Organic Fertilizer Preparation PDF

1. Organic fertilizer refers to a soil amendment derived from natural sources that guarantees, at least, the minimum percentages of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Examples include plant and animal by-products, rock powders, seaweed, inoculants, and conditioners. These are often available at gar...

1. Organic fertilizer refers to a soil amendment derived from natural sources that guarantees, at least, the minimum percentages of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Examples include plant and animal by-products, rock powders, seaweed, inoculants, and conditioners. These are often available at garden centers and through horticultural supply companies.Organic fertilizers are better than artificial products because they are the derivatives of plants and therefore contain most or all the trace elements that exist in growing plants, probably all 92 basic elements. Synthetic fertilizers do not have this rounded balance of mineral nutrients. Organic fertilizers are derived from various natural sources, including: a. b. c. d. These fertilizers typically contain a mix of macro nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micro nutrients that are essential for plant growth. They release nutrients slowly as soil microbes break them down, making them available to plants over time. 2. - Soil Health Improvement: Organic fertilizers enhance soil structure by increasing organic matter content, which improves water retention and aeration. This leads to better root development and overall plant health. - Nutrient Availability: The slow release of nutrients helps prevent over-fertilization and nutrient runoff, which a re common issues with synthetic fertilizers. - Microbial Activity: They support beneficial microorganisms in the soil that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil fertility. - Sustainability: Utilizing organic materials reduces waste and promotes recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem. This aligns with sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 3. a. Compost is a dark, crumbly material created through the natural decomposition of organic matter, such as plant materials and food scraps. It plays a crucial role in gardening and agriculture, particularly in organic farming, where synthetic fertilizers are not permitted. Compost enhances soil structure, provides essential nutrients, and introduces beneficial microbes to the soil, ultimately improving plant health and crop yields over time. Made from decomposed organic matter; it improves soil structure and microbial activity but provides nutrients at lower concentrations. General compost is created from decomposed organic materials, such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other plant materials. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of plants, particularly fruits and vegetables. Vermicompost is produced using earthworms to break down organic matter. This type of compost enhances soil aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, making it beneficial for all types of plants. IMG\_256 Figure 1. compost  Figure 2. Vermicmpost b. Animal manure, primarily composed of animal feces and urine, plays a significant role in agriculture as a natural fertilizer. It has been utilized for centuries to enrich soil and promote plant growth due to its nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Animal waste that is rich in nutrients; it must be properly composted to eliminate pathogens.There are different types of Animal Manure include: - Farmyard Manure (FYM): A mixture of dung, urine, bedding material (often straw), and fodder residues. It is typically allowed to decompose for over four months before application. - Liquid Manure (Slurry): Produced in intensive livestock systems, this form is often used in conjunction with concrete or slats instead of straw bedding. - Solid Manure: Includes manure from horses and poultry, which is usually more concentrated in nutrients compared to other types. IMG\_256 Figure 3.Animal manure c. Green manure refers to specific crops that are cultivated to be incorporated back into the soil while still green. This agricultural practice enhances soil fertility and structure, providing numerous environmental benefits.Green manuring is a sustainable agricultural practice that enhances soil health by improving fertility, structure, and moisture retention while providing ecological benefits such as weed suppression and erosion control. By integrating green manure into farming systems, farmers can promote sustainable practices that contribute to long-term agricultural productivity.Cover crops that are grown specifically to be tilled back into the soil to enhance its fertility.  Figure 4.green manuring d. Liquid organic fertilizers are nutrient-rich solutions derived from natural ingredients, designed to enhance plant growth and soil fertility. They offer a variety of benefits compared to traditional solid fertilizers, making them an increasingly popular choice among organic farmers and gardeners.Such as fish emulsion or seaweed extracts that provide quick nutrient availability. IMG\_256 Figure 5. liquid Fertilizers Organic fertilizers are an essential component of sustainable agriculture, offering numerous benefits for soil health and plant nutrition while minimizing environmental impact. They provide a viable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, promoting a healthier ecosystem through natural processes. 