Organic Fertilizers Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Risk is defined as the probability of a specific adverse event occurring within a specific period, while Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) is the development of a quantitative estimate of risk based on engineering evaluation and mathematical techniques by combining estimate of incident consequences and frequencies. In view of the increase in the use of railways as the mode of transportation for hazardous materials throughout the world, the associated risk analysis should be taken into concern. In this study, the failure frequency of the transportation of ammonia from the Petronas fertilizers Kedah (PFK) plant in Gurun (Northern part of Peninsular Malaysia), to the Chemical Company Malaysia (CCM) fertilizer's facilities in Port Klang (South-western part of Peninsular Malaysia) was evaluated by incorporating the human error assessment. The study highlighted the importance of human error contributions in the failure frequency analysis and its impact on the selected failure scenarios. Besides, it also shows that the application of the human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART), which is a useful human reliability analysis tool, should be used in parallel with the fuzzy arithmetic approach to reduce the uncertainties involved in the estimation of human error probabilities, and hence, to reduce the likelihood of incorrect risks estimates being assessed. The results suggested that the commonly applied approach in quantitative risk assessments, which only consider equipment failures in the failure frequency estimations, are clearly an underestimate of the potential causes of failures leading to hazardous material releases, and hence, the calculated risks based do not reflect the actual risks. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009

- by
- •
- Chemical Engineering, Railway Transport, Malaysia, Fuzzy Sets

Organic-based fertilisers are granular fertilisers that make use of the synergy between the mineral and organic components. The physical properties of organic-based fertilisers are relatively unknown. The main objective of this research was to compare the physical properties of bulk-blended organic-based (BOF) and compound organic-based fertilisers (COF) with those of mineral fertilisers (MF). New and modified methods were used to measure their atmospheric moisture sorption, capillary rise, slaking and dissolution in water over time. Air moisture sorption by fertilisers increased quadratically with time and with relative humidity. At 82% relative humidity, major changes in fertiliser behaviour occurred. The processes varied among fertilisers. Water sorption from the atmosphere was affected by bulk density as well as by the organic matter (OM), initial moisture, and P contents. The water sorption rate over time during capillary rise took the form of an inverse power function and increased as OM content increased. Some fertilisers were highly affected by tensions while others were only slightly affected, indicating differential rates of release under field conditions. During submersion in water, COF granules dissolved, swelled and slaked to different extents and their diameter decreased quadratically over time. The loss of mass during submersion was affected by OM and nitrogen contents as well as by the initial granule size. Differences between fertilisers were mostly related to the organic matter type and content. Examples of uses and applications of dynamic properties are given for different situations: fast or slow release; dry to wet conditions; and application at the soil surface or incorporation in the soil.

- by Suzanne Allaire
- •
- Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Soil Physics, Fertilizer

To evaluate the sustainable phosphorous management in maize (Zea mays L.) through
seed inoculation with phosphorous solubilizer microorganism (PSM), a field experiment was conducted
during spring 2012 at Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The experiment
was laid out in RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) with factorial arrangement with three
replications using the net plot size of 6.0 m x 3.0 m. The experiment was comprised of two factors. Fac tor
A (Level of phosphorus) was consist of three treatments I (recommended dose of phosphorus 120kg ha
-1
)
II (75% of recommended dose of phosphorus 90kg ha
-1
) III (50% of recommended dose of phosphorus
60kg ha
-1
) and Factor B (seed inoculation) also consist of three treatments I (control) , II (seed inoculation
with Bacillus spp.) and III (seed inoculation with Pseudomonas spp.). Maize Hybrid (DKC-6142) was
sown using seed rate of 25 kg ha
-1
keeping row to row distance 60 cm and plant to plant distance 20 cm.
All other agronomic practices and inputs were kept normal and uniform for all treatments. The data was
recorded using standard procedures for various agronomic traits. The data obtained was analyzed by
using Fisher’s analysis of variance technique and difference among treatment means was compared
using least significant difference test (LSD) at 5% probability. Both the different level of the phosphorus
and inoculation with phosphorus solubilizer microorganism significantly affected the yield related
parameters of maize but had non- significant effect on the number of cobs per plant, plant height, and
starch content. Regarding single strains better effects were achieved in pseudomonas as compared to
bacillus. Inoculation with pseudomonas in combination with the fertilizer application at the rate of 120 kg
per hectare significantly increased the number of grains row per cob (18.667), thousand grain weight
(482.67g), grain yield(5.60 tha
-1)
biological yield (15.60 tha
-1)
) respectively. It was concluded that
inoculation with pseudomonas species in combination with the phosphorus fertilizer application at t he rate
of 120 kg per hectare was more beneficent for the growth and yield of maize as compared to inoculation
with bacillus in combination with phosphorous fertilizer.

