The chemical characteristics of composted and vermicomposted cotton residues case study in Sudan, Elkhtab Abdalla, Dr. Sulieman Ali, Dr. Sarra Saad and Dr. Ibrahim Ibrahim
Elkhtab Mohamed Abdalla, Dr. Sarra Ahmed Mohamed Saad
Environmental and Natural Resources Research Institute
National Center for Research, Khartoum
Sudan
Email: khatab.hassan58@gmail.com
Dr. Sulieman Hammad Nasser Ali, Dr.Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim
Department of Soil and Environment Sciences
University of Khartoum, Khartoum
Sudan
DOI: 10.1108/20425941211271522
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of two decomposition processes, namely, composting and vermicomposting, on the chemical composition of the finished products of a mixture of: cotton residues; soil and cotton residues; farmyard; soil.
Design/methodology/approach: Composting experiments were done over six months to prepare four different mixtures as follows: cotton residues+soil (C); cotton residues+soil+earthworms (C+E); cotton residues+soil+farmyard manure (C+F); and cotton residues+soil+farmyard manure+earthworms (C+F+E). Electrical conductivity, pH, nitrate-N, ammonium-N, ash, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, carbon: nitrogen ratio, total potassium and trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) were determined on monthly-based samples.
Findings: Significant differences (p < 0.05) in organic carbon, nitrate-N, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were recorded in vermicompost compared to compost. In general, results indicated that vermicompost had a significant effect compared to compost and a positive effect on the chemical properties of the finished products.
Originality/value: This research work was carried out by four researchers from two institutions concerned with agricultural production and environmental aspects related to soil productivity. The paper emphasizes on production of organic fertilizers with good quality and monitoring of composting process for better management practices of agricultural wastes in Sudan.
Keywords: Sudan; Soil mechanics; Cotton; Cotton residues; Farmyard manure; Composting; Vermicomposting.
Citation: Mohamed Abdalla, E., Hammad Nasser Ali, S., Ahmed Mohamed Saad, S. and Saeed Ibrahim, I. (2012), "The chemical characteristics of composted and vermicomposted cotton residues case study in Sudan", World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 325-336. https://doi.org/10.1108/20425941211271522
