International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture
Volume:12 Issue: 4, Autumn 2023

The response of sweet sorghum to biosolids application under different irrigation regimes was studied in a field experiment conducted during 2010 and 2011 in Central Greece. The study assessed the effects of soil application of biosolids on plant height, biomass production, and water use efficiency. The experiment consisted of nine treatments with three replications, including the application of biosolids to the soil, the application of fertilizer, and an untreated control, with three levels of irrigation (100%, 80%, and 60% of the crop water needs). The study found that plant height was similar regardless of whether biosolids or fertilizer was applied. Under reduced irrigation, the application of biosolids at a rate of 5 Mg/ha resulted in a 9.2-11.5% increase in dry biomass production of sweet sorghum compared to dry biomass production from inorganic fertilizer application. When biosolids were applied with reduced irrigation, the dry biomass yield was similar to that produced by inorganic fertilizer application under full irrigation. Additionally, this was achieved while using 31.4% less irrigation water. Biosolids application to soil improved water use efficiency by up to 34% compared to fertilizer application. The findings of this research suggest that substituting inorganic fertilizers with biosolids application can lead to significant water savings.

Rice straw degradation in the soil is slow because of the high percentage of complex carbohydrates. Hence, farmers prefer to burn it in the agricultural field as a quicker alternative to the open burning of rice straw. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the bacteria from cow dung that can degrade rice straw.

In the present study, four bacterial isolates were isolated from the fresh cow-dung sample. After initial screening, one isolate, i.e. AMB-CD-1, was used to degrade rice straw for 25 days. The degraded straw samples were then analyzed through FTIR and SEM analysis. Furthermore, the degraded sample was used for growing paddy plants.Results Out of four isolates, only the AMB-CD-1 isolate performed the best in all the screening analyses. The results concluded that the AMB-CD-1 culture inoculated straw had a low level of cellulose and hemicellulose, indicating these particles’ degradation. The isolated AMB-CD-1 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the Sanger sequencing technique of the 16S rRNA gene.

also revealed that the highest germination percentage, shoot weight and shoot length were found to be significantly superior in T4 (50% Sand + 50% Compost) whereas the highest chlorophyll content was found in T7 (25% Sand + 25% Soil + 50% Compost), and T1 (100% Sand) was effective in terms of root length.

Overall, the study concluded that Pseudomonas aeruginosa AMB-CD-1 might be a fast decomposer of paddy straw.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of starters made from cattle rumen and EM 4 on the decomposition of agricultural biomass wastes (rice straw, corncobs, and coffee husks). Three types of starter i.e. starter from local cattle rumen (grass/straw feed), starter from the rumen of cattle farms (concentrate feed), EM 4 (factory product), and control (water) applied to three types of biomass waste (rice straw, corncob, and coffee husk) to observe the decomposition process using the litterbag method. An evaluation was carried out on the rate of decomposition of biomass. Parameters evaluated include decomposition rate, C and total-N content, as well as the C/N ratio. The starter made from the rumen of grass-fed cows could decompose rice straw and coffee husks at an average that was not significantly different from using EM 4 starter with the speed ratio (k=-0.0852 vs. k=-0.0924) and (k=-0.0832 vs k=-0.0908) respectively. In corncobs, the decomposition speed with a starter of the rumen of cattle farms-concentrate feed was not significantly different from using EM 4  (k=-0.0916 vs. k=-0.1067). The decrease in the C/N ratio is also in line with the decomposition process and was faster with the adding of the starter. The starter made from the rumen of local cattle (grass feed) and from company cattle (concentrate feed) could decompose plant biomass waste (rice straw, corncobs, and coffee husks) with an average speed that was not significantly different from a starter from factories (EM 4).

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major crop grown and consumed in Nigeria but poor soil quality has resulted in low yield. This study assessed the quality of compost produced from agricultural wastes and its impact on the yield of Zea mays L.

