Water Hyacinth Compost Research Articles

Morphological Assessment and Effectiveness of Indigenous Rhizobia Isolates that Nodulate P. vulgaris in Water Hyacinth Compost Testing Field in Lake Victoria Basin

Aims: The study was aimed at isolating, identifying and assessing the effectiveness of indigenous rhizobia nodulating P. vulgaris in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). Study Design: Randomized complete block design. Place and Duration of Study: Soil and nodule samples were collected from Kisumu (Kenya); Kabanyolo (Uganda) and Nyabarongo (Rwanda). Field experiments: Kisumu (Kenya). Lab and greenhouse experiments: Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences Kenyatta University (Kenya) and Makerere University (Uganda). Research was carried out between January 2012 and April 2013. Original Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(5): 718-738, 2014 719 Methodology: Rhizobia were isolated from nodules obtained from P. vulgaris (rose coco variety) plants planted in the LVB water hyacinth compost trial fields and whole soil trapping experiments in the greenhouse using soil obtained from the LVB. The isolates were characterized using morphological features. Isolates from each group were used in authentication using the infection technique. Results: One hundred and twenty eight isolates were obtained from the trapping experiments and placed into nine groups based on their morphological characteristics. Four hundred and seventy two isolates were obtained from the nodules of the P. vulgaris grown in soils amended with water hyacinth compost and were placed into sixteen groups. The isolates varied in their morphological characteristics. There was a significant difference in the infectiveness and effectiveness of the representative rhizobia isolates. Conclusion: The studies revealed that rhizobia isolates from Lake Victoria are different morphologically. Authentication experiments, confirmed that the majority of the isolates were rhizobia due to their ability to infect the host plant P. vulgaris. All representative isolates varied in their ability to infect and fix nitrogen. Isolates that are more effective compared to the commercial Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli strain 446 were isolated in this study. The effective indigenous rhizobia have therefore the potential of being sources of inocula for P. vulgaris.

Adsorption of Lead and Copper Using Water Hyacinth Compost (Eichornia Crassipes)

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Adsorption ofheavy metals Pb and Custudies have been carried out usinga compost of plant water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes). First steps of the compostingis fermenting fresh hyacinth plants that have been enumeratedwithmolasses and water. Once formed, the compost is used as an adsorbent for the adsorption of heavy metals Pb and Cu. After that process, the water hyacinth compost have been characterized to determine the humic acid content, as well as the functional group content of heavy metals Pb and Cu. Determination of general conditions on the adsorption of Pb and Cu performed with adsorbent mass variations, variations in pH and the concentration variation and studying adsorption isotherm. The results showed that the adsorption of Pb in optimum condition occurs in adsorbentmass of 1.2 g with pH 5. As for the adsorption of Cu on the optimum conditions occur in the adsorbent mass of 0.8 g at pH 6. Results also able to adsorb up to 95.13% Pb andup to 91.42% Cu. Pb and Cu adsorption using adsorbents of water hyacinth compost more models to follow Langmuir than Freundlich models.

Influences of natural zeolite on speciation of heavy metals during rotary drum composting of green waste

The presence of heavy metals in water hyacinth compost is the main limiting factor for its land application. Water hyacinth can accumulate heavy metals in its tissues. Application of natural zeolites (clinoptilolite) during water hyacinth composting may be helpful to immobilise heavy metals. The present study was carried out on the speciation of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cd and Cr) during rotary drum composting of water hyacinth mixed with cattle manure, sawdust and natural zeolite. The Tessier sequential extraction method was used for heavy metal speciation determination. The water hyacinth, cattle manure and sawdust at a ratio of 6:3:1 ratio was mixed with 5, 10 and 15% natural zeolite by weight. Influences of physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH and organic matter degradation on speciation of heavy metals were studied during the process. A rotary drum composter has been shown to be highly efficient for organic matter degradation. The most bioavailable fractions (exchangeable and carbonate fractions) were reduced significantly due to the combined effects of zeolite addition and metal complexing with stabilised organic matter as a result of the high degradation of organic matter in a rotary drum. Ni, Pb and Cd were not found in the reducible and oxidisable fractions. Overall, the addition of an optimum quantity of natural zeolite significantly reduced the bioavailability fractions of heavy metals during rotary drum composting of the water hyacinth.