- by sajid hussain
- •
- Soil Science, Organic Fertilizers, Soil Microbiology

In order to study the combined effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the nutrient content in grain, straw and post harvest soil of boro rice cv. BRRI dhan29, a field experiment was conducted in December, 2013 to June, 2014 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixteen combinations of 4 vermicompost level @ 0, 1, 2, 4 t ha and 4 NPKS levels i.e. 0-0-0-0, 50-8-33-6, 100-16-66-12, 1 replications. Results showed that the highest dose of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer increased the concentration of P, K and S by rice grain and straw significantly at the harvesting stage. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer failed to increase the total N content of post-harvest soil. Combination of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers also increased the organic matter, P, K and S status of post harvest soil significantly.

- by mohammad issak
- •
- Materials Science, Rice, Vermicompost, Organic Fertilizers

The grease and oil trap systems (GOTS) of four university food service establishments (FSE) were assessed and treated to evaluate the potential use of the sludge collected to produce compost. The sludge collecte from each FSE was kept in a drying bed for 30 days (SDB), during which time calcium oxide was frequently added for stabilization. The sludge deposited monthly was reduced to half after the drying process and
was then deposited in a composter and mixed for a period of 22 days with constant agitation. The compost obtained was treated with degrading enzymes and was denominated enzymatic composting (EC), while
the remaining compost was not treated with enzyme and was denominated non-enzymatic compost (NEC).
The total composting cycle of the sludge lasted 83 days, during which time various physical and chemical analyzes were conducted in the three types of substrates (SDB, NEC, and EC). The total time of the research
was 2.5 years. The percentages of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium suggest the use of the three substrates as organic fertilizer. A recommendation resulting from this research is to evaluate the sludge quality by mixing it with other substrates such as fruit peels with high nitrogen content and the sludge from wastewater treatment systems.

- by Revista Uniciencia and +1
- •
- Solid waste, Organic Fertilizers, GRASAS Y ACEITES, Sludge

ABSTRAK Penelitian karakterisasi morfologi limbah tulang ayam yang dibuat ukuran menjadi 200 mesh telah dilakukan. Serbuk tulang ayam yang sudah dipreparasi diuji dengan SEM-EDS. Hasil pengujian SEM menunjukkan bahwa ukuran pori serbuk tulang ayam adalah 88.286 µm. Dengan semakin kecilnya ukuran partikel dari serbuk tulang ayam dapat meningkatkan kinerja akar dalam proses penyerapan unsur hara yang terkandung pada serbuk tulang ayam tersebut. Dan hasil EDS menunjukkan terdapat kandungan unsur hara makro dan mikro yang terkandung pada serbuk tulang ayam tersebut. Hasil pengujian ini menjadi salah satu alternative untuk pembuatan pupuk organic berbahan dasar serbuk tulang ayam. Kata kunci : Tulang Ayam, Pupuk Organik, SEM, EDS ABSTACT Morphological characterization research on chicken bone waste made into 200 mesh size has been carried out. Preparation of chicken bone powder was tested with SEM-EDS. SEM test results showed that the pore size of chicken bone powder was 88,286 µm. With the smaller particle size of the chicken bone powder can improve the performance of roots in the process of absorption of nutrients contained in the chicken bone powder. And the EDS results show that there are macro and micro nutrients contained in the chicken bone powder. The results of this test are an alternative for making organic fertilizer based on chicken bone powder.

- by Asep Rodiansah
- •
- Organic Fertilizers, Chicken bone

- by yunusa muhammad
- •
- Biology, Vermicomposting, Rice, Organic Fertilizers

Traducción y adaptación del Capítulo 8 del libro "THE BIOGAS HANDBOOK, SCIENCE, PRODUCTION AND APPLICATIONS”, Editado por A. Welinger, J. Murphy & D. Baxter, publicado en el año 2013.Este documento se publica como documento divulgativo de... more

Rice farming in the tidal wetland require specific cultivation techniques. The using of anorganic fertilizers can cause soil damage and loss of production. One way to minimize the loss was by introducing the use of organic fertilizer to improve the soil fertility. This research tries to elaborate the probability of farmers to use the organic fertilizer under some factors influence in a case tidal wetland at South Sumatera, Indonesia.This research aimed to analyze factors influenced paddy farmers to use or not use organic fertilizer. This research implemented in 9 villages, 5 districts in Banyuasin as one of tidal wetland in South Sumatera. Techniques used in the sampling of this research is randomly layered unbalanced. Population farmers grouped into paddy farmers who had already used organic fertilizers, either fully or semi-organic, and only used inorganic fertilizers.The probability of rice farmers to use or not use organic fertilizers is affected by some aspects could be valu...

