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Total Kjeldahl-N, Nitrate-N, C/N Ratio and pH Improvements in Chimato Composts Using Tithonia Diversifolia

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  • Angstone MLANGENI
  • Samson SAJIDU
  • Sosten CHIOTHA

Abstract

The study investigated improvements of composting blended feedstock of T. diversifolia and maize stalks on total Kjeldahl-N (TKN), nitrate-N, C/N ratios and pH of chimato Composts. In this study, T. diversifolia/maize stalks (Td- MS) ratios- 0-100, 25-80, 20-80, 40-60, 50-50, 60-40, 75-25, 80-20 and 100-0 (v/v) were prepared and then composted using chimato composting technology. The TKN and organic carbon, nitrate-N, C/N ratios and pH were determined using standard methods. Results showed significantly higher TKN and nitrate-N and lower final C/N ratios in chimato composts produced using T. diversifolia blending ratios of above 40% than those below (0% (p<0.001, ?=0.01), 20% (p<0.018, Alpha=0.05) and 25% (p<0.028, ?=0.05)). Empirical models of the form Y=mX+C (where Y = T. diversifolia percentage and X = TKN or Nitrate-N percentage) were developed indicating significant effect of T. diversifolia on TKN and nitrate-N on resultant chimato composts. Results also showed significant improvement in TKN and nitrate-N content and C/N ratios in composts with blending ratios of Td-MS = 40-60, Td-MS = 50-50 and Td-MS = 60-40 (v/v) hence judged optimal. The observed significance is attributed to optimal initial C/N ratios, moisture and porosity of the composite ingredients that enhanced active and rapid microbial aerobic activities that limited nitrogen volatilization. Blending composition of greater than 60% of T. diversifolia yielded reduced quantities of TKN and nitrate-N besides possessing greater quantities of nitrogen rich ingredients. The observations suggest occurrence of significant nitrogen volatilization. Thus, optimal Td-MS blending composition in the range of 50-50 to 60-40 (v/v) should be promoted as one strategy of improving quality of composts among smallholder farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Angstone MLANGENI & Samson SAJIDU & Sosten CHIOTHA, 2013. "Total Kjeldahl-N, Nitrate-N, C/N Ratio and pH Improvements in Chimato Composts Using Tithonia Diversifolia," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 5(10), pages 1-1, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:jasjnl:v:5:y:2013:i:10:p:1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. A. Murugan & T. Swarnam, 2013. "Nitrogen Release Pattern From Organic Manures Applied to an Acid Soil," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 5(6), pages 174-174, May.
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      JEL classification:

      • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
      • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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