Vermicomposting of soybean and maize straw residues as an agro waste management initiative
- Authors: Manyuchi, Musaida Mercy , Mbohwa, Charles , Muzenda, Edison
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bio fertiliser , Earthworms , Nitrogen
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/260136 , uj:27384 , Citation: Manyuchi, M.M, Mbohwa, C. & Muzenda, E. 2017. Vermicomposting of soybean and maize straw residues as an agro waste management initiative.
- Description: Abstract: In this study, maize waste and soy bean residue were vermicomposted as a way of harnessing bio products from agro waste in a bid to promote sustainability and proper waste management to bio fertilizers. Maize and soy bean residues were vermicomposted in a 9m by 1m vermicomposting bed over a period of 30 days using Eisenia Fetida earthworms at standard conditions. The physicochemical parameters of the organic waste including the organic loading (OC), nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) content as well as trace elements such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) were determined using standard methods. The behavior of the earthworms in terms of mass and length was also quantified. Upon increase in the vermicomposting period, the OC increased by 38%, NPK composition by 50%, 50% and 35% respectively. The Ca, Mg and Na composition by 10%, 23% and 30% respectively. The earthworms mass and length increased by 60% and 20% respectively. From the results obtained, vermicomposting offers a sustainable opportunity for crop waste management to bio fertilizers.
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Earthworms as engineers of soil and human health
- Authors: Agbenyeku, Emmanuel Emem-Obong , Muzenda, Edison , Msibi, Innocent Mandla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Earthworms , Vermicompost , Soil health
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/72775 , uj:18326 , Citation: Agbenyeku, E.E.O., Muzenda, E. & Msibi, I.M. 2015. Earthworms as engineers of soil and human health.
- Description: Abstract: Fungi are active degrading initiators of organic matter in soils as many substrates are first populated by sugar fungi e.g., Mucorales. Vermicomposting is now well known and is generally a good organic fertilizer majorly populated by bacteria i.e., nitrogen fixers, sulphur bacteria and phosphate solubilizers. The use of vermicompost in introducing these components into the soil leads to improvement of soil health thereby yielding nutritious food which consequently contributes to human health. A number of organic foliar sprays constitute of components similar to plant growth promoter substances. For example, vermiwash is a good liquid fertilizer proven to harbor plant growth promoting substances. Humification may be supported by vermiwash which also, by virtue of its quality may increase microbial actions to produce enzymes and compounds promoting plant growth. The compounds present in vermiwash may not independently foster plant growth but possibly promote plant growth along with beneficial soil microbes. These products are known to improve soil health and in presence of other products i.e., Gunapasela and Panchagavya can offer healthy nutrition from soil to plant. In recent times, insistent use of soil pollutants in forms of chemical fertilizers as against organic practices has negatively impacted surrounding soils, and in extreme cases surface and groundwater reserves. Lately, genetically modified substances (GMS) are used to nurse plants (with consequential impacts on the soil and invariably on human health) in contrast to, organic measures which nurses the soil (improving cluster of biotic elements and nutrients proportionately mixed) for uptake by plants, consequently leading to healthier soils and food produce beneficial for human health. For this reason, the paper highlights the efficacy of earthworms as a sustainable eco-friendly option constructively engineering soil and human health with minimal environmental and ecological impact.
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