Effect of Filter Press Mud Application on Nutrient Availability in Aquert and Fluvent Soils of Wonji/Shoa Sugarcane Plantation of Ethiopia

Abstract

Effect of filter press mud (FPM) application on nutrient availability in Aquert and Fluvent soils at Wonji-Shoa Sugarcane Plantation, located at central part of the East African Rift Valley, was studied during the 2003/04 growing season. The rate of FPM application was 0, 60 and 120 ton/h. Field monitoring was made for ninety days. As per the management practice of the Sugar Estate, the Aquert soil was green manured with Crotalarea junceae prior to the treatment application. Soil samples were collected and analyzed every fortnight for organic carbon (OC) and available N. Available P, exchangeable bases, Fe, and Mn content of the soil were monitored at the beginning and end of the experiment. Incorporation of FPM significantly increased the OC content in both soils. Nonetheless, the accumulation of OC was more in Aquert than Fluvent soils, due to the initial higher OC obtained from Crotalatea j., higher clay content and moist condition of the Aquert soil. The application of FPM promoted the available N though the availability of N ion, however, in both soils, the content declined during the first 45 days after application. Gradually, significant increase in the available N was observed (starting from 45th day of application up to the 90th day). This indicates that FPM having C/N ratio of 27 resulted in priming effect. The trend analysis made indicated that proportional increase in available P can be obtained with increasing rate of FPM application, though available K was found to be lower in FPM treated soils. The application of FPM buffered (reduced) the soil pH to 7.6. The highest rate of FPM application (120 ton/ha) slightly improved the soil electrical conductivity (EC). Furthermore, the study indicated that the application of FPM had the ability to reduce the soils exchangeable Na content. Thus, FPM has A. Fantaye

Combined Application of Filter Cake and Macadamia Husk Compost Affects Soil Fertility and Plant Mineral Content of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes

“…Soil treatment with both organic wastes successfully corrected the P deficiency in the initial soil. Soil amendment with filter cake has not only increased soil P but also other soil nutrients such as extractable soil Ca and Mg [5,25]. Lack of adequate soil P is a common occurrence in the study area [22,28].…”

“…In addition to P, other macro-and micronutrients that are present in filter cake and macadamia husk compost include potassium (K), manganese (Mn) and Cu. Filter cake had higher contents of most of the nutrients when compared to macadamia husk compost [18,25]. When these nutrients are released into the soil, they alter the existing soil mineral content and ultimately have the capacity to alter the nutrient composition of the shoot and storage roots of sweet potatoes grown in the soil.…”

Sustainable Valorization of Waste and By-Products from Sugarcane Processing

“…Being a waste rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and organic matter [186], press sludge can be used as soil fertilizer [187,188]. Its usefulness in reducing soil degradation through crusting, cracking, erosion, and compaction has been demonstrated [28].…”

Consequences of Compost Press Mud as Fertilizers

“…The core index of the soil is improved followed by increase in the total porosity and degree of saturation. [9] Since sugar filter cake is rich in nutrients, its application to the soil as manure results in better yield. It is examined that there is increase in organic carbon.…”