The composting process was carried out on a windrow (2 m × 1 m × 1.5 m) in a portion of land beside the Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Microbial plate count and isolation were done and various physicochemical parameters were used to assess the quality of the compost. Different combinations of compost and soil were used to determine the growth parameters of Zea mays L. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of several bacterial and fungal genera in the compost piles. Temperature increased at the initial phase of composting and decreased towards the end of the composting period. pH increased from 6.7±0.1 to 8.2±0.1 while C: N ratio decreased from 22.5±0.6 to 14.3±0.9. Similarly, there was a decrease in moisture content, organic carbon and total nitrogen from 57±1.0% to 36±1.0%, 45±1.0% to 24.3±0.6% and 2.0±0.1% to 1.7±0.1% respectively, during the composting period. The plant height, number of grains and weight of cob were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 100% compost and 75/25% compost/soil treatment when compared to those of the control without compost.

Compost produced in this study contained microorganisms, nutrients and minerals, which improved the yield of Zea mays L.

No research has been published on the effect of chemical processing on the degradability and nutritional value of cumin residue. Chemical processing, such as urea, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide, has been widely investigated to increase the nutritional value of grain residues, but information on cumin residue is limited. The effects of untreated and treated (water, sodium hydroxide, urea, and alkaline hydrogen peroxide) cumin residue on the ruminal digestibility and chemical composition were investigated in this study.

After treating cumin residues with the abovementioned chemical compounds, the chemical composition was evaluated with the standard procedures. Batch culture and gas production procedures were used to test the digestibility and gas production of treated and untreated cumin residue.

The chemical compositions of cumin residues were significantly altered by chemical treatments (P< 0.05). Processing cumin residues with urea, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hydroxide reduced the dry matter (DM) compared to the control treatment (P< 0.01). Processing cumin residues with sodium hydroxide significantly reduced DM digestibility compared to the control. The highest levels of DM digestibility and microbial mass production were also found in water treatment. Urea treatment increased the yield of microbial mass-produced compared to other treatments (P< 0.01).

In general, water and urea treatments increased the cumin residue digestibility more than other treatments, but sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide treatments did not increase the cumin residue digestibility as expected.

Reusing agricultural waste as a substrate material for mushroom cultivation was considered a great alternative to bio-waste disposal. In this study, bamboo waste from a local skewer factory in Lampang Province, Thailand, was used as a substrate, along with the original material for the mycelial growth of Dictyophora indusiata mushroom.

 indusiata mycelia were grown in two materials in three different combinations: lingzhi pieces, lingzhi pieces combined with bamboo scraps (1:1), and bamboo scraps. A number of days when the substrate was completely covered with mycelia was recorded. After that, the mycelia from all three cultures were used as inoculum for cultivating D. indusiata through two procedures, including in-field direct cultivation and spawn production before cultivation. To evaluate the mushrooms productivity, the length of time to fruiting and the weight of the harvested mushrooms were recorded.

indusiata mycelia grew fastest in a lingzhi-based substrate (19.3 days), followed by a combination of lingzhi and bamboo (24.9 days) and bamboo (35.7 days). The highest number of the fruiting body (37.0 mushrooms per plot) and fresh weight (2,310.5 g/0.75 m2) were observed in treatments in which spawn was produced prior to cultivation and inoculum was derived from lingzhi pieces combined with bamboo scraps. The next two highest mushroom yields were obtained through cultivation using bamboo scraps inoculum, which required more time to develop.

Bamboo scrap was a promising material for mycelial growth and cultivation of D. indusiata.

