Comparison of chemical composition of compost fertilizer prepared by selected farmers from Ampara region

Abstract

Farmers in Ampara region depend on massive quantities of synthetic fertilizers.Now there is a tendency to produce and use compost fertilizer in agriculture among several farmers in this region.However their quality is not comparable with the synthetic ones. The following study was undertaken to determine the parameters of the compost prepared by individuals and units operating in this region, in terms of chemical composition andtheir nutrient contentand compare their relative nutrient index value.As an initiative, a total of six representative compost samples from this region were collected during April 2016. pH, EC, moisture content, WHC, NPK values, OC and sand content were analyzed by standard methods. Results revealed that none of the samples collected were satisfying all the standardparameters, may be due to the use of different feed stock as raw material, hence different composition and different time periods allowed for maturity by the different producers. However, one sample (sample no. 5) satisfied most of the standard quality parameters, such as pH of 6.5, EC of 0.476 dS m-1 , moisture content of 22%, 59.12% of WHC, 0.5789% of potassium content, 20.03% of OC, 0.8967% of total nitrogen content, a C/N ratio of 22:1 and with a nutrient index of 1.75.Phosphorus and sand content of almost all the samples were deviating from recommended values. Sample number 5 was obtained from a farmer, who has undergone trainings in preparing compost fertilizer. Other samples showed deviation, from the acceptable range of measured parameters mainly due to the usage of improper ratio of feedstock and unhealthy maintenance of conditions throughout the composting period. A vigorous monitoring with periodical analyses of samples is recommended as a continued study.