Improving Water Hyacinth-Based Compost for Crop Production
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Date
2018
Authors
Beesigamukama, Dennis
Tumuhairwe, John Baptist
Muoma, John
Maingi, John M.
Ombori, Omwoyo
Mukaminega, Dative
Nakanwagi, Josephine
Amoding, Alice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pearl Research Journals
Abstract
A study was carried out to hasten maturity, improve nutrient content and determine agronomic performance of water hyacinth-based composts. Water hyacinth (WH) was composted using pile method and six treatments: WH + cattle manure (WH+CM), WH + poultry manure (WH+PM), WH + effective microorganisms, WH + molasses at 25% total sugar content, WH + molasses at 50% total sugar content and WH composted singly. Macro nutrients, C/N ratio, mineral nitrogen, temperature and pH were monitored. The composts obtained were applied at rates of 3 and 6 t ha-1 using maize (LONGE 4) as test crop. All compost treatments reached maturity after 6 weeks and the highest total contents of 2.2%, 1.3% and 1.5% of N, P and K respectively were determined in WH+PM. Grain yields of 6.8 t ha-1 harvested in (WH+CM) applied at 6 t ha-1 and 6.5 t ha-1 harvested in (WH+PM) applied at 3 t ha-1 were statistically similar, and the highest in the experiment. Co-composting with poultry manure shortened maturity period and improved nutrient concentrations of mature compost. Highest grain yield was obtained at 6 t ha-1 but (WH+PM) compost applied at 3 t ha-1 was the most effective.
Description
An Article Published in Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology
Keywords
Delayed Compost Maturity, Maize Yield, Nutrient Losses, Pile Composting, Water Hyacinth