- by james ojo
- •
- Mathematics, Organic agriculture, Composting, Plant growth

A field experiment was conducted at the Demonstration Farm, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Shambat to investigate the effect of different types of fertilizers on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merril). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The soybean genotype used was 1905E. The fertilizers treatments consisted of four types of fertilizers: Urea 46% N (180 kg/ha), Compost (2.5 ton/ha), Chicken manure (2.5 ton/ha) and Jatropha seeds cake (2.5 ton/ha). Untreated control was used as comparison between plant treatments. The results showed that chicken manure fertilizer had significant effect on stem diameter, number of branches, plant height and number of leaves at 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing. Jatropha seeds cake fertilizer had significant different on plant weight as compared to the control. The results showed that chicken manure and nitrogen fertilizers were significantly increased the number of seeds per pod as compared to the control. There were no significant difference among fertilizers treatments on pods weight per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100 seeds weight, seeds production and harvest index%. Get more articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-7-number-1-july-2015-ijaar/

- by moh hassan and +1
- •
- Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Organic agriculture

The challenge of many researchers today is sustainable development. So when we talk about food waste management, there are several ways to apply it. One of them is the production of compost fertilizers by home composting as the most sustainable option for managing organic food waste by natural decomposition process at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature. The physical parameters were tested for pH value and the chemical parameters such as organic matter, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. In this work we have investigated 2 different samples under the name goat manure fertilizer and organic compost. We wanted to compare the quality of those different fertilizers. The experimental results showed that the organic fertilizer contain 1,5 times higher concentration of Phosphorus, comparable concentration of Nitrogen and 1,5 times lower concentration of Potassium than goat manure fertilizer.

- by Amra Bratovcic
- •
- Food Waste, Organic Fertilizers

In order to study the combined effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the nutrient content in grain, straw and post harvest soil of boro rice cv. BRRI dhan29, a field experiment was conducted in December, 2013 to June, 2014 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixteen combinations of 4 vermicompost level @ 0, 1, 2, 4 t/ha and 4 NPKS levels i.e. 0-0-0-0, 50-8-33-6, 100-16-66-12, 1 150-24-99-18 kg/ha , respectively were applied in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the highest dose of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer increased the concentration of P, K and S by rice grain and straw significantly at the harvesting stage. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer failed to increase the total N content of post-harvest soil. Combination of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers also increased the organic matter, P, K and S status of post harvest soil significantly.

- by Md. Nazmul Haque
- •
- Rice, Vermicompost, Organic Fertilizers, Chemical Fertilizer
- by David Kimani
- •
- Mathematics, Analytical Chemistry, Agronomy, Water use efficiency

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-2015 season to study the effect of two soil fertilizer treatments 200 kg/ha compound fertilizer NPK 18-18-18 and organic manure (10 ton/ha of sheep manure) and their interaction with high potash [1% of N-P-K, 0-5-36] and silicon [0.5 mM of potassium silicate on broad bean antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and proline] in saline soil (9.4 dS/m). The application of soil fertilizers caused a significant increase in the activity of CAT, APX, GSH, but it had no significant effect on SOD activity. While it caused a significant decrease in proline and a changeable effect on ascorbic acid content whereas compound fertilizer caused a significant reduction in ascorbic acid compared to control. The organic fertilizer caused a significant increase in ascorbic acid compared to control. Foliar fertilizers resulted in significant increase in the activity of CAT, SOD, GSH and proline, but it had no significant effect on APX and ascorbic acid compared to control. The interactions between the factors caused significant effects on all parameters.

