Production of Quality Compost from Pennywort Plant Wastes

Abstract

Abstract

Composting is an environment friendly phenomenon which recycles the organic materials such as plants converting them to beneficial fertilizers. Hence composting limits the use of toxic chemical fertilizers. The aim of the study was to prepare compost/bio-fertilizer from nutrient rich plant, the pennywort, for organic crop production and to reduce the plant wastes by reusing them for environmental benefits. For this purpose, the plants were mixed with different other additives like rock phosphate, urea, cow dung and sludge to boost up the quality of compost. Pennywort plant compost alone (without any additive) was considered as a control and aerobic conditions were maintained. Physico-chemical parameters like organic matter, ash content, total nitrogen, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and level of heavy metals and micronutrients were taken into account. All tested parameters showed a beneficial level in the amended plant composts compared to plant alone. Therefore, the prepared compost could be very promising for crops improvement. Hence, the present study would prove a significant advancement in the pool of efforts to enhance the agricultural welfares. Moreover, the current study provides useful knowledge about enhancing the properties and profile of natural composted products because it can provide an alternate source to increase the fertility of the soil and also a good approach to reduce the pressure of solid waste on environment.