Cow Dung Research Articles

Integrated nutrient management improves yield, quality and nutrient uptake of baby corn under sub-tropical condition

A consistent supply of nutrients is critical for reaching optimum quality and output in baby corn. To address this issue, we looked at how integrated nitrogen management affected baby corn growth, productivity, quality, and nutrient absorption. Seven different fertilizer combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers were administered on three varieties viz., Baby Star, Dream Sweet-3, and MSC No. 001. The study was replicated three times using a split-plot design. Integration of Baby Star variety and 75% recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RD) + cow dung (CD) @ 10 t ha-1 outperformed all the combinations in terms of plant height, leaf area index, total dry matter, and crop growth rate. This combination took a minimum of days to tasseling and silking. Compared to the solo application of inorganic fertilizer, Baby Star showed a 34% increase in cob yield with husk and a 32% rise in cob yield without husk at 75% RD + CD @ 10 t ha-1. The greatest levels of protein and starch were detected in Baby Star with 75% RD + cow dung at 10 t ha-1, however, the highest levels of total soluble solid (TSS) were found in Dream Sweet-3 with 75% RD + CD @ 10 t ha-1. Baby Star variety also had more N, P, K, and S content at 75% RD + CD @ 10 t ha-1 fertilizer level. Finally, it can be inferred that the Baby Star with 50% RD + CD @ 10 t ha-1 performed better and seemed to be the potential method for sustainable baby corn production.

Is Anaerobic Digestion Energy Viable?

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process carried out by microorganisms that convert organic matter into microbial biomass and biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. AD is increasingly being implemented on farms for renewable energy production. For AD to be energetically viable, the energy generated from the biologically produced methane must exceed the energy spent for its production. The energy spent for the production of methane is related to the transport of biomass to the anaerobic digester, together with stirring and heating the bioreactor. The latter are influenced by the size and volume of the reactor. To facilitate the energetic assessment of various AD operations, publicly available data was utilized to develop an ExcelTM model. This model takes into account associated operations, such as biomass collection and transportation to the AD reactor. The model was used to determine the energetic break-even point for bio-methane generation. A feed mixture of 60% energy crops and 40% cow dung, with energy crops represented by sugarcane, was used for all simulations at different tonnages of feed per year. Across eighteen simulations, the model demonstrated an average annual energy productivity of 2.42 × 106 Wh/ton of volatile solids (VS). Notably, for all digester volumes exceeding 75 m³, the AD process was energetically efficient, producing more energy than required for its operation. The overall economic viability of an AD operation is highly dependent on local and national financial incentives and was not modelled. This tool enables the identification of optimal conditions concerning size and location for any AD operation, thereby enhancing its efficiency and profitability. Keywords: Energetic balance; Anaerobic Digestion; Biogas; Energetic viability; Circular economy; Renewable energy; Sustainability

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli in the Environment, Cow Dung, and Milk of Selangor Dairy Farms

Background/Objectives: The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to global public health urgently needs attention. Misuse of antimicrobials in sectors such as dairy farming has led to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria and genes. This study investigated AMR patterns and profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from various sources, including soil, effluent, cow dung, and milk. Methods: A total of 192 samples were collected, comprising environmental samples (soil and effluent), cow dung samples, and milk samples from eight dairy farms in Selangor, Malaysia. The spread plate method was employed to isolate E. coli, and all the isolates were subjected to Gram staining to identify Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. The Vitek® 2 system was used for E. coli identification and susceptibility testing. Results: The prevalence of E. coli identified in the eight farms was 66.1%. A total of 360 E. coli isolates were successfully isolated, and 19.7% of the isolates presented AMR with ampicillin exhibiting the highest resistance (18.3%), followed by trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (8.9%). Additionally, 8.9% of them were multidrug resistant, which could be divided into 16 patterns. For the extended spectrum beta-lactamase screening, nine isolates were positive. Conclusions: This finding emphasizes the rise in resistant isolates in the growing dairy industry and underscores the urgency of addressing the potential reservoir of AMR. Therefore, essential measures such as continuous surveillance and effective antimicrobial stewardship programs are crucial for regulating veterinary antimicrobial use. Research on the mechanisms driving the development and dissemination of AMR is imperative for addressing One Health concerns.

Microbial fuel cell: Investigation of the electrical power production of cow dung and human faeces using 3D-printed reactors

Microbial fuel cell: Investigation of the electrical power production of cow dung and human faeces using 3D-printed reactors

Assessing oxytetracycline stress and antibiotic resistance gene dynamics during anaerobic treatment of cow manure

Assessing oxytetracycline stress and antibiotic resistance gene dynamics during anaerobic treatment of cow manure

Overview on Method of Preparation for Herbal Mosquito Repellent

Herbal dhoop, a kind of incense that is Ayurvedic, enhances medicine as well as spirituality. This is an exposition comparing six different methods for preparing herbal dhoop from orange peels, cow dung, cow urine, marigold, neem, and lemongrass oil. This article describes the methods for making herbal dhoop using any of the six ingredients from the collection and processing of raw materials to mixing with other herbal materials, then shaping into sticks or cones, and finally drying and burning to make fragran and valuable herbs. Results indicate that the raw materials used, the manufacturing procedure followed, and the quality control taken before using it or during use would significantly play a role in case efficacy and safety of the herbal dhoop. Further, potential benefits and limitations of each of the six ingredients in herbal dhoop preparation have been discussed in this paper. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities include herbs like orange peel, marigold, and neem. Cow dung and cow urine both have possible spiritual and medicinal benefits, while leamon grass oil has refreshing and uplifiting aroma with possible effect of having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.The findings also establish that all the six methods of preparing herbal dhoop have their advantages and limitations, making the choice method for formulating the particular herbal dhoop dependent on what properties and uses it is intended to have. Further, studies on safety and efficacy of herbal dhoop have so far been barely scratched, especially in exploring possible uses.

APLIKASI PUPUK TERPADU TERHADAP KARAKTER AGRONOMI TANAMAN OBAT BAWANG DAYAK (Aleutherine bulbosa Merr.) DI LAHAN TERBATAS

This research aimed to determine the effect of a combination of organic fertilizer and synthetic fertilizer on the growth and yield of Dayak onion plant. The research was carried out in a garden in Berbah, Sleman Special Region of Yogyakarta, at an altitude of ± 194 m above sea level, the average rainfall is 145 mm year-1 and the temperature is between (24 -32) °C. The research is arranged in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design {(3 x 4) 3} = 36 units, each unit consists of 8 plant polybags, 4 plants as sample plants. The first factor is three levels of source organic fertilizer: cow manure (P1), goat manure (P2) and household waste compost (P3). The second factor is four levels of dose of urea : 0 (N0), 4 (N1), 6 (N2) and 8 (N3) g polybag-1. Observations variables included components of growth and yield of Dayak onions. Analysis of variance used diversity analysis at the 5% level significant, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at the 5% level significant. The result of the research showed that there was an interaction between the source of organic fertilizer and the dose of urea fertilizer on the variable components of growth and yield of Dayak onion plant. The best growth of dayak onion plant was obtained from a combination of goad manure with urea fertilizer at a dose of 6 g polybag-1, while high tuber weight was obtained from combination of compost fertilizer and urea at a dose 4 g polybag-1.

Biochar doping of synthesized mordenite improves adsorption and oxidation in As(III) removal: Experiments and DFT calculations.

In this study, a composite material was synthesized through the co-pyrolysis of biochar doped with synthetic mordenite. The adsorption experiments conducted with BC@ASM on As(III) facilitated the determination of the optimal mass ratio of 20:1 (ASM: Yak dung) and a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C. The adsorption properties of ASM and BC@ASM were examined through batch adsorption experiments and a range of characterization techniques. And the reaction mechanism was further elucidated by DFT calculations, revealing the essential difference in the adsorption of As(III) by ASM and BC@ASM .The adsorption kinetics of As(III) were found to align with both the pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetic models, while the isothermal adsorption was consistent with the Freundlich model. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacities were determined to be 371.9 mg/g and 449.6 mg/g, respectively. When the initial concentration of arsenite (As(III)) is 100 mg/L, the optimal dosage of synthetic mordenite is determined to be between 6 and 8 g/L, while the optimal dosage of the composite material ranges from 5 to 6 g/L. The composite material demonstrated significant resistance to fluctuations in pH. Within the pH range of 2 to 12, the removal efficiency is sustained between 78.3% and 88.7%. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity exhibited minimal sensitivity to the presence of anions such as chloride (Cl⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and sulfate (SO₄2⁻) in the surrounding environment. In addition, BC@ASM facilitated the formation of arsenite-tannic acid complexes, which markedly improved its adsorption capacity for arsenite. In conclusion, the composite material presents a viable approach for addressing arsenic contamination in aquatic environments, while the foundational data offers a novel perspective for the remediation of metallic pollutants.

Sustainable utilization of solid waste byproducts in agricultural amendments as soil conditioner: A state-of-the-art review

AbstractRecent advances have enabled solid waste byproducts to effective soil amendment in order to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers and increase crop yields to provide food for a high-population world. This review aims to summarize the essential nutrients required for crop production, the ability of nutrient supply of solid waste byproducts as soil conditioners, and its impacts on plant growth and soil properties. This paper analyzes the sources of plant nutrients, functions, symptoms of deficiency, and corrective measures. This review analyzed the byproducts of municipal solid waste compost, waste biomass, biochar, farmyard manure, press-mud molasses, vinasses, olive mill waste, spent mushroom compost and fly ash (FA), cow dung vermicomposting with FA, FA mixed with biochar, sewage sludge-FA mixture, fiber sludge, sewage sludge, bauxite residue, poultry waste to determine their ability to supply nutrients, affecting plant growth and soil properties significantly. This review also discusses the challenges associated with solid waste byproducts used in agricultural soil amendment on the environment and human health and possible future strategies to be adopted. Overall, this review provides insights to farmers about the use of solid waste byproducts as soil conditioners for the enrichment of essential nutrients and soil properties in farming soil.

Volatile Cues from Fresh Cattle Dung Can Drive Horn Fly Egg-Laying and Fecal Attraction to Horn Flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae)

The horn fly is an economically important hematophagous ectoparasite of cattle. Its management relies heavily on broad-spectrum pesticides, which are harmful to the environment and have led to the development of resistance. Therefore, alternative control methods are needed. Semiochemicals involved in communication between horn flies and their host are a promising alternative. Considering that the egg-laying of this fly occurs almost exclusively in fresh cattle dung, and most parts of its life cycle occur totally in dung, dung volatiles might play an important role in horn fly behavior. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of volatile blends and compounds emitted from fresh/aged cattle dung on the olfactory response and oviposition of horn flies. Dung blends were captured and analyzed by SPME-GC/MS. p–Cresol was the most abundant compound in dung blends, followed by α– and β–pinene, limonene, and β–caryophyllene, among other common dung volatiles. Fresh-dung volatiles attracted males and females in a Y-tube olfactometer, and they elicited the egg-laying of flies in two-choice tests. p-Cresol and α-pinene were attractive to females and they elicited higher oviposition, demonstrating that dung volatile semiochemicals, in part, lend to dung attractiveness and stimulate the horn fly oviposition.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Various Ameliorant Sources in Increasing NP Absorption and Sweet Corn Productivity on Sandy Soil

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of various ameliorant sources in enhancing NP uptake and the productivity of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) in sandy soil. Study Design: The study used a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted in a sandy soil area in Moncok Karya, Pejeruk Karya Village, Ampenan District, Mataram City. The analysis part was carried out in Microbiology laboratory, and in the Soil Physics and Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram. All series of trials were completed in six months. Methodology: The experimental tested five treatments, namely; Control, no ameliorant (A0), Rice Husk Charcoal (AA), Cow Manure (AS), Compost (AK), and Fertile Organic Fertilizer (AP). Each treatment was replicated 4 times. Observations were made on biomass weight, crop yield, nutrient concentrations (N and P), nutrient uptake, and mycorrhizal activity. Results: Ameliorant treatment with cow manure significantly improved plant growth and productivity by enhancing nutrient availability in the soil. This included increases in biomass, and yield. Cow manure also promoted mycorrhizal activity, improved soil structure and increased nutrient absorption efficiency. Conclusion: The research result showed that the cow manure as an ameliorant markedly enhanced NP uptake and productivity of sweet corn in sandy soil. It improved soil fertility, supported mycorrhizal colonization, and strengthened plant resistance to environmental stresses.

Long-Term Effects of Crop Treatments and Fertilization on Soil Stability and Nutrient Dynamics in the Loess Plateau: Implications for Soil Health and Productivity

Soil degradation and erosion pose significant threats to agricultural sustainability in fragile ecosystems, such as the Loess Plateau in northern China. This study examines the long-term impacts of fertilization regimes and land-use systems on soil health, focusing on soil aggregate stability, fertility, and crop productivity. Six treatment combinations were evaluated in our study, including three continuous alfalfa fields (AL-CK, AL-P, and AL-NPM) and three continuous wheat fields (WH-NPM, WH-NP, and WH-P), each representing a combination of land use and three fertilization treatments: (1) no fertilization (CK), (2) inorganic fertilization (120 kg ha−1 N, 60 kg ha−1 P-NP), and (3) a combination of organic and inorganic fertilization (75 t ha−1 cow manure-NPM). Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) to assess physical and chemical properties. We evaluated the long-term effects of different fertilization treatments on soil stability, fertility, and crop yield to explore the interactions among soil’s physical and chemical properties under two land-use types and to assess the effectiveness of combined organic and inorganic fertilization strategies in improving soil health and mitigating erosion in vulnerable landscapes. The study revealed significant depth-specific variations with surface layers (0–10 cm) showing the greatest improvement under NPM treatments, particularly in continuous alfalfa fields, which exhibited higher soil fertility, improved soil structure, and crop yield. In contrast, continuous wheat fields with minimal fertilization demonstrated significantly lower soil quality and productivity. Using the combination of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments, such as cow manure, proved to be the most effective strategy for significantly enhancing nutrient availability and overall soil health. Partial Least Squares Modeling (PLS-M) and Mantel analysis highlighted the critical role of fertilization management in maintaining soil quality, boosting crop productivity, and mitigating erosion in high-risk areas. This study emphasizes the importance of integrated nutrient management for sustainable land use and soil conservation in erosion-prone regions.

Pelatihan Pengembangan SDM Untuk Optimalisasi Teknologi pada Desa Seri Bandung (Studi Kasus Emping Ubi Umak)

Human resource development for optimizing technology in Emping Ubi Umak micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) focuses on efforts to improve the skills and performance of the workforce. The goal is to achieve optimal results in business or enterprise activities. The skills in question include technical, managerial, and soft skills such as communication and teamwork. By improving the right skills, employees will be able to work more efficiently and effectively and be able to adapt to market and technological developments. Therefore, to support the smooth running of the regional economy in developing Emping Ubi Umak UMKM from those not well-known or not widely known to consumers, this Emping Ubi Umak UMKM digitalization program can be a solution. The forms of Emping Ubi Umak UMKM currently developing in Seri Bandung Village are liquid fertilizer, basket/kendang collective gardens, shallot cultivation, cow dung biogas, collective gardens, and many more, especially in the food sector. By having more than 20 UMKM players, Seri Bandung Village has advanced economic potential by digitalizing UMKM.

Effects of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Soil Chemistry, Components and Yields of Maize West of Burkina Faso, West Africa

Aims: The aim of this study is to help increase crop yields and soil fertility. Location and Duration of Studies: The study took place in the western part of Burkina Faso. It is based on the use of a liquid organic fertilizer on corn producers' plots. These are soil fertility data and corn agronomic data over three successive campaigns (2021, 2022 and 2023). Methodology: A completely randomized block design with three replications comprising five (05) Treatments was set up. The fertilizers used were : NPK (15-15-15), urea (46%N) and liquid organic fertilizer. The liquid organic fertilizer was made using cowpea flour, neem leaves, sugar and animal waste (cow dung and urine). Soil samples were taken at six periods. The first sample was taken before sowing, followed by four more during cultivation and one just after harvesting. Measurements of height and diameter of the rod were taken on the 30th, 45th, 60th and 75th day after sowing. Results: Results showed that T1 recorded the best pH-water value (6.75) and total phosphorus (410.66 mg/kg). The T4 gave the highest levels of organic carbon (1.5%) and total nitrogen (1.44%). Concerning the cation exchange capacity (CEC), the highest content is obtained with T2 with a value of 10.23 cmol/kg. As for total potassium, the highest content is in T3, at 652.44 mg/kg. At the maturity, T2 has the highest average diameter at 16.35 mm. In terms of height, the absolute control present the tallest plants with an average value of 1.41m. The highest yields were obtained with T4 (1983.23 kg/ha), followed by T2 (1834.9 kg/ha), T1 (1723.43 kg/ha) and T3 (1557.12 kg/ha). Liquid organic fertilizer has been effective in producing grain yields at a rate of 40.58%. Conclusion: The liquid organic fertilizer applied alone has high carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and CEC content compared with the control. It was also efficient in grain yield production with a rate of 40.58%. In fact, it is imperative to carry out a test in a paysan environment before popularizing it.

Enhancing green chili growth using eggshell waste as a carrier for NPK biofertilizer consortium in soil

Biofertilizer technology continues to be derailed by the short shelf life of inoculants. The survival efficiency of rhizobacterial inoculants in biofertilizer formulations dramatically depends on the choice of carrier material. The use of wastes as carriers for biofertilizer formulations is a commonly explored option because of their ready availability, cost-effectiveness and ability to affect soil health. The present study investigated the suitability of eggshell (ES) as a carrier for cow dung waste (CDC) and lignite (L) in the combined formulation of green chili plant growth using three rhizobacterial inoculants, namely, the N-fixing bacterium Enterobacter sp. GG1, the P-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus sonorensis GG2, and the K-solubilizing bacterium Lysinibacillus fusiformis GG3, under room-temperature conditions. The combination of eggshell and lignite supported the maximum viability of Enterobacter sp. GG1 (9.09±0.025 log CFU g-1), B. sonorensis GG2 (9.19±0.023025 log CFU g-1), and L. fusiformis GG3 (9.09±0.042025 log CFU g-1) under six-month room conditions. A new physiochemically formulated eggshell with an NPK consortium exhibited a significant correlation at the 0.05 significance level (2-tailed). Considering the results of this study on the optimization of green chili plants after two months of treatment under environmental conditions, the maximum growth of plants inoculated with the NPK consortium (ES+L) was 159.16% shoot and 40.58% root growth, with increased available plant nutrients in clayey soil (i.e., N 64.54±1.81 ppm, P 29.51±1.65 ppm, and K 73.95±6.43 ppm). The findings of this study highlight the potential of eggshell waste as a sustainable and effective carrier material for biofertilizer formulations, addressing waste management challenges to enhance rhizobacterial viability and improve nutrient availability in soil.

Ivermectin and Neem residues in cattle dung: Effects on dung beetle attraction and ecological functions in Brazilian pastures

AbstractIdentification of veterinary medical products carrying reduced risks to dung beetles remains a critical objective for the sustainable management of livestock parasites. Despite the essential role dung beetles play in tropical pasturelands, our understanding of the impact of alternative parasiticides, such as Neem plant extract, on dung beetle attraction and dung use is still limited. This study assessed the effects of dung from cattle exposed to Ivermectin (known to be harmful to dung beetles), Neem, and non‐exposed animals (control) on dung beetle assemblage and their ecological functions (dung removal and soil bioturbation), in introduced and native pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado. Our findings revealed similar patterns of dung beetle attraction to Ivermectin, Neem, and control dung in introduced pastures. However, in native pastures, dung beetles exhibited greater attraction to dung from Ivermectin and Neem‐treated cattle compared with the control. Telecoprid beetles displayed an increased attraction to Neem‐treated dung in native pastures, with two species demonstrating a preference for this dung type. Ecological function performance was higher in Neem‐treated dung compared with control, yet no significant difference was noted between Neem and Ivermectin in both pasture types. These results underscore the compelling attractiveness of cattle dung from Neem‐treated animals to dung beetles, concurrently ensuring the preservation of dung beetle ecological functions in both pasture settings. This highlights the need for a rigorous evaluation of novel protocols incorporating natural parasiticides, which emerge as important tools in the conservation of dung beetle biodiversity and their ecological functions in tropical pasturelands.

Preparation and Characterization of Vermicompost Nutrients Made from Different Sources of Organic Materials

Vermicomposting is simple biotechnological process of composting, which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce better homogenized end product. Therefore, this study was conducted to prepare and Characterization of vermicompost nutrients made from different sources of organic materials. The experiment was carried out during 2023/24 at Bedele Agricultural Research Center. Vermicomposting was done using Eisenia fetida with seven treatments: wheat straw, maize stalk, sorghum stalk, haricot bean straw, soybean straw, finger millet straw and faba bean straw. The data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.3. Results indicated that for all the seven treatments the pH fluctuated in the range of 6.88 to 8.90, and the highest pH value was recorded from soybean straw with animal manure (8.90) whereas the lowest obtain from wheat straw with animal manure. Electrical conductivity of vermicompost were ranged from 2.02 to 4.44ds/m and the highest value of EC was recorded from soybean with animal manure (4.44ds/m) and the lowest from maize stalk with animal manure (2.02ds/m). The organic carbon of the vermicompost were ranged from 15.18 to 16.54%. The highest and lowest value of organic carbon was recorded from faba bean straw and haricot bean with animal manure (16.54 and 15.18%) respectively. The obtained total nitrogen was ranged from 1.28 to 1.43%. However, the highest was obtained from faba bean straw with animal manure and lowest recorded from maize stalk with cow manure (1.43% and 1.28%) respectively. The available phosphorus of vermicompost ranged from 24.65 to 27.75 ppm, from these results the highest and the lowest was recorded from wheat straw with animal manure and soybean straw with animal manure (27.75 and 24.65 ppm) respectively. The harvested vermicompost had an excellent nutrient rank, confirmed by chemical analysis, and contained all the essential selected macronutrients.