4. Raw materials that might be used as possible inputs to produce organic fertilizers are animal manure, agricultural residues, sewage sludge, composts, slaughter house wastes and municipality solid waste. Raw materials may include animal mortalities, bio-solids such as sewage sludge, crop residuals, dairy waste fats and oils food organics such as: food processing waste, food waste, kitchen waste, forestry residuals, manures, organic sludge's, other organic waste or by-product of processing, paper mill wastes, paper-based materials, sawdust and wood shavings, sewage facility grit and screenings, wood and timber (non-treated), human urine and faeces, livestock urine and dung, weeds, tree leaves. The job of transforming organic matter into composts is carried out by micro-organisms. The main micro-organisms include bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. It would be advisable to segregate potentially dangerous materials such as heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc and chromium, and other physical contaminants, that might possibly be present in municipal wastes. In addition to the materials listed above, some additives are required to improve the process of composting and quality of the compost. These additives include: biological inoculants that aid the processing of particular raw materials or manufacture of compost products with particular attributes, ferrous sulphate or other chemical additives, lime, nutrients, urea. **1.2.1. Materials needed for compost production** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -. **1.2.2. What not to compost and why** - Black walnut tree leaves or twigs because releases substances that might be harmful to plants - Coal or charcoal ash because might contain substances harmful to plants - Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs because create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies - Diseased or insect-ridden plants because diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants - Fats, grease, lard, or oils because create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies - Meat or fish bones and scraps because create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter) because might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans - Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides because might kill beneficial composting organisms. 2. Compost production is influenced by various environmental and material conditions that can significantly affect the efficiency and quality of the composting process. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing compost production.Several conditions that can significantly affect the production requirements of organic fertilizers can be categorized into **biological**, **environmental**, and **socio-economic** influences. 5. A. **Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio (C/N Ratio)**: The balance between carbon and nitrogen is crucial for microbial decomposition during composting. An optimal C/N ratio (typically around 25-30:1) promotes effective microbial activity. A high C/N ratio can slow down decomposition due to nitrogen limitations, while a low ratio may lead to nitrogen loss through volatilization, reducing fertilizer efficiency. B. **Microbial Activity**: The health and diversity of microbial populations in compost are essential for efficient organic matter breakdown. Conditions that favor aerobic microorganisms---such as adequate oxygen supply and moisture---enhance the fermentation process, leading to higher quality organic fertilizers. C. **pH Levels**: The acidity or alkalinity of the composting material affects microbial activity and nutrient availability. Maintaining a neutral pH (around 6-7) is generally favorable for most beneficial microbes involved in composting. 6. I. II. III. IV. 7. - **Farmer Knowledge and Skills**: The level of education and technical expertise among farmers directly impacts their ability to effectively utilize organic fertilizers. Lack of knowledge about proper application rates and timing can lead to sub optimal use. - **Access to Resources**: Availability of raw materials for composting, such as animal manure or green waste, affects production capabilities. Transportation difficulties and labor costs associated with handling bulk organic materials can also hinder fertilizer production. - **Market Demand**: Economic factors, including market prices for organic versus synthetic fertilizers, influence farmers\' decisions on fertilizer use. High demand for organic products can incentivize more farmers to adopt organic fertilization practices. - **Policy and Regulation**: Government policies regarding organic farming practices and quality control measures can impact the production of organic fertilizers by either facilitating or hindering access to necessary resources and markets. Generally, successful organic fertilizer production is influenced by a complex interplay of biological processes, environmental conditions, and socio-economic factors that must be managed effectively to optimize both production efficiency and fertilizer quality. 3. Estimating the production requirements for organic fertilizers involves understanding the nutrient needs of crops, the nutrient content of available organic materials, and the capacity of production facilities. Here's a structured approach to estimating these requirements. 