Abstract

Purpose

A suitable strategy for bioconversion of agricultural waste into quality organic manure and its efficient utilization was assessed in the hilly ecosystem of Northeast India.

Methods

Pits were dug in terrace lands and filled with chopped plant biomass (rice straw, maize stover and mixed weed biomass) with alternate layers of cow dung at 3:2 ratio. The treatment consisting of control (plant biomass + cow dung), plant biomass + cow dung + earthworm (Eisenia fetida) (with or without poly lining in the pit) and plant biomass + cow dung + earthworm + cellulose-degrading microorganism (Pseudomonas sp.) (with or without poly lining in the pit) was used for the bioconversion process.

Results

Combined inoculation of E. fetida and Pseudomonas sp. with poly lining in the pit significantly enhanced compost recovery (29.8%), cellulase activity (55.2%) and the C:N ratio (1.9%) as compared to control. Significant achievement in yield components and nutrient status in soil was observed after combined application of compost with 50% recommended dose of fertilizer.

Conclusion

The current investigation established dual inoculation effect of E. fetida and Pseudomonas sp. with poly lining in the pit as a suitable technology for faster decomposition and effective bioconversion of agricultural waste into quality organic manure. A treatment imposed with such organic manure will be supportive in enhancing crop production as well as improving soil health.

Details

Title
Bioconversion of agricultural waste and its efficient utilization in the hilly ecosystem of Northeast India
Author
Rajkhowa, D J 1 ; Sarma, A K 1 ; Bhattacharyya, P N 2 ; Mahanta, K 3 

 Division of Natural Resource Management, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India 
 Mycology and Microbiology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Tea Research Association, Jorhat, Assam, India 
 Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India 
Pages
11-20
Publication year
2019
Publication date
Dec 2019
Publisher
Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch
ISSN
21953228
e-ISSN
22517715
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2193418648
Copyright
International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture is a copyright of Springer, (2019). All Rights Reserved., © 2019. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.