Fermented cow urine (cow bio urine) is used as an organic source of nutrients. This study aimed to determine the effect of various concentrations of cow bio urine as the organic nutrient source on the growth and yield of vegetable crops in hydroponic systems. Research was conducted in a greenhouse at the University Farm from November 2020 to January 2021 with a split plot in RCBD. The main plot consisted of 3 vegetables (bok choy, spinach, and water spinach). The subplot had 5 concentrations prepared by mixing cow bio urine with distilled water at C1: 10%, C2: 20%, C3: 30%, C4: 40%, and C5: 50%. These solutions were used as hydroponic nutrient solutions. All the treatment combinations were maintained in 4 replications. Cow urine analysis before and after fermentation revealed an increase in nutrient content. The highest plant growth and yield were obtained in all three vegetables at the concentration of 50% cow bio urine. Maximum leaf number, leaf area, foliage dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, and foliage fresh weight were significantly higher in the above treatment. The highest foliage fresh weight was observed in treatments with 50% cow bio urine, with values of 57.02 g (bok choy), 54.97 g (spinach), and 26.29 g (water spinach). Cow bio urine could be effectively used as a hydroponic nutrient solution to grow organic vegetables. The regression showed that the optimal concentration of cow bio urine might be higher than the present levels.

This study investigated the effect of recycled Olive Pruning Residues (OLPR) and Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG) on substrate temperature (temp) and duration (dur) of Pleurotus ostreatus growing stages. This study also sheds light on the correlation between selected parameters, yield, and substrate composition.

The experiment consisted of 2 sole substrates wheat straw (WS; control) and SCG, and 6 mixtures of WS, OLPR, and SCG (v/v): WS:SCG 3:1, WS:SCG 1:3, WS:OLPR:SCG 1:1:1, WS:OLPR:SCG 3:1:1, WS:OLPR:SCG 1:3:1, and WS:OLPR:SCG 1:1:3.

Increased SCG proportions caused the substrate temperature to decrease, whereas, OPLR proportions caused it to rise. All stages showed earliness in productive substrates. The highest organic matter loss (OML) was reported by WS (76.7%) (76.7%). WS:SCG 3:1 OML depicted a correlation (0.8 ≤r≥ 0.9) with dur Stages 2 and 3. OML of WS:SCG 1:3 denoted a correlation (0.8 ≤r≥ 0.9) with dur Stages 1, 2, and 3. OML of WS:OLPR:SCG 3:1:1 and WS:OLPR:SCG 1:1:1 correlated (R2 ≥ 0.7) with dur Stages 3 and 4, respectively. WS:SCG 1:3 temp had a strong influence on economic yield (EY) at all stages. At Stage 2, combined substrate temp positively affected biological efficiency (BE) and biological yield (BY). Spawn run initiation (SRI), pinhead formation (PNF), and harvest of the first flush (HF1) strongly correlated with major minerals and fatty acids in SCG substrates. Increased Mg and Fe contents affected negatively the complete mycelial colonization (100% MC) in combined substrates.

SCG reduces OML and causes early production.

Diospyros mespiliformis which is commonly known as African ebony is a valuable fruit tree species with important medicinal and nutritional values. The tree has a slow growth rate that discourages its propagation and at present attempts made towards improving its growth performance are scanty. This study, therefore, evaluates the effect of the type and quantity of animal manure on the growth performance of Diospyros mespiliformis to determine the suitable type of manure and quantity of application that will improve its growth performance.

Poultry, cow, and goat manures were applied to Diospyros mespiliformis seedlings at 0 g (control), 15 g (10 t/ha-1), 30 g (25 t/ha-1), and 40 g (35 t/ha-1) in pots. The experiment was arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design with five (5) replicates.

Type of manure had a significant effect on seedlings' stem height growth. The highest stem height growth of 11.64±1.54 cm was recorded by seedlings that received goat manure. The collar diameter and the number of leaves produced were not significantly affected by the type of manure. The Quantity of manure applied did not significantly affect stem height and collar diameter increment; however, it significantly affected the number of leaves produced. Application of 40 g of manures improved leaf production in Diospyros mespiliformis seedlings.

Application of animal manures improved the growth performance of Diospyros mespiliformis, however, seedlings that received goat manure had better growth performance.

The study was devoted to conceptualize, develop and evaluate a collector-cum-chopper for in situ paddy straw degradation at the farmer’s field level. The intention was to increase the amount of straw cut at size below 5 cm for nutrient recycling.