8. **1. Crop Nutrient Needs:**Different crops have varying nutrient requirements, primarily nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For instance, a common recommendation might be around 80 lb of N, 40 lb of P, and 40 lb of K per acre for certain crops.A crop-based nitrogen budget can help determine if the available N meets crop needs during critical growth periods, ensuring optimal production. **2. Nutrient Content of Organic Materials:** Organic fertilizers often derive from manure or compost. For example, 2.5 tons of manure per acre can provide approximately 80 lb of N and 100 lb each of P and K. The nutrient content varies by manure type; for instance, liquid manure may contain about 2.4 g/L of crop-available N and solid manure can provide around 3.3 kg/t of crop-available N. **1.3.2. Calculating Fertilizer Production Requirements** **1. Manure Application Rates: t**o calculate the application rate needed to meet nutrient requirements, you can use the formula:\ [\$Application\\ rate = \\frac{\\text{N\\ requirement\\ kg\\ per\\ ha}}{\\text{Nitrogen\\ content\\ in\\ manure}}\\ \$]{.math.inline}For example, if a field requires 78 kg/ha of N and the manure provides 4 kg/t, the application rate would be: [\$Application\\ rate = \\frac{78\\ kg\\ per}{4}\\ =\$]{.math.inline}19.5t **2. Facility Capacity:** The capacity of an organic fertilizer production facility should align with the expected intake of feedstock materials. Facilities are typically categorized based on their processing capacity: - - - **Practical Steps for Estimation** a. b. c. d. By following these guidelines, you can effectively estimate the organic fertilizer production requirements tailored to specific agricultural needs. Production to meet customer requirements, quality of product should be checked to determines a product\'s ability and capacity to perform its intended function. Although the composting process is also influential, feedstocks are the primary factor in determining the qualities of compost. Quality characteristics can be grouped into three categories: product performance (e.g., nutrients), product aesthetics (e.g., odor, plastic), and product safety (e.g., pathogens, glass). Many organizations and public agencies have established compost quality programs or standards to ensure or encourage the production of high-quality compost, especially in regard to safety and the environment. Laboratory analysis is an important tool in manufacturing compost with qualities that fit its intended uses. Maintaining and improving compost product quality is vitally important for ensuring continued confidence in organic waste recycling industries around the world. One quality criterion of particular interest from the general public's perspective is physical contamination (also known as foreign matter or inserts content) from such materials as plastic, glass and metal. This contamination makes "poor quality" compost immediately apparent compared to other quality criteria that require some form of laboratory analysis for their detection.The quality of compost products is highly dependent on the quality of the feedstock materials. Therefore, considerable effort has been made in recent years to educate the public and stakeholder groups on feedstocks destined, either knowingly or unknowingly, for composting. Although physical contaminants in composts are largely assessed on a weight basis both commercially and in research publications, an alternative is surface area based quantification. 4. The production and use of organic fertilizers have significant environmental implications, both positive and negative. Understanding these impacts is essential for promoting sustainable agricultural practices.The environmental aspects of organic fertilizer production reveal a complex interplay between benefits and challenges. While organic fertilizers significantly improve soil health, reduce chemical leaching, and lower carbon footprints, they also require careful management to mitigate potential negative impacts on ecosystems and water quality. Sustainable practices in the production and application of organic fertilizers are crucial for maximizing their environmental benefits while minimizing adverse effects. 9. 1. **Improved Soil Health**\ Organic fertilizers enhance soil quality by increasing organic matter, which improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. They support beneficial soil microorganisms that contribute to a healthier ecosystem, thus promoting long-term soil fertility.This contrasts with synthetic fertilizers, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and degradation of soil health over time. 2. **Reduced Chemical Leaching**\ Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, minimizing the risk of leaching into groundwater. This gradual nutrient release helps maintain water quality by preventing the contamination associated with conventional fertilizers, which often leach nitrates and other harmful substances into water sources. This is particularly important for protecting drinking water supplies from high nitrate levels that can be harmful to human health. 