA-FIPMP simulated the effects of various subsidy policies, prioritizing profit maximization and considering water resources and environmental constraints. The recommended optimal subsidy levels ranged from 300 to 600 yuan/ton, depending on the water availability and pollution discharge permits. The recommended subsidy levels could lead to a maximum reduction of 140,000 kg in TN loads and 9000 kg in TP loads, as well as a maximum increase of 3.3 times in the organic fertilizer use area. The study further reveals that quality-based subsidy policies outperform area-based subsidy policies in promoting organic fertilizer utilization and increasing farmer income. Compared to interval PMP and interval credibility-constrained PMP, FIPMP expands the capability of uncertainty treatment by handling dual uncertainties and enhances model robustness by balancing system benefits and violation risks. FIPMP can be used to simulate the impacts of other types of policies.

Application of Rabbit Urine and Manure Based Fertilizer on the Growth of Arabica and Robusta Coffee Seedlings

Coffee farming demands substantial amounts of fertilizer. Furthermore, the expensive cost of chemical fertilizers prompt coffee growers to seek alternative remedies. One emerging solution is the utilization of organic fertilizer. This study aims to assess the impact of organic fertilizer, specifically made from rabbit manure and urine, on the growth of Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings. The experiment focused on the context of coffee cultivation in Temanggung Regency, comparing the effects with goat manure fertilizer. The method was initiated by producing organic fertilizer, encompassing rabbit manure, goat manure, and rabbit urine. Then, the fertilizer was applied to Arabica and Robusta seedlings. The research employs quantitative and descriptive analyses. Quantitative data encompasses the nutrient content of each fertilizer and soil, plant height, leaves number, and stem diameter. Descriptive analysis involves the overall performance evaluation. The application of rabbit manure and urine as fertilizers to Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings yields positive outcomes, i.e. enhancing plant height, leaves number, and seedling diameter. Among the tested organic fertilizers, rabbit urine notably influenced the plant height, leaves number, and stem diameter of both seedlings. The performance of the rabbit urine treatment exhibited healthier attributes compared to those without any fertilizer, such as sturdy leaves and robust stems. Additionally, the root systems of the untreated plants appear less vigorous with sparser root hairs.

PENGARUH PUPUK LIMBAH CINCAU TERHADAP PENYAKIT DAN KEANEKARAGAMAN SERANGGA TANAMAN JAGUNG

Utilization of organic fertilizer aims to increase soil fertility and efforts to improve the balance of the corn plant ecosystem. One source of organic fertilizer is black grass jelly waste, both solid and liquid. Black grasss jelly waste is available in excess because factories that produce black grass jelly have not utilized the waste as an alternative to organic fertilizer. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of organic fertilizer from black grass jelly waste both solid and liquid on the abundance of insects and their natural enemies. This research started from September to December 2021. It took place at the Integrated Field Laboratory, Kadiri Islamic University, in Rejomulyo Village, Kediri City, with a pH of 7, daily temperature and humidity (±28.3°C and 72.2%) with rainfall 45 mm/month. Variable observations of downy mildew disease sentitivity index and insect diversity. The results showed that the effect of grass jelly fertilizer had an effect on the level of resistance to downy mildew attacks. In all the insects found were 47 families consisting of 6 orders. On diversity has a moderate value. In terms of evenness and species richness, it was found that all the results had high scores. So that the treatment of solid and liquid fertilizers against insect diversity is very good.

PEMANFAATAN PUPUK ORGANIK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL PANEN TANAMAN JAGUNG DI DESA CAMPA KECAMATAN MADAPANGGA

Utilization of organic fertilizers is one of the efforts to provide learning experiences or create a new condition in the community environment, by opening avenues of communication and providing information, to increase knowledge in providing understanding regarding the use of organic fertilizers through approaches to Village Heads, farmer groups and communities, so that they can apply methods of using organic fertilizers to increase yields of corn crops for the people of Campa Village, Madapangga District. In this study the approach method used was a direct approach, namely by visiting residents' homes one by one and then distributing questionnaires using the Simple Random Sampling technique. The purpose of distributing the questionnaire was to find out the intellectual community regarding the use of organic fertilizers properly and correctly in increasing the yield of the community's corn crops. The results of this study are that the level of knowledge of the people of Campa Village, Madapangga District regarding the use of organic fertilizers is still low or it is counted as much as 45% are fulfilled, 75% of respondents answered that they did not know about the use of organic fertilizers and in the next statement that tested the knowledge of respondents regarding the types of organic and inorganic fertilizers it was stated only about 35% know the difference in the type of fertilizer. When viewed from the statement above, this shows that the level of public knowledge regarding the types of organic fertilizers is still relatively low.

Organic Fertilizer Application Effects on Soil Agglomeration Stability and Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen Distribution: A Meta-Analysis

The application of organic fertilizers is a standard measure of circular agriculture, which can purify the environment, ensure food safety and strengthen the sustainable use of soil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizers on the stability of soil aggregates and soil fertility using a meta-analysis. A total of 169 case-controlled studies from 45 papers were included through screening, and Wordy sentences 169 soil data from the organic fertilizer group and 169 soil data from the control group (CK) were collected. The stability of meta-analysis results after combining effect sizes was assessed by sensitivity analysis, and the publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot. Meta-analysis results showed that the application of organic fertilizer significantly affected the mean weight diameter (MWD) (P<0.05), increased the organic carbon (SOC) content of the soil (P<0.05) .and significantly increased the total nitrogen (STN) content of the earth (P<0.05). Funnel plot analysis showed that there was only a small amount of publication bias in the study .and sensitivity research showed that the analysis was stable and reliable. In conclusion, the application of organic fertilizer can significantly affect the stability of soil aggregates and has a potentially positive effect on improving soil fertility. This meta-analysis provides a scientific basis for the rational utilization of organic fertilizers and soil structure optimization in China.

Utilization of Organic Fertilizer in Ghana: Implications for Crop Performance and Commercialization

Organic fertilizer commercialization may present a great opportunity to help deal with the issue of solid waste management and help improve the declining soil problems in many developing countries. Ghana’s solid waste is predominantly organic, which is suitable for organic fertilizer production. This paper seeks to establish relationship between organic fertilizer usage and crop farm performance and assess its commercialization potential. The study employed a farmer-survey and key informant interviews to generate data from 300 farmers randomly selected across three regions in Ghana. The computed organic fertilizer use rate is 42% among farmers surveyed, and organic fertilizer is primarily used in vegetable and maize production. The estimated current demand for organic fertilizer is about 0.7 million t/annum with a potential to rise to about 2.7 million t/annum in the long term. This will however require sensitization on its importance, availability, and affordability. The study has established a strong relationship between organic fertilizer adoption and farm performance increasing yield by 57%, income by 53%, and gross margins by 63%. There is obviously a cost reduction when organic fertilizer is adopted. Organic fertilizer adoption was found to be mainly related to farmer base organization membership status, access to extension services, access to organic fertilizer, and transport cost. Organic fertilizer commercialization has the potential to make Ghana a net exporter of fertilizer and create sustainable jobs for the youth. We recommend the use of organic fertilizer by farmers and highly recommend the commercial production of organic fertilizer.

Comparison of the Influence of Organic and Conventional Cultivation on Yield and Inner Quality in Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.)

This essay establishes three factors, i.e. organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer with cow carbide. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate influence of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer on yield and inner quality in spinach with fifteen treatments at five levels. The results showed that the contents of reducing sugar and nitrate nitrogen of spinach in organic fertilizer handling area was less than those in chemical fertilizer. No significant difference was found among the fresh weight, total sugar content and vitamin C content by utilization of organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer.