Vermicomposting manure-paper mixture with igneous rock phosphate enhances biodegradation, phosphorus bioavailability and reduces heavy metal concentrations.

ABSTRACT: In organic soil fertility management, rock phosphate (RP) is gaining momentum as an acceptable phosphorus source, though much of this P is not bioavailable for plant uptake, particularly in igneous RP. This study evaluated the nutrient solubilization, biodegradation and heavy metal concentration when cow dung - waste paper mixture amended with increasing rates of igneous RP was vermicomposted with E. fetida. The cow dung was optimized to a C/N ratio of 30 using waste paper and amended with RP to provide 0%; 2%; 4% and 8% of elemental phosphorus on a dry w/w basis. Incorporation of RP at 2% and 8% P enhanced compost biodegradation resulting in a 12% and 22% significantly (P < 0.001) lower final C/N ratio, respectively, compared to the control; together with higher humification

SUBMITTER: Mupondi LT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6106700 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature