INSTANTANEOUS CONVERSION of AGRICULTURAL PLANT RESIDUES as ORGANIC FERTILIZER and it APPLICATION on MAIZE CULTIVATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY with NPK AND MANURE.

Abstract

Inorganic fertilizer can cause substantial environmental harm, fertilizer industries has never been involved in the valorisation of renewable resources. Residual biomass such as postharvest residues can be converted to fertilizer or substituted for some of the raw materials in fertilizer production. This study aims to develop eco-friendly and cost effective methods in which residual plant biomass can be instantaneously converted to organic fertilizer, and to compare it effect on the growth, development and yield on maize plants cultivation to NPK 20:10:5 and Rabbit manure, taking into account the organic fertilizer yield and conversion time as compared biochar and compost. Three different organic fertilizer (fertilizer A, B and C) were prepared using a combination of eleven (11) residual dry plant biomass and were formulated using calcium hydroxide, clay soil and thiourea for application on maize plant. Fertilizer C promote plant growth and development with better nutrient release compared to NPK 20:10:5, it was best when 11% by mass of thiourea was added with excellent yield above all sample used. Fertilizer C also showed higher residual organic matter compared to both NPK and manure, thus, showing that rapid and slow release of nutrient can be achieved without impacting the soil as the residual organic matter (carbon rich material) slowly decomposed. This study concluded that, the treatment given to agricultural plant residue determine its ability to be use in soil fertility and soil amendment, although there is need for more cost effective approach that will directly increase the nitrogen content in the organic fertilizer and to obtain a nutrient balance fertilizer.