A paddy straw collector-cum-chopper comprised of three sub-systems i.e. straw collection and conveying unit, straw chopping device and discharging mechanism was designed and developed. The performance evaluation, economic assessment of paddy straw collector-cum-chopper and fertility status of soil was recorded.

The results revealed that operating the machine at 40% moisture content, forward speed 3 kmph and 40 cm height of cut resulted into percentage of paddy straw <5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm and > 15 cm as 63.5 %, 8.12 %, 6.44 % and 17.92 percent. At such a condition, it consumed 5.78 lh-1, 7.82 kWh-ton-1 energy at 2.06 tonnesh-1 productivity.  The operating cost was Rs.694.6 h-1, break-even point 556 hours per annum, annual utility 1146 tonnes, pay-back period 1 year and unit cost of paddy straw chopping as Rs.58.44 per tonne. The mixing of the treated paddy straw with the soil bolstered NPK and organic carbon by 64.61%, 48.36%%, 74.32% and 54.54% with respect to 38.37%, 34.91%, 38.69%, 43.33% treated paddy straw kept above the soil.

The study provides an opportunity to bolster nutrient content of the soil, restrict the dependence on hazardous chemical fertilizers and protect the environment.

Aggressive use of crop fertilizer during food production caused an overburden in the environment. Gradual release of crop nutrients from the fertilizer could decrease the massive utilization of fertilizer. The advantages are two folds, cheaper cost, and environmentally friendly crop production.

Slow-release fertilizer was prepared by encapsulating hydroxyapatite (HA) with a single fertilizer. The HA which derived from crab shell biowaste was synthesized by the wet precipitation method. The nitrogen release test was carried out every 5 minutes for 1 hour using the percolation method, then the percolates were tested for the total nitrogen content. Fertilizer was applied to see its effect on the vegetative and generative growth of tomato plants. Five treatments were applied: without fertilizer as control, ammonium sulfate (AS) fertilizer, hybrid AS-HA fertilizer, urea (U) fertilizer, and U-HA fertilizer.

AS-HA released nitrogen at 4.45% or three times slower than AS which released 13.51%. U-HA released nitrogen as much as 3.96% or 4.5 times slower than urea which released nitrogen as much as 18.66% in one hour. AS-HA fertilizer provided the best results for overall parameters, with an average height of 102.1 cm for plant height, 7 mm for stem diameter, 82 strands for number of leaves, 4 produced fruits, and 63.5 grams for the fruit weight per plant.

Slow-release fertilizer with a mixture of hydroxyapatite was able to release nitrogen gradually. Korsmeyer-Peppas model was the best-fitted model for nitrogen release.

Sludge treatment and reuse as a fertilizer is of great significance in Gaza Strip. This study aimed to treat sludge generated at North Gaza WWTP, to produce rich nutrients fertilizer, to apply it in a greenhouse, and to compare its performance with different fertilizers. The concept of drying beds was applied to 1500 kg of sludge, which was exposed to the sun for 75 days; it was tested every 15 days to measure quality parameters. After 45 days, complete removal of F.C., E-Coli, salmonella, and helminths was achieved. The treated sludge had NPK of 3.3, 14 and 1.4% respectively. The treated sludge showed to be a good competitor to the commercial fertilizer that had NPK of 3.2, 1.9, 2.3 % respectively. The treated sludge and commercial fertilizer were tested for heavy metals; concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Hg, Cr, Ni, and Zn in the treated sludge were 1.4, 110, 0, 0, 80.5, 26.4 and 1369.7 mg.kg-1; while for the commercial fertilizer they were 1.67, 141.3, 142, <0.001, 144.2, 13.45, and 437.5 mg.kg-1 respectively. Heavy metals’ concentrations were in line with Palestinian, Jordanian, Iraqi, and most European Countries’ standards. The treated sludge, local fertilizers, and mixtures were applied in a greenhouse, and development of selected crops was monitored. The seedlings’ best development occurred when being fertilized with the treated sludge followed by commercial fertilizer. Crops fertilized by treated sludge were free from F.C. and E-Coli. The study recommended further investigating efficient treatment techniques to shorten the treatment period.

Research investigated oil mill decanter cake (OPDC) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) from oil palm in varying forms as soil media for growth performances of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and citrus (Citrus sp.) seeds during germination and growth. Factorial design with 4 levels of bio-organic: oil palm decanter cake (OPDC) treated with hot water at 70 oC, OPDC treated with hot water at 80 oC, OPDC raw and EFB; 2 levels of crops: citrus and cocoa seedlings were investigated. Each treatment was replicated thrice (4 × 2 × 3). A control experiment with normal sandy clay loam soil (NSCLS) medium, was also replicated thrice. Plant height; stem girth, number of leaves, days to seeds' emergence, leaf area, and biomass were measured. Days to emergence, number of leaves, and stem girth of cocoa seedlings were significantly different (p≤0.05) with different forms of OPDC media and EFB. Maximum growth performance was obtained for EFB, the highest number of leaves was 17.33, stem girth, 1.32. EFB has the least number of days of emergence. OPDC has high moisture and nutrient content.  OPDC and EFB have lesser bulk density compared with soil medium. Biomass gains from using bio-organic wastes as soil media for the cocoa and citrus seedlings were as high as 263.5 g (citrus), 237.5 g (cocoa) for EFB and they were the highest. Incorporation of OPDC and EFB as bio-organic media would boost nursery growth of permanent crops.

The purpose of the study was to find that solid waste from sago, tofu, and rice could be made into animal feed with high nutritional content as evidenced by increasing body weight of Gallus domesticus. This research is a quantitative research using laboratory and field experimental methods to examine the proximate feed and the reaction of experimental animals during feeding. The proximate profile of feed was determined using indicators (protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, vitamin B-12, carotene/vitamin A content, ash content, and water content), and the experimental animals’ response to feeding was determined using time indicators. The reaction of experimental animals to feed was determined using a stopwatch, as shown by the amount of time spent feeding. The results showed that each type of feed had a different proximate profile, with the highest levels of protein, fat, ash, and water found in animal feed made from tofu waste; levels of calcium, vitamin B-12, and vitamin A content are found in animal feed made from a combination of tofu dregs and sago dregs. The highest carbohydrate content was observed in animal feed made from sago dregs. The results of the one-way ANOVA test showed that there was a difference in body weight gain and FCR of Gallus domesticus after being given feed from organic waste, where the best feed was made from tofu waste. Each type of organic waste feed has a different proximate profile, where Gallus domesticus responds very well to all feeds, and has an effect on chicken body weight.

Yam cultivation in soils of low fertility has been a major cause of yield decline in Nigeria. The inadequacies associated with either inorganic or organic fertilizer in the aspects of crop growth and productivity necessitated the introduction of organomineral fertilizers. However, information on the appropriate placement method for sustainable cultivation is still limited. Hence, fertilizer type and placement method were evaluated on white yam yield. Dioscorea rotundata (Tdr 219) performance under different fertilizer types [NPK, 15-15-15 and organomineral fertilizer (OMF) at 30 kg N/ha], and different methods of placement (Side/spot and Ring/circular placements) were evaluated. The average tuber length, circumference, number of ware tubers, and yam tuber weights were higher under NPK treatment, while the number of tubers was higher in OMF treatment. All parameters observed were increased by ring fertilizer placement method compared to side placement. The interaction of fertilizer type and method of placement indicated that under OMF, the ring placement produced comparatively higher tuber weight (13390.0 kg/ha) than side placement (13166.6 kg/ha). However under NPK fertilizer, side placements enhanced tuber weight (15173.3 kg/ha) compared with ring placement (15076.6 kg/ha). The residual cropping revealed that the highest and significant tuber weight was observed in OMF fertilizer with ring placement compared to the other treatments. Side placement was appropriate for NPK fertilizer, however, applying organomineral fertilizer at 2000 kg/ha with ring placement was recommended for the cultivation of yam in low fertility soils.

This study was carried out with the aim of improving the use of compost products as compost tea and humic substances fertilizers, to study the evolution and the degree of compost maturity, and to use the chlorophyll as an indicator of compost quality. The compost tea and humic substances were prepared from different stages of a windrow compost (1/2 dewatered lagooning sludge + 1/2 green waste), the mineral content was investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis. The growth test was carried out in a greenhouse for two months on two plants: Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) and Lepidium sativum (Cress). Plant observations including stem elongation, biomass, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence and total chlorophyll content in the leaf were investigated at the end of the experiment. The findings revealed that compost tea and humic substances resulting from the initial stage and intermediate stage of composting present a lower stimulating effect on plants growth (biomass: 0.83-1.42 g/plant; total chlorophyll: 0.48-0.71 mg/plant). While those from the final stage showed significant effects on biometric and physiological properties (biomass: 1.399-2.396 g/plant; total chlorophyll: 0.74-0.83 mg/g).  Furthermore, the chlorophyll performance, as a good indicator to determine plant stress and soil pollution, confirmed the maturity and the good quality of the final compost. Compost tea and humic substances treatments approved their bioactive properties and beneficial effects on plant growth and their physiological properties.

Waste and waste disposal is a universal problem and attention is required in all ways. The plant generated waste (leaf litter) is also a type of organic waste that creates multiple issues in urban areas. Vermicomposting is a suitable alternative safe, hygienic, and cost-effective disposal of organic solid waste with the help of earthworms. The present study focussed on the conversion of leaf litter of Lagerstroemia speciosa trees from the local places to beneficial vermicompost. Vermicompost was prepared using leaf litter (LL) supplemented with cattle dung (CD), food waste, and earthworms. The study also explored the physical factors like temperature, pH, moisture, and biomass reduction of the vermicompost (100% & 50% LL) and CD. An alkaline pH (8.97±0.04), nominal temperature (22.63±0.26°C) and high moisture content (72±2.75%), as well as increased biomass reduction (7.45±0.69 cm) was observed at the end of the vermicompost process. The study also performed plant growth analysis using vermicompost as manure. Increased growth, germination, and pest resistance were observed in the plants in which compost was utilized. The current study paves the way to create a green environment by reducing and converting leaf litter into vermicompost which will act as a circular economy.

This study analyzed the ability of Black Soldier Flies Larvae (BSFL) in reducing grease waste and the effect of variation in feed composition on the growth rate effect of larvae age at 8 days, 12 days, and 16 days.

Before reaching the specified age (8, 12, or 16 days), the larvae are fed a mixture of expired bread and expired milk. BSFL at ages 8 days, 12 days, and 16 days are fed by pure grease waste or the mixing of grease waste and expired milk until turned into 20-day-old larvae. Then waste reduction is analyzed based on parameters such as feed consumption, waste reduction index, the efficiency of conversion of digested feed, and larvae biomass. Univariate analysis using SPSS was conducted to determine the significance of differences in waste reduction, feed consumption, conversion efficiency of digested feed, and larvae biomass among the experimental groups.

The 16-day-old larvae fed with pure grease waste achieved a waste reduction index of 20.08 grams per day. Moreover, variations in feed composition influenced the growth rate of BSFL, with larvae fed a mixture of grease waste and expired milk exhibiting the largest weight (43 mg) and length (1.4 cm) among the 16-day-old larvae.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae at 16 days old displayed remarkable effectiveness in reducing grease waste from restaurants. This study underscores the potential of BSFL as a sustainable waste management and recycling solution for organic waste, particularly in the context of food waste.

Soil nutrient depletion is an endemic factor that constitutes one of the greatest limitations to crop production in the tropics. Identifying high yielding kale varieties that thrive best with the most cost-effective fertilizer type can help meet the nutritional deficits of most families in Africa in line with WHO recommendations. The propose of this study was to determine the effect of fertilizer type and variety on growth, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and vitamin concentrations of kale.

