ISSN 2169-3048
International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Vol. 1 (5), pp.156-161, July, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Composting mulch of date palm trees through microbial activator in Saudi Arabia
Sadik M.W1*, Al Ashhab A.O 2, Zahran M.K3, Alsaqan F.M4
*1Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Microbiology,Giza, Egypt
2Agric.Eng.Res.Inst, Giza, Egypt
3 Al Hofuf Stars Trading Est., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, P.O.220540
4Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding Author's E-mail: mahmoudsadik@alhofu fstars.com
Received July 06, 2012; Accepted July 23, 2012
Abstract
The main objective of the current study is producing high quality organic fertilizer in large scale using abundant energy resources (Date palm trees mulch produced from grinded leafs, trunks and roots) from local farms. Date palm trees mulch (DPM) was mixed with fresh farmyard manure (FYM) as nitrogen source. The mixtures were prepared by using 3 ratios (w/w) of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 (DPM : FCM).The C/N ratios were 44.3:1, 50:1 and 44:1 for mixtures 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Turned windrow method was applied in the composting process. The results showed that the temperature was increased up to 66, 69 and 68οC for mixtures 1, 2 and 3, respectively and then decreased to 44, 45 and 45οC by the end of the composting period for the above 3 mixtures. The final organic fertilizer had natural soil odor and brown in color. The final organic fertilizer C/N ratio recorded as 25:1, 12.5:1 and 23:1 for mixtures 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The loss in organic matter was also reached to 15.6 (mix 1), 29.54 (mix 2) and 20.00 % (mix3). The results found for mixtures of 2 and 3 were better than mixture 1, therefore these mixtures are considered to be the best for composting date palm trees mulch . Regulated elements (N, P, K, Organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, and TDS) were improved in all mixtures. The end product was free of salmonella, total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria.
Key Words: Date palm trees, Mulch, Cow manure, Organic Fertilizer