- by Ali H Jasim
- •
- Silicon, Soil and Water Salinity, Organic Fertilizers, Organic Fertilizer

This paper describes a series of numbered seaweed boundary or mearing stones on Island Eddy and the adjacent shores of Carrowmore, inner Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. The hand-cut numbers are inscribed on small, squat, roughly-squared upright limestone pillars which have been erected on the foreshore. Local tradition confirms that the Carrowmore stones demarcated seaweed rights. The stones were probably erected at the end of the eighteenth century when brown seaweeds were at their most lucrative, being used for the production of kelp principally for its alkali content. It is proposed that kelp production ceased on these shores after the early nineteenth century. Thereafter, the seaweed was harvested mainly for fertilising land. The series of numbered cut-stone markers on Island Eddy and at Carrowmore, are so far unique in Ireland.

- by Paul Gosling
- •
- Maritime Archaeology, Maritime History, Intertidal archaeology, Maritime Studies

The present study was carried out during two successive seasons, 2011/2012 and
2012/2013, at the Agricultural Research Station; El-Otouria, Sheehaniya, Doha,
Qatar; to investigate the response of two tomato cultivars (Isabella and Milas) to
biofertilizers and amino acids. Two biofertilizer treatments, rizobacterien at a rate of
2 and 4 liter per feddan and one of amino acid (Delfan) at a rate of 200 ppm, were
used. Chicken manure, at a rate of 10 tons/ feddan, was the control treatment. Results
showed the superiority of Isabella compared to Milas in terms of vegetative growth
and fruit yield. Using Rizobacterien at a rate of 4 liter/feddan plus Delfan (amino
acids) at a rate of 200 ppm increased growth and fruit chemical characters, earliness
and total yield. The average fruit weight per plant was significantly high under
Rizobacteria at a rate of 4 liter/feddan plus Delfan (amino acids) at a rate of 200 ppm.
The lowest vegetative growth, fruit and yield characters were obtained from
Rizobacteria at a rate of 2 liter/feddan. The water productivity results showed that all
treatments led to the increase of fruit yield. Isabella cultivar had higher water
productivity than Milas cultivar. Using of Rizobacterien at a rate of four liter/feddan
also increased the water productivity. The same trend was obtained by using Delfan
at a rate of 200 ppm. Concerning water productivity, Isabella cultivar had higher
water productivity 16.7 and 17.2 kg of tomato fruits per cubic meter of irrigation
water (m
3
)compared with Milas cultivar which produced15.9 and 16.5 kg tomato
fruits per cubic meter of irrigation water for first and second seasons, respectively.
Isabella cultivar plus amino acid (Delfan) gave the highest water productivity 19.1
and 19.7 kg of tomato fruits per m3 water for first and second seasons, respectively
compared the other treatments

Chicken manure is one of the popular organic fertilizers used in vegetable farming in Malaysia. Chicken manure is divided into two types, namely broiler chicken manure (BCM) and layer chicken manure (LCM). The effectiveness of these chicken manures is often questionable due to the different method of raising broilers and layers. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of the broiler and layer chicken manures on the growth of choy sum (Brassica chinensis L. var. parachinensis), a common farmed leafy vegetable in the country. This study was carried out in the Agricultural Park of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus), Malaysia from February to May 2019. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) methods were used in this study. The chicken manures were composted for roughly 2 months before the experiment. There was no significant difference in the dry weight, plant height and root length of the choy sum treated with either BCM or LCM. Although the choy...

- by Lee Kuan Hoong
- •
- Biology, Agriculture, Plant Nutrition, Composting

India is a highly populated country and randomly change in the climatic conditions need to secure the world food resources. Framers face serious problems in drought conditions. Type of soil plays a major role in the crop yield. Suggesting the use of fertilizers may help the farmers to make the best decision for their cropping situation .The number of studies Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be applied for prediction of crop yield By the use of Data Mining, we can also predict the crop yield. By fully analyze the previous data we can suggest the farmer for a better crop for the better yield. This application also provide model which predicts the type of crop disease based on textural similarity of leaves.

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of organic fertilizers on nutrient contents in leaves and corms of hybrid Gladiolus sp. used as a cut flower in landscape arrangement. This study was conducted in a randomized experimental design with three replications. Chicken manure, farmyard manure, peat and waste mushroom compost were used as organic fertilizers. As a result, while the highest mean contents of nitrogen (1.97%), iron (160 ppm) and manganese (128 ppm) in leaves were obtained in chicken manure application, the highest mean contents of potassium (2.01%), calcium (1.80%) and magnesium (0.25 ppm) were determined in waste mushroom compost application. The highest mean contents of phosphorus (0.30%), zinc (25.3 ppm) and copper (9.29 ppm) in leaves were found with peat, control and farmyard manure applications, respectively. The highest mean contents of phosphorus (0.83%), potassium (1.47%), calcium (0.57%), manganese (73 ppm) and zinc (67.3 ppm) in corms were ...