Effect of organo-mineral fertilizer on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of soybean

A soil culture experiment was carried out in the greenhouse at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, to assess the effects of organo-mineral fertilizers consisting of water hyacinth compost at the rates of 0, 2.5 and 5 t/ha compounded with and without N (0 and 25 kg/ha urea) and P (0 and 26 kg/ha single superphosphate - SSP) on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of soybeans planted on Itagunmodi soil series (an ultisol). Two experiments were set up simultaneously. One set of plants was allowed to grow for 8 weeks and terminated at 50% flowering while the other was allowed to pod. The experiments were repeated to assess the residual effects of the treatments. In the first experiment, 5.0 t/ha water hyacinth compost + N and P (WC2F) significantly (p<0.05) improved plant height (PLHT) and shoot dry weight (SDW). Also, WC2F and in most cases, followed by WC2 (5.0 t/ha water hyacinth) had significant (p<0.05) residual effects on PLHT, NOLP (number of leaves per plant), SDW and RDW (root dry weight). The mean soil pH and available P for the two plantings were significantly (p<0.05) higher in both WC2 and WC2F than in the control. The mean exchangeable cations (Na, Ca and Mg) were also significantly higher in WC2 than the control. In the second experiment, CW2F followed by WC2 produced the highest pod and grain weights per plant (PWPP and GWPP). The lowest values for these parameters were obtained in the control. Similarly, WC2F and WC2, unlike the control and N and P only (F), had significant residual effects on the NOPP (number of pod per plant), PWPP and GWPP. It was concluded that WCF2 and WC2 were the best in enhancing both the growth and yield parameters of soybean. Hence, water hyacinth composted with N and P was a better source of nutrients for soybean production than their individual applications. Key words: organomineral fertilzers, ultisol, water hyacinth compost, soybean.

Effect of water hyacinth and neem based composts on growth, fruit yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and/or neem(Azadirachta indica) based compost on the growth, fruit yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). The treatment consisted of six different fertilizer types, namely: 0 kg N/ha (control); 60 kg N/ha through mineral fertilizer (MF); 60 kg N/ha through Neem compost (NC); 30 kg N/ha through MF+30 kgN/ha through NC; 60 kg N/ha through water hyacinth compost (WC) and 30 kg N/ha through MF+30 kg N/ha through WC. The treatments were laid out as randomized complete block design with three replicates. Parameter assessed were length of vine, vine girth, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, fruit yield and nutritional quality. Application of different fertilizer types had significant effects on all the parameters taken. Combined application of 30 kg N/ha through MF and 30 kg N/ha through WC gave plants with the largest vine length, vine girth, leaf area, number of leaves, as well as fruit yield per plant. The values obtained for these parameters using this treatment (30 kg MF + 30 kg WC) were significantly higher than what was obtained with non-fertilized plants (control). However, the use of 60 kg N/ha through WC and 60 kg N/ha through NC gave the best fruit nutritional composition. It was therefore concluded that application of 60 kg N/ha through WC and 60 kg N/ha through NC or combine application of 30 kg N/ha through MF + 30 kg N/ha and WC should be optimal for good growth, fruit yield and nutritional value of C. sativus. Key words: Water hyacinth compost, neem compost, cucumber, fruit yield, fruit quality.

NATURAL LOCAL MEDIA AND THEIR EFFECT ON WATER REQUIREMENTS OF Ficus “HAWAII”

This study was carried out in the nursery of the Ornamental Plant Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Giza, Egypt during the period from February to November of the two successive seasons of 2009 and 2010. A factorial experiment, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates, was conducted, to investigate the effects of different watering regimes (irrigation with 300, 450 and 600 cm3/pot/week) comprising the main plot and potting media (peat moss, water hyacinth compost, rice hulls compost, date palm leaf compost and a mixture of the four components at equal volume parts) representing the sub-plots on Ficus nitida “Hawaii” plants grown in 25 cm dia. plastic pots. Results show that performance of plants grown in the mixed compost and watered with 450 cm3/pot/week was the best in all characters studied, followed by plants grown in the same medium and watered with either 600 cm3/pot/week (in the second position) or with 300 cm3/pot/week (in the third one). Performance of plants grown in rice hulls compost and watered with 450 cm3/pot/week came in the fourth rank, followed by those grown in peat moss and watered either with 450 or 600 cm3/pot/week, occupying the fifth position in this concern. In contrast, plants grown in date palm leaf compost and watered with 300 cm3/pot/week scored the lowest records in almost all parameters studied, preceded by those grown in the same medium and watered either with 450 or 600 cm3/pot/week.

INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC MANURES ON PRODUCTIVITY OF TWO VARIETIES OF RICE

Field experiment was conducted during 2003-04 to study the effect of vermicompost, farmyard manure and water hyacinth compost in comparison to chemically fertilized and unfertilized plots on crop-plants in HYV Swarna and local variety Magaisal. The experiment followed split plot design with two varieties of rice in the main plots and five nutrient sources randomized in sub plots. Signifi cant variation in grain yield between the varieties, among the nutrient sources and their interactions was observed. Grain yield recorded in HYV Swarna was higher to local variety Mugaisal irrespective of the treatments and hence Swarna was considered to be more tolerant to Mugaisal. Among the nutrient sources, treatment with vermicompost imparted maximum grain yield to all other nutrient sources irrespective of varieties.

Soil Fertility Restoration Potentials of Tithonia Green Manure and Water Hyacinth Compost on a Nutrient Depleted Soil in South Western Nigeria

Soil Fertility Restoration Potentials of Tithonia Green Manure and Water Hyacinth Compost on a Nutrient Depleted Soil in South Western Nigeria

Effects of Tithonia Green Manure and Water Hyacinth Compost Application on Nutrient Depleted Soil in South-Western Nigeria

Effects of Tithonia Green Manure and Water Hyacinth Compost Application on Nutrient Depleted Soil in South-Western Nigeria

Effect of the application of water hyacinth compost/vermicompost on the growth and flowering of Crossandra undulaefolia, and on several vegetables.

The impact of the application of compost/vermicompost obtained from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes, Mart. Solms) on plants was assessed in terms of growth and flowering of the angiosperm crossandra (Crossandra undulaefolia). Overall nine morphological, size, and yield attributes were studied in crossandra saplings raised on water hyacinth compost or vermicompost as compared to the untreated saplings. Application of vermicompost led to statistically significant improvement in the growth and flowering of crossandra compared to the untreated plants. The impact of compost was also beneficial but a little less distinct than the positive impact of vermicompost. Qualitative studies were simultaneously conducted in five kitchen gardens owned by farmers near Pondicherry. In three of these locations water hyacinth vermicompost was applied-and no other fertilizer-for months to different species of vegetables. Water hyacinth compost was similarly applied in another two locations. In all the locations no adverse effect on any of the plant species was observed. We believe these studies would help in dispelling the apprehension of farmers that compost/vermicompost obtained form a pernicious weed like water hyacinth may have deleterious effect on other plants.

Effect of Water-hyacinth Compost on Physical, Physico-chemical Properties of Soil and on Rice Yield

Effect of Water-hyacinth Compost on Physical, Physico-chemical Properties of Soil and on Rice Yield

Efficient nitrogen management for sustained productivity in lowland rice (Oryza sativa)

A study on rice (Oryra sativa L.) made during 1987-90 at Cuttack under shallow-submerged situation in an alluvial sandy-loam soil revealed that integrated N-management system involving a combination of organics, viz, green-manures or Azolla compost or farmyard manure (FYM) or water-hyacinth compost and inorganics each source meeting 37.5 kg Nlha gave comparable yields to the application of 75 kg N/ha as inorganic N alone. During dry season, at a suboptimal level of 40 kg Nlha, 2-equal split applications (at active tillering and panicle initiation or planting and panicle initiation) proved superior. During wet season at 20 kg Nlha, 2-equal split applications (at planting and tillering or active tillering and panicle initiation) were more ideal. During wet season, single basal application of urea coated with Mussorrie rock phosphate or gypsum or neem (Azadirachta indica L.) at 30 and 60 kg Nlha gave similar yield as that of conventional 3-split application.

Physiological and chemical responses of sunflower to the application of previous organic waste composts to sandy soil

Describes field experiments to determine the effects of previous organic waste composts, using different types and application rates, on sunflower yield. Oil, carbohydrates and metal content were evaluated. Experiments were conducted in the Nuclear Research Centre Farm, in sandy, infertile soil. Results show a remarkable increase in dry matter and seed yields, due to previous single compost additions. A mixture of water hyacinth and biosolid compost showed an improvement. The results of this research indicate that application of organic waste composts is a feasible and valuable recycling method in sandy desert soils.

Effect of different rates of application of organic and nitrogen fertilizers in a rice-based cropping system

SUMMARYThe effect on soil fertility and crop performance of different organic fertilizers; paddy straw (PS), farmyard manure (FYM), water hyacinth compost (WHC) and tank silt (TS), at different rates of application and in combination with N fertilizer, was studied in a rice-based cropping system on an acid lateritic soil at Kharagpur, India, during 1985/86. Organic manuring of wet-season rice (first crop) with 5 t PS/ha 10 days before transplanting and 10 t FYM or 10 t WHC/ha at transplanting increased grain yield as much as the application of 30 kg N/ha. Increasing the rates of FYM and WHC application up to 15 t/ha increased yield but increasing the rate of PS beyond 5 t/ha did not. Response to increasing amounts of N was not linear; there was a significant increase up to 90 kg N/ha and a decrease when N was applied in conjunction with organic fertilizers. There was a significant increase in the N uptake of the rice but a decrease in the recovery of applied fertilizer N with the application of increasing rates of organic and N fertilizer.The organic C content of the soil after the rice harvest increased significantly after PS application, whereas there was more available N after WHC and FYM. Increasing the rate of application of PS up to 15 t/ha increased organic C but not available N. Mineral N fertilizer had little effect on fertility build-up. Grain yields of wheat and gram (Cicer arietinum), grown after rice without any additional fertilizer, increased significantly. The residual N effect of the previous crop on wheat or gram yield was small and adding fertilizer directly is considered essential for higher productivity in these crops in a rice-based cropping system.

Response of rice to rate and time of application of organic materials

SUMMARYWheat straw (WS), paddy straw (PS), farmyard manure (FYM) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) compost (WHC) were applied at four rates and on four dates before transplanting to the rice cultivar Ratna, in a pot experiment at Kharagpur, India in the wet (first crop) and dry (second crop) seasons of 1985/86. Grain yield of the first crop increased significantly with increasing rates of FYM and WHC up to the equivalent of 15 t/ha but, with the application of WS and PS, the yield was greatest at 10 t/ha and decreased at 15 t/ha. On the other hand, yield increased appreciably when WS and PS were applied up to 30 days before transplanting (DBT) but, with FYM and WHC, such increases were less pronounced. The effect of higher rates (10 and 15 t/ha) was more pronounced with early application of organic materials (20 and 30 DBT). Residual soil fertility estimated by organic carbon and available N, P and K increased under all the organic materials, which favourably influenced growth and yield of the second crop grown without supplementary fertilization. The residual effect of increasing rates of WS and PS in increasing grain yield was significantly higher than with FYM and WHC.

Effect of combinations of organic materials and nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield and nitrogen uptake of rice

SummaryIn a 2-year study, the growth and yield of lowland rice increased significantly with the combined use of organic materials and N fertilizer in an acid-lateritic soil. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) or water hyacinth compost (WHC) at 10 t/ha along with paddy straw (PS) at 2·5 t/ha increased grain yield by 28%, similar to the increase given by 30 kg N/ha as fertilizer. The combination of FYM and WHC with or without PS produced yields equivalent to those using 50–60 kg/ha N as fertilizer urea. Uptake of N increased but the recovery of applied N decreased both with the application of organic materials and with increasing N. Organic materials considerably improved the fertility status of the soil, as measured by % C and available N, after crop harvest, whereas N fertilizer made no impact on fertility build-up.

The problem of water hyacinths in rivers and canals

Abstract The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and content of COOH groups in bulky water hyacinth compost were estimated over the rotting period. The progressive increase observed in the estimates was ascribed to continuing oxidation processes in the composted materials. Fractionation of organic carbon extracted with Na4P2O7-NaOH from the composted materials over the rotting period on the basis of acid-soluble and -insoluble fractions, was carried out. The carbon of humic-like substances (precipitated at pH 2) in the dry matter was almost stable from 0- to 124-day composted materials. There were successive increases in total acidity, and content of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups in the humic substance extracts indicating progressive oxidation processes in these substances over the rotting period. Elementary analysis and IR spectra provided further support for the above inference and led us to conclude that humification of the water hyacinth consists mainly of structural modification of humic-like subs...

Suppression of Meloidogyne graminicola with Decaffeinated Tea Waste and Water Hyacinth Compost

Suppression of Meloidogyne graminicola with Decaffeinated Tea Waste and Water Hyacinth Compost