Changes in chemical and biological properties during co-composting of swine dung and different plant materials

Abstract

Article InfoPlant residues and animal manures have been reported to have high nutritive value. This study was carried out to evaluate different plant materials in combination with swine dung for their chemical and biological properties. Eight (8) different plant materials namely banana leaves, cassava peels, Giliricidia sepium, Leuceana, Maize stover, Neem, Panicum maximum and saw dust was combined with swine dung in a ratio 1:1 and composted for a period of eight weeks using the enclosed heap method. Chemical and biological parameters were monitored at a two (2) week interval. Analysis of the plant materials before composting showed that Giliricidia sepium was the richest in N (3.63%), P (0.14%), K (2.59%), Mg (1.07%). Banana leaves was rich in Ca (4.75%) while saw dust was rich in Cu (45.36 mg/kg) and Zn (502.85 mg/kg). At the final week, the pH of most of the swine based compost was near neutral. The combination of Giliricidia sepium and swine dung had the highest N (4.68 %), Zn (804.3 mg/kg) and Cu (75.44 mg/kg). Leuceana in combination with swine dung had the highest total P value of 0.26 % while total K was high (1.44 %) in Panicum maximum at the final week. However, Ca and Mg decreased at the final week. Conclusively, it can be stated that Giliricidia sepium, Leuceana as well as Panicum maximum are potential sources of both the macro and micro nutrients when combined with swine dung for compost production.