- by ferit SÖNMEZ
- •
- Soil Science, Chemistry, Plant Biology, Organic Fertilizers
- by Carlos Allan Pereira
- •
- Environmental Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture

Combination of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients is necessary for sustainable agriculture that can ensure food production with high quality. In order to study the effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the growth and yield components in rice, an experiment was carried out during December 2013 to June 2014, in randomized block design based on 3 replications. The treatments of vermicompost were given in 4 levels (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 t ha-1) and 4 levels of chemical fertilizers (0-0-0-0, 50-8-33-6, 100-16-66-12 and 150-24-99-18 kg N, P, K and S ha-1 , respectively). Different levels of vermicompost and NPKS fertilizers showed significant effect on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of BRRI dhan29. Results showed that application of medium level of chemical fertilizer with 4 t ha-1 vermicompost gave the maximum yield. It was observed that over dose of NPKS fertilizers from chemical source decreased rice yield. Results also revealed that the highest plant height, effective tillers hill-1 , flag leaf length, panicle length, filled grains panicle-1 , 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were obtained from the combination of 4 t ha-1 vermicompost with 100 kg ha-1 N, 16 kg ha-1 P, 66 kg ha-1 K, 12 kg ha-1 S. It was observed that yield of rice can be increased substantially with the judicious application of organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizer. [Mahmud AJ, Shamsuddoha ATM, Haque MN. Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L). Nat Sci 2016;14(2):45-54]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 7.

- by Md. Nazmul Haque
- •
- Vermicomposting, Rice, Organic Fertilizers, Grain Yield

The study was therefore design to generate scientific information that are vital for organic farming advocates as it uses natural organic farm inputs in the production of corn. It was conducted because of the insurmountable rising cost of inorganic fertilizers perspective the farmers have to look for alternative measures to sustain the profitability of their farming business by evaluating the efficacy of seaweeds emulsion (Carrageenan) as nutrient supplement to organic fertilizer on glutinous corn production, a study was conducted Emulsion ha-1 arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments have no significant effect on plant height. Application of seaweed emulsion affected the grain development as manifested by longer and heavier corn ear. Higher rates (3-6 li ha-1) proved to more efficient as indicated by the bigger ear, highest yield and ROI of 909.62 percent. The study revealed that 3 tons Organic Fertilizer with liters of seaweed emulsion improved glutinous corn production. Further study is recommended to validate the result and come up with a more reliable conclusion.

- by Yunusa Muhammad
- •
- Biology, Vermicomposting, Rice, Organic Fertilizers

In this paper, I will be studying the demand and production of chemical as well as organic fertilizers in India. Based on that, I will study the import and export activity along with the governing policies and prerequisite legalizations. Combining this information with the speculations of researchers and traders, I will present the scope, challenges and the need for organic fertilizers in India. I will also propose measures that can be taken to reduce the challenges and make the use of organic fertilizers more efficient.

In the present study, the recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from an apatite concentrate in the nitrophosphate process of fertilizer production has been studied. The apatite concentrate has been recovered from iron ore tailings in Sweden by flotation and was delivered by LKAB. Digestion of the phosphate mineral in concentrated nitric acid, is the first step in the nitrophosphate process after which Ca(NO 3) 2 .4H 2 O is separated from the nitrophosphate (NP) solution by cooling crystallization. Neutralization the NP solution with ammonia is the final step where the REEs can be separated. The solubility of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (CNTH) in acidic nitrophosphate solutions in the temperature range-2°C to 20°C has been determined. Further, the degree of rare earth coprecipitation during seeded cooling crystallization of CNTH has been studied. It was shown that the calcium elimination and the final pH in the partial neutralization step, play an important role in determining the content of REE in the precipitates.

- by mahmood alemrajabi and +1
- •
- Hydrometallurgy, Rare Earth Elements, Chemical Process Design, Solvent Extraction

Disposal of organic wastes from different sources like domestic, agriculture and industries create environmental hazards and economical problems. The present study was undertaken to convert agricultural solid waste into value added manures by various methods including vermicomposting, NADEP aerobic method and pit method of composting. The agricultural solid waste was used for preparation of different organic composts. The prepared compost was characterized and subjected to chemical analysis. The nutrients including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic carbon (OC)and moisture were estimated after mature stage of end product of various organic compost. The NPK contents were 1.10%, 1.60% and 0.98% in vermicompost0.66%, 0.79% and 1.15% NADEP compost and 0.90%, 0.83% and 0.65% in pit compost respectively. The vermicompost produced by E. fetida possessed higher nutrient contents as compared to NADEP compost and pit composting method. Among the three composting method,vermicomposting of agricultural solid waste with dung exhibited better fertilizers quality compared to the NADEP and pit method of composting.