Two kale varieties, curly and lacinato, and three fertilizers, 200 kg ha-1 NPK 20:10:10 (NPK200), 16 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM16), and 100 kg ha-1 NPK 20:10:10 + 8 t ha-1 poultry manure (NPK100+PM8) were evaluated in a 2×3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data collections were based on selected agronomic, vitamins, and minerals parameters.

Fertilizer type, variety and their interaction significantly affected (p<0.05) agronomic traits, minerals, and vitamin contents of kale. PM16 influenced the most significant increases in plant height, leaf number, Ca, Fe, and vitamin-A concentrations whereas, NPK100+PM8 treated plants recorded higher leaf area and weight. Curly variety showed superiority in leaf area, leaf weight, Fe, and vitamin-A whereas, lacinato was higher in plant height, leaf number, Ca, vitamin D and E. Lacinato variety on NPK200 treatment was highest in Ca, vitamin D and E concentrations while curly variety on PM16 was highest in Fe and vitamin A.

PM16 and NPK100+PM8 best improved growth, mineral and vitamin concentrations in kale and were therefore recommended for use.

Composting is known since long for reducing the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. These fertilizers are applied to the crops for the supply of required macro/micronutrients. The present study describes how to decompose biodegradable solid wastes quickly into compost without harming the environment.

The microbial inoculums were developed from cow dung concentrate. The cow dung concentrate was mixed with water. The cow dung concentrates, and water mixture was then mixed with another water solution containing Jiggery. After a week, a creamy layer was observed to have formed. This confirms the development of microbial inoculum.

After 2-3 days, temperature started to increase slowly. On the 15th day, temperature of the compost pile was 40 °C. At this temperature, the waste changed its colour and showed rapid decomposition. On the 25th day, temperature was noted to be around 60 °C. This showed the completion of the process. After 30 days, the compost was ready and showed signs of the process of maturation. Decrease in temperature confirmed completion of maturation process and complete conversion into compost.

The cow dung microbial inoculum consists of decomposing bacteria, protozoa and fungi which are effective to convert biodegradable waste into bio-fertilizer. The regular application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse effect on greenhouse, environmental pollution, killing of earthworms and other beneficial micro-organisms of the soil, marine inhabitants, depletion of ozone layer, increase of toxicity among human beings due to excessive heavy metals, spoilage of soil fertility, and change in the soil pH.

Profiting from agricultural waste and lowering production costs for farmers have been made possible by the incorporation of bagasse and local resources as a substitute for sawdust.

The experiment was using a CRD. Follows: Bagasse 100 % Bagasse: Rice straw (25:75%) Bagasse: Rice straw (50:50%) Bagasse: Rice straw (75:25%) Bagasse: Giant mimosa (25:75%) Bagasse: Giant mimosa (50:50%) Bagasse: Giant mimosa (75:25%) Bagasse: Rice straw: Giant mimosa (25:35:40%) Bagasse: Rice straw: Giant mimosa (50:25:25%) Bagasse: Rice straw: Giant mimosa (75:15:10%) Rice straw 100% Giant mimosa 100% and Sawdust 100% (control)

The highest average fabric expansion rate of 9.76 cm was generated by the bagasse to gigantic mimosa ratio of 75:15:10. Also, Para rubber sawdust had the lowest fiber rate of growth of 7.26 cm on average (100%). When evaluating mushroom proliferation, the 8th procedure to solve the bagasse: straw: giant mimosa (25:30:40%) gave the greatest average number of mushrooms per bag equal to 8.25. The technique that produced the lowest mushroom per bag of 100% of giant mimosa was 5.50, with diameter pileus ranging from 5.93 to 6.77 cm, and flower stripe length ranging from 3.12 to 3.75 cm. There was no statistical difference at the 95% confidence level according to the findings. Whenever biological efficiency (B.E.) was considered.

The results showed that bagasse: chopped straw: chopped giant mimosa (25:35:40%) would have a maximum value of 58.96%. Which was the best approach being the best for utilizing as material for growing mushrooms or introducing farmers.