Predicting Organic Waste Performance in Soil Treatment from X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis

Abstract

Abstract-Organic wastes refer to animal or plant based wastes that undergo natural biodegradation. In this study, the soil analysis was carried out on samples collected from a farm located on the out scares of Thokoza Township in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Farm operational site currently used for farming was once a waste dumping site. The moisture content of different samples was determined with an initial weight of 100g; each sample was placed in an oven and heated at 107 °C for 2 hours. The X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was used in the determination of samples composition. Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K) and Phosphorus (P) were mainly discussed in this study. Horse dung and crushed bones were reported more suitable as fertilizers due to large amount of K and P considered as potential plant growth catalysts. Wood saw dust revealed particularities in its effect on sand especially in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to analyse, compare and predict the impact of horse dung, crushed bones, and wood sawdust in the land remediation and fertility improvement.