- by Usman Tariq
- •
- Waste recycling, Organic Fertilizers, Soil Fertility, Growing media

This paper presents an exergy and environmental assessment of a 1000 metric t/day ammonia production plant based on the steam methane reforming (SMR) process, including the syngas production, purification (CO 2 capture) and compression units, as well as the ammonia synthesis and purge gas treatment. An integrated heat recovery system produces power and steam at three pressure levels, besides exporting hot water, CO 2 and fuel gas, with no additional heat or power consumption being required. Two configurations for ammonia refrigeration process (À20 C) are compared in terms of power consumption. Exergy cost data for upstream processing stages of natural gas is used to calculate the extended exergy cost of the products of the plant, namely ammonia, CO 2 and fuel gas. Moreover, an appropriated methodology is employed to properly allocate the renewable and non-renewable exergy costs, as well as the CO 2 emissions of the reforming, shift and furnace stack among the products of the plant. By considering that the cost reduction of the combustion gases is a linear function of the exergy flow rate reduction in each component of the heat recovery system, an improved allocation of the CO 2 emission cost along the convection train is performed. A breakdown of the total exergy destruction rate of the plant (136.5 MW) shows that about 59% corresponds to the reforming process followed far behind by the ammonia synthesis and condensation (18.3%) and the gas purification units (13.2%). The overall exergy efficiency of the ammonia plant is calculated as 66.36%, which is enhanced by recovering the hydrogen-rich and fuel gases in the purge gas treatment process. The total and non-renewable exergy costs and CO 2 emission cost of the ammonia produced are calculated as 1.7950 kJ/kJ and 0.0881 kg CO2 /MJ, respectively. In addition, a rational exergy cost of 1.6370 kJ/kJ and CO 2 emission cost of 0.0821 kg CO2 /MJ are allocated to the CO 2 gas, which can be supplied as feedstock to an associated chemical plant (urea, methanol, polymers, etc.).

In hot arid lands, soil salinity, irrigation with brackish waters and the massive use of mineral fertilizers are major constraints for the development of potato cropping. The current field experiment was conducted in the Sahara Desert of Algeria in order to highlight the effect of organic fertilization on the improvement of potato production and the increase of plant salt-stress tolerance. The variation of yield production parameters and nutritional status of plants were evaluated through a split-plot design including six increasing rates of poultry manure (PM) (0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 mt/ha) tested in three experimental sites with increasing salinity levels: low saline soil (electrical conductivity ‘EC’ = 0.9 dS/m), saline soil (EC = 2.2 dS/m) and high saline soil (EC = 5.9 dS/m). The results revealed a significant and proportional increasing of all studied yield parameters (number, seize and yields of tubers) with the increase of PM rates compared to the control. The effect of the interaction (PM × salinity level) showed that the highest yield (44.55 mt/ha) was recorded in plots treated with 60 mt/ha of PM in high saline soils. The assessment of nutritional status at flowering stage of potato plants demonstrated that concentrations of K+ and N increased while Na+ concentrations decreased, in both leaves and roots, as PM rates increasing, principally beneath high salinity level. Our findings suggest the dose of 60 mt/ha of PM is an optimal amount producing the best tuber yields under saline conditions in arid soils.

- by Mabrouka Oustani and +1
- •
- Organic agriculture, Responses of plant to abiotic stresses, Arid environments, Agriculture

* Editorial: The organics iceberg and the tyranny of organic certification. John Paull.
* Influence of the biofertiliser Seasol on yield of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivated under organic agriculture conditions. V. Vlahova & V. Popov.
* Development of organic indica rice cultivar (Oryza sativa L.) for the wetlands of Kerala, India through new concepts and strategies of crop improvement. T. Vanaja, K.P. Mammootty, & M. Govindan.
* Effect of poultry manure and plant population on productivity of fluted pumpkin (Telfaiaria occidentalis Hook F.) in Calabar, Nigeria. John Okokoh Shiyam & Walter Bisong Binang.
* Economics of organic versus chemical farming for three crops in Andhra Pradesh,
India. P. Sri Krishna Sudheer.
* Organic food: Exploring purchase frequency to explain consumer behaviour. David Pearson, Joanna Henryks, Parves Sultan & Tatiana Anisimova.

- by John Paull, PhD and +1
- •
- Organic agriculture, Sustainable Development, Agricultural Economics, Bulgaria
- by Sakiah Sakiah
- •
- Organic Fertilizers
- by sekhar dmr
- •
- Organic agriculture, Agriculture, Food Security, Organic Fertilizers
- by Ahmed M. El Naim
- •
- Mathematics, Agronomy, Organic Farming, Crop Science

Sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a critical issue around the world, especially in South Asia where waste generation is expected to double by 2050. Closing the food-nutrient cycle through composting biodegradable MSW has the potential to meet human needs, including sanitation and food security, while protecting the environment. We use an interdisciplinary case study approach including systems thinking to assess Sri Lanka's national MSW composting system, which primarily receives residential and commercial food waste. We embed quantitative compost quality analysis and interviews at 20 composting facilities within a broader qualitative assessment informed by ~60 stakeholders in total. This approach yields insights on how institutional, economic, social, and biophysical aspects of the system are interrelated, and how challenges and solutions can create undesirable and desirable cascading effects, respectively. Such dynamics can create risks of composting faci...

- by Isuru Bandara
- •
- Food Systems, Stakeholders, Markets, Case Studies

A field experiment was conducted at Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana, to determine the impact of inorganic and organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment treatment comprises of sole application of poultry manure (PM), NPK 15:15:5, the combined application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer (PM+NPK) and the control (no fertilizer). Data was collected on the number of leaves, stem girth, plant height, head diameter, head weight and edible head weight. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) among all the treatments. The combined application of PM+NPK recorded the highest values for all the parameters measured. From the results obtained farmers should consider the combined application of PM and NPK to maximize yield on their farm.

- by Asomah Shadrack and +2
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- Insects, Organic Fertilizers, Cabbage, Inorganic Fertilizer

This study aims to determine the effect of organic fertilizer and urea fertilizer on growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and soil health. The research was conducted in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia in December 2016 until March 2017. This research was designed using a randomized factorial block design 2 x 4 with three replications. The arrangement of treatments are as follows: The first treatment was organic fertilizer (poultry manure that has been composted and combined with Biomax-Grow biofertilizer) consisting of 2 levels that are, 0 and 15 ton ha-1. The second treatment was the dosage of urea fertilizer consisted of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha-1. The results showed that application of integrated use of organic fertilizer and urea fertilizer would decrease the use of urea and be recommended for sweet corn cultivation. Organic fertilizer gives a better postharvest quality of sweet corn and a better soil health with respect to soil respiration as well as fungi and bacterial population.

- by Darwin H . Pangaribuan
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- Organic Fertilizers, NITROGEN FERTILIZERS, Compost, Chlorophyll-A

This paper aims to (1) examine the challenges in the compost facilities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), (2) optimize the composting techniques using indigenous natural zeolite and locally produced biochar from agricultural residues and (3) evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of optimized food waste composting. In KSA food waste is the most abundant stream of municipal solid waste that contribute up to 50% of the total waste. The landfill disposal of this waste results in several environmental and public health issues. Resource recovery through composting is one of the best approaches for treating such nutrient-rich organic waste. There exist several facilities in KSA for the conversion of food waste to compost using conventional methods of compost piles and trenches. However, none of the produced compost is capable of improving the quality and fertility of sandy soils and the growth of the crops due to limited values of organic matter, nutrients and water holding capacity along with high moisture contents, nitrification index, weed seed contents and ammonia emissions. In KSA, vast reservoirs of natural zeolite are available near to Jeddah city. Similarly, in KSA the most cultivated tree is date palm with more than 22 million date trees that would provide sufficient feedstock for biochar production. Therefore, diverting food waste from landfills to optimized composting facilities using natural zeolites and biochar could benefit the KSA economy with a total net savings of about US $70.72 million per year.