3. **Decreased Soil Erosion**\ The application of organic fertilizers can help maintain soil structure and reduce erosion. By enhancing the soil\'s physical properties, organic fertilizers contribute to preventing topsoil loss due to heavy rainfall or poor farming practices, which are exacerbated by the use of synthetic fertilizers. Using organic fertilizers contributes to reducing carbon emissions associated with agricultural practices. They enhance the soil\'s ability to sequester carbon, thereby playing a role in mitigating climate change impacts. Additionally, the production of organic fertilizers typically involves less energy-intensive processes compared to synthetic fertilizers, which often rely on fossil fuels for their synthesis. 10. While organic fertilizers have many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.Composting can attract unwanted pests and wildlife, which can create public health risks and damage property. Plus, improperly managed compost piles can emit strong odors, which can create problems for nearby residents and businesses 1. **Resource Utilization Concerns**\ The production of organic fertilizers can lead to environmental issues if not managed sustainably. For example, the use of animal manures can introduce pathogens and heavy metals into the environment if not properly treated. Furthermore, sourcing raw materials for organic fertilizers may result in habitat destruction or biodiversity loss if not done responsibly. 2. **Potential for Nutrient Runoff**\ While organic fertilizers generally pose a lower risk of runoff compared to synthetic options, excessive application can still lead to nutrient leaching and runoff during heavy rains. This can contribute to water pollution and eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems.Thus, careful management practices are necessary to mitigate these risks. 3. **Mixed Effects on Biodiversity**\ While organic farming practices often promote biodiversity through reduced chemical inputs, they can also lead to negative outcomes if not carefully managed. For instance, certain practices may inadvertently harm local wildlife or disrupt natural ecosystems due to changes in land use or crop management strategies. 4. **Composting creates a smell that is unpleasant.** Different kinds of smells are produced during the composting process, dependent on the type and amount of food scraps that are organic. The smell can be extremely uncomfortable and may affect the quality of life for those who live in the areas in which the compost is.Try to avoid certain kinds of food that can create huge quantities of unpleasant gas while composting. Plant waste is more beneficial in this regard as the smell isn\'t harmful and will not be unpleasant. 5. **Snakes, rats, and bugs could be attracted by it** This is a further disadvantage of composting. The process of composting attracts different species of animals that could cause harm to humans, including snakes. So, make sure you are cautious when constructing your compost bin in order to stop these animals from getting into it. 5. Occupational health and safety (OHS)** **is one of the most important aspects of human concern. It aims an adaptation of working environment to workers for the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well being of workers in all occupations.The use of organic fertilizers in agriculture presents several occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards that can affect workers\' health and safety. Understanding these hazards is crucial for implementing effective safety measures. 11. i. It is biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of human.Organic fertilizers often contain biological materials, such as animal manure and plant waste, which can harbor pathogens. Handling these materials can lead to infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are harmful to human health. Workers may be exposed to zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans, emphasizing the need for protective measures during handling ii. It is **any substance, regardless of its form that can potentially cause physical and health hazards to people, or can result in harm to the environment**.While organic fertilizers are generally considered safer than chemical fertilizers, they can still emit toxic gases during decomposition. Gases such as ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide can pose respiratory risks to workers if inhaled in significant quantities. These gases can irritate mucous membranes and lead to serious health issues if proper ventilation and handling procedures are not followed iii. It is any facto**r in the workplace that may cause injury or health issues, such as musculoskeletal injuries**. Objects, environments and systems are the three primary types of ergonomic hazards that can result in poor posture or uncomfortable working conditions. iv. It include **exposure to slips, trips, falls, electricity, noise, vibration, radiation, heat, cold and fire**. Common risks include musculoskeletal disorders due to lifting heavy bags or containers, slips and falls while working in wet or uneven conditions, and injuries from equipment used in applying fertilizers. The ergonomic design of tools is often inadequate in agricultural settings, contributing to these physical hazards v. It is anyt**hing that could cause psychological harm** (e.g. harm someone\'s mental health). Common psychosocial hazards at work include: job demands, low job control and poor support. The agricultural environment can also present psychological risks. Long working hours, job insecurity, and the physical demands of farming can lead to stress and mental health issues among workers. Awareness and support systems for mental health are essential components of a comprehensive OHS strategy in agriculture.