Physico–Chemical Evaluation of Agro–Waste Formulated Compost from Five Different Waste Source

Annually, millions of tons of organic wastes are generated in Nigeria. More than half of this waste contains the animal waste. Immaturity of these animal wastes has been widely recognized as one of the major problems facing their composting process and their subsequent application to land use. Hence, the need to evaluate their physico-chemical properties for safe agricultural practices is necessary. The objective of this research work was to evaluate the physico-chemical indices of agro - wastes formulated compost from five different waste sources. The research was designed in five set ups comprising of plant and animal wastes for a period of seven weeks. The parameters measured were temperature, pH, conductivity, total organic carbon, nitrogen concentration, moisture content, bulk density, carbon-nitrogen ratio. Standard methods were used. The results revealed that the samples were moderate in temperature, lower acidity to alkalinity in pH, high conductivity, total organic carbon, bulk density, carbon nitrogen ratio, but low nitrogen concentration and moisture content. There were not significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatment setup. The evaluated parameters in each setup compared favorably with the control (matured compost) with sequel to time. Agro-waste should therefore be allowed to attain maturity and have acceptable range of physico-chemical parameter values before being applied as manure.