One of the major commodities in the Province of Apayao is corn. In the municipality of Conner, a previous study conducted showed that corn farmers heavily rely on the use of inorganic fertilizers and still produce low yield. This study was then conducted to compare traditional farming against the use of an intervention using Vermi Tea as supplemental spray. Results of this endeavor showed that the farms applied with supplemental organic spray performed better that that of the usual farmer's practice in various aspects of corn growth and yield. Findings show that vermi tea, when used as a foliar spray can significantly improve the growth and yield of corn. Due to the presence of plant growth regulators, and its ability to improve the condition of the soil, the corn farm sprayed with vermi tea produced taller corn crops with longer and thicker ears. As reflected in this study, corn when applied with the vermi tea can have an increased yield which can go as high as two tons/ha. More importantly, vermi tea promotes the use of organic fertilizer which does not entail high cost and can be prepared using agricultural wastes and other locally available materials. This will not only contribute to the reduction of the amount of total waste but will also help minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. The technology intervention promoted in this project complements and supports various government agency thrusts and priorities which are geared towards improving the agriculture industry, maintaining environmental quality and sustainable use of resources, climate change adaptation and mitigation; and production of excellent researches that will promote quality education and contribute to the upliftment of the country and encourage multisectoral/ multidisciplinary research along the priority areas like food safety and security among others.

The recent demand for poultry meat products in Sudan has led to tremendous expansion in the poultry industry. There is a need to assess the potential impacts of chicken manure on crop yield and in particular evaluating the critical application levels. Field experiments were conducted on Hard, Non-Cracking Sandy Clay (Gardud) soil of North Kordofan State, Sudan, to study the effects of tillage (chisel) and chicken manure on the yield of sorghum(Sorghum bicolor (L.)Moench) variety Arfaagadamuk, at two Locations, HaiSeka and ELAinELSafia for two successive seasons (2007\08 – 2008\09). Split plot designed with three replications was used. The results showed that tillage (15cm depth) and chicken manure(8ton/ha)treatment significantly increased the plant height(cm), 100-seed weight, panicle weight and grain yield (ton/ha) as compared with other treatments in two locations at all seasons. The interaction effect of tillage and application of chicken manure improved all growth and yield para...

- by Elrashied E L I M A M Elkhidir
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- Mathematics, Agronomy, Organic Farming, Sorghum

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) plant is a valuable medicinal crop in arid and semi-arid regions. The use of microbes as bio-fertilizers in enhancing crop production is more favorable than chemical fertilizers due to food safety. A pot experiment was conducted to explore the effect of Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum brasiliense as a bio-fertilizer on the growth, yield, and quietly of roselle plants. Roselle seeds were mixed with the tested biofertilizer and cultivated on plastic pots filled with a sandy clay loam soil. The bio-fertilization significantly (p<0.05) increased the growth, nutrients uptake, yield, and quality of roselle plants compared to the untreated plants. The inoculation of roselle plants with the bio-fertilizer increased the total chlorophyll, carotenoid, total anthocyanin (TAC), and total flavonel (TF) by 16.45, 26.10, 8.44, and 14.27%, respectively, above the control. The bio-fertilization increased the soil available nitrogen by 14.33% above the control, and increased the uptake of N, P, and K by 18.8, 17.81, and 12.75%. The biofertilization not only increased the quality of roselle plants but also increased the fresh and dry weights of sepals yield by 5.89 and 3.55%, respectively.

Organic fertilizers have the capacity to alter the nitrogen isotopic composition of plants. Camelid dung and seabird guano are two potentially important fertilizers in the agricultural systems of western South America, particularly Peru and Chile. This paper presents isotopic data (δ13C and δ15N) from field grown plants (maize, Zea mays) fertilized with the following four treatments: CO (control, no fertilizer applied), AS (ammonium sulfate, a chemical fertilizer), DU (camelid dung), and SG (seabird guano). Plants were grown in experimental plots in the Virú Valley, northern Peru. Plants fertilized with the chemical fertilizer presented very similar isotopic compositions compared to the control. Conversely, the camelid dung fertilized plants were characterized by higher δ15N values compared to the control plants (by 1.8 to 4.2‰ depending on the plant part). The seabird guano fertilized plants were greatly enriched in 15N in comparison to the control plants (by 11.3 to 20.0‰). The results of this study have important implications for the reconstruction of human diet using isotopic data derived from bone collagen and related tissues, particularly in the prehispanic Andes, but also in Europe and North America during the 19th century, when Peruvian seabird guano was used extensively. Specifically, the interpretation of the relative contributions of plant and animal protein to the diet on the basis of bulk isotopic compositions of bone collagen (or similar tissues) may be confounded by camelid dung fertilization if the carbon isotopic compositions of the two sources are similar. Likewise, the interpretation of the relative contributions of maize and marine protein may be confounded by seabird guano fertilization.

- by Paul Szpak and +2
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- Agronomy, Biogeochemistry, Stable Isotope Analysis, Andean Archaeology