Utilizing Sawdust for Organic Manure Production through Tannery Waste Composting

Utilizing Sawdust for Organic Manure Production through Tannery Waste Composting.

Abstract:

This study investigated the potential of utilizing tannery waste (TW) in combination with sawdust (SD) as compost manure for agricultural purposes. Various TW/SD mix ratios (1:1, 1:5, 5:1, 1:10, and 10:1) were prepared and composted in a bin under aerobic conditions for 6 weeks, with regular turning to ensure proper aeration. Microbiological and physicochemical parameters of the compost samples, experimental soil (SL), and finished compost were analyzed using standard methods.

The microorganisms isolated from TW, SD, and SL included species of Bacillus, Escherichia, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus (bacteria), as well as Aspergillus, Mucor, Trichophyton, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Candida, and Saccharomyces (fungi). The resulting compost was odorless, stable, and had an earthy smell. The matured compost exhibited a moderately alkaline pH ranging from 7.30 to 8.05, total organic carbon content between 14.84% and 24.33%, and a carbon to nitrogen ratio ranging from 10.96 to 31.46. Moreover, the phosphorus and potassium contents were within acceptable limits, while heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, Hg, Fe, Mg) were also within permissible levels for quality compost.

The germination index (emergence) was significantly high (p<0.05) in all compost treatments, including the control. The compost with TW/SD ratio 1:1 promoted good growth and seed formation in maize plants, while the ratio 1:10 resulted in poor growth with smaller leaves and narrow stem girth. However, compost with TW/SD ratio 10:1 supported substantial growth in maize plants, exhibiting significant increases in height, stem girth, and leaf length. Furthermore, the height of maize treated with TW/SD ratio 1:1 was not significantly different (p>0.05) from commercially available organic fertilizer. The maize yield, obtained 102 days after planting, ranged from 0.4±0.05kg to 1.5±0.01kg, with the highest yield of 1.5±0.01kg observed in the TW/SD ratio 1:1 treatment, significantly different from the TW/SD ratio 10:1.

The results suggest that compost made from the right combination of tannery waste and sawdust can enhance soil organic matter and contribute to improved food production.

Utilizing Sawdust for Organic Manure Production through Tannery Waste Composting.