The use of agricultural wastes as additives for other valuable products has been the focus of many research efforts because of their availability, inherent properties, and environmental friendliness. Palm kernel shells (PKS) and coconut shells (CNS) are agricultural solid end products obtainable from the cracking of their fruit nuts. In this study, PKS and CNS were used to produce abrasive sandpaper following established procedures. The mechanical properties of the sandpaper produced were established. Material for application in abrasive operations must exhibit maximum hardness and compressive strength, minimal wear rate, water absorption, and density. Results showed a 20% and 25% increment in specimen hardness values for PKS and CNS respectively in samples with polyester resin content weight composition range of 7.8–22.2% based on sieve size of 250 μm. Similarly, 29.23% and 32.44% increment for PKS and CNS respectively was recorded for a sieve size of 420 μm. Samples with a high percentage of binder exhibit better wear characteristics for both PKS and CNS for the investigated parameters. As the percentage weight composition of PKS and CNS samples increases in the abrasive sandpaper composites, the water absorption properties decrease for both 250 μm and 420 μm sieve sizes. Samples compressive strength increases as the percentage weight composition of binder increases over a range of 7.8 to 22.2% for both 250 μm and 420 μm sieve sizes studied. Similarly, as the percentage weight composition of PSK and CNS increases, the sample exhibit high density for both sieve sizes. These characteristics affirmed the suitability of the abrasive composites made with PKS and CNS for frictional applications.
Empirical observations and theory both discourage the production and use of chemical fertilizers as they can lead to environmental pollution, soil degradation and reduction in soil fertility in the long term. In certain cases, excess nutrients from chemical fertilizers such as nitrogen and phosphorus can leach into nearby water causing eutrophication. Also, the production process requires large amounts of energy, which often comes from burning fossil fuels contributing significantly to greenhouse gas concentration. Biofertilizers present a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers and improve agricultural sustainability and reduce environmental pollution. However, there is still more to learn about the potential benefits of biofertilizers based on factors such as soil type, crop species, and environmental conditions. This review shows the Trichoderma species as one of the most prominent biofertilizers that can help in plant growth promotion and serve as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens. An extensive summary of scientific literature on Trichoderma’s production, effectiveness in comparison to chemical fertilizers and its potential for use are discussed. Trichoderma species have been documented to possess numerous mechanisms to combat a wide range of plant pathogens, protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses, reduce drought and salinity stress fungal attacks and promote root growth. Trichoderma is an ecofriendly organic fertilizer that can promote food security and enhance sustainable crop production. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the current state of knowledge on Trichoderma as a biofertilizer and indicates future research directions.
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