Improving Soil Productivity Through Agro-Industrial Waste Recycling

Abstract

Disposal of enormous waste has been a source of worry since the introduction of intensive agriculture. Poor organic waste management is often associated with carcinogenic nitrosamines and in other cases methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome). It is therefore suggested waste high in nitrogen and phosphorus be managed to improve soil productivity rather than allowed to become environmental hazard. As a way of checking the development of environmental nuisance, rice husk was used as organic manure in fertilizing a sandy loam soil in Obubra, where mountain of the husk is found. Five levels of rice husk were used in the cultivation of upland rice as follows: O t/ha; 16.7 t/ha; 33.3 t/ha; 50 t/ha and 66.7 t/ha. In 1999, 50 and 66.7 t/ha of rice husk promoted growth significantly at 6, 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Tillering was not too distinct with all rates of application. Plots treated with 50 and 66.7 t/ha yielded significantly different from the others. In 2003, results of plant height and tillering were insignificant. Application rates from 16.7 to 66.7 t/ha were significantly different from 0 t/ha but not from each other. Considering the two years, the use of rice husk at the rates between 33.3 – 50 t/ha would promote soil productivity significantly. Instead of allowing these mountains of organic waste to poison surface and underground water, it should be packed in bags for use by farmers to increase agricultural productivity.

Key words: carcinogenic nitrosamines, environmental hazard, fertilizer, productivity, and rice husk

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol.2(1) 2004: 74-79