Utilization of Continuous Anaerobic Digesters for Processing Cattle Dung and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Waste

The purpose of this work is to explore the addition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) waste interspersed with cattle dung into a continuous anaerobic digester that normally uses cattle dung as a substrate. In this work, a 200-L continuous anaerobic digester was operated to conduct the research. The digester was filled fully with a mixture of cattle dung and water (50%:50%). The digester was then operated by continuously adding a 5-L mixture of cattle dung and water (50%:50%) every day for 1 month. Subsequently, the digester was operated for 1 month with an additional 5-L mixture of cabbage waste and water (50%:50%) for odd-numbered days and a mixture of cattle dung and water (50%:50%) for even-numbered days. The methane composition was higher (in the range of 41–78%) with only the cattle dung in the system. With the addition of cabbage waste, the methane composition became lower (in the range of 20–60%).

Enhancement of Nitrogen Retention in Cow Manure Composting with Biochar: An Investigation into Migration and Regulation Mechanisms

Context: Biochar can affect the storage and forms of nitrogen; thus, it may also play a role in altering the nitrogen cycle during the fermentation process of cow dung into organic fertilizer. Objective: To elucidate the mechanism and process of nitrogen transformation during the composting of cow manure with biochar, a comparative experiment was conducted. Method: This study investigates the use of biochar as a medium to enhance nitrogen storage during the aerobic composting of cow manure. The effectiveness was verified through a rapid composting experiment. Result and Conclusions: The results demonstrated that adding 5% biochar to the compost pile increased the total nitrogen content in manure by 12%. Specifically, the pyrrolic nitrogen in the composted cow manure increased from 38% to 44%, and the carbon-nitrogen ratio improved from 35% to 37%. Analysis of surface functional groups indicated that the C=O and C=C bonds in biochar played a key role in modifying nitrogen storage. Microbial analysis showed that biochar could significantly enhance the regional competitiveness of microorganisms, such as Cellvibrio, thereby boosting the expression of functional genes involved in the nitrification process, including amoABC, hao, and nxrAB. Therefore, adding 5% biochar not only enhances nitrogen storage in organic fertilizer but also changes the microbial population structure. Significance: This study carries substantial implications for the application of Biochar in the field, as well as for the development of microbial fertilizers based on cow manure.

UTILIZATION OF RICE STRAW WASTE INTO COMPOST FERTILIZER IN GAMPONG COT CUT, KUTA BARO SUB-DISTRICT ACEH BESAR DISTRICT

This Community Service (CS) activity aims to provide information to the community about the utilization of rice straw waste into compost in Gampong Cot Cut, Kuta Baro Sub-district, Aceh Besar District, by utilizing natural resources in the surrounding area so that it can improve the community's economy. Poliven lecturers and students to find out the potential and situation in Gampong Cot Cut Furthermore, planning activities that will be carried out and demonstrated to the community of Gampong Cot Cut. Then the second stage is providing direct explanations to the community about the utilization of rice straw waste in compost fertilizers. The stages of how to make it are: The available rice straw waste is chopped/reduced in size and then mixed with cow dung. Then the EM4 solution is added. The mixture is stirred evenly and tightly closed, and the fermentation process is carried out for 1 month. The CS activity carried out in Gampong Cot Cut, Ingin Jaya Sub-district, Aceh Besar District has been carried out very well and smoothly thanks to the assistance of several parties, namely LPPM Politeknik Indonesia Venezuela, support from the apparatus, and the community of Gampong Cot Cut. This CS activity is useful for developing the potential of the community to be more creative in creating new things, and the community is greatly helped by the demonstration of making rice straw compost.