417561

Comparative evaluation of the biological, chemical properties, and nutrient content of Tithonia diversifolia and Cassava peel composts as sustainable soil amendments

Article

Last updated: 29 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices necessitates exploration of organic waste materials as effective soil amendments. This study evaluated microbial activity, chemical properties, and nutrient content of compost derived from cassava peels and Tithonia diversifolia in a 1:3 ratio by dry weight, each mixed with poultry manure under controlled conditions. Throughout composting process, parameters such as temperature, pH, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, microbial activity, and nutrient content were evaluated. Nutrient contents were determined according to standard procedures and data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at α=0.05. Results showed that cassava peel compost (CPC) maintaining higher bacterial counts, peaking at week 6 (11 x 10⁷ cfu/ml), while Tithonia Compost (TC) peaked earlier at Week 4 (7.2 x 10⁷ cfu/ml). Fungal counts were consistently higher in CPC. Moisture content decreased over time, with CPC retaining slightly more moisture than TC. Temperature trends revealed higher initial temperatures and microbial activity in CPC, peaking at 62.2°C, while TC peaked at 57.6°C. CPC exhibited a mildly acidic pH (6.67) that gradually increased to neutral/slightly alkaline levels by end of composting, while TC was consistently alkaline, stabilizing at 8.37. TC exhibited higher nutrient content, attributed to its rich organic matter and lower C/N ratio, which expedited microbial decomposition and high nutrient release. However, CPC had a higher C/N ratio and fungal activity resulting in gradual nutrient release. Complementary use of TC and CPC on field trials is recommended to assess their long-term effects on soil health and crop yield under different agronomic conditions.

DOI

10.21608/ejar.2025.351937.1630

Keywords

Cassava Peel, Tithonia, compost, nutrient content

Authors

First Name

Adeyinka K.

Last Name

Adebayo

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Email

adebayokehinde0410@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

0009-0000-3750-4008

First Name

Samson O.

Last Name

olanipekun

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Email

olainoekunsam@yahoo.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Folake B.

Last Name

Anjorin

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Email

folakeawoeyo@yahooo.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Tolulope E.

Last Name

Ogedengbe

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Email

etititolu@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

Volume

103

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

53123

Issue Date

2025-01-01

Receive Date

2025-01-10

Publish Date

2025-03-23

Page Start

102

Page End

111

Print ISSN

1110-6336

Online ISSN

2812-4936

Link

https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_417561.html

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http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=417561

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10

Type

Original Article

Type Code

1,041

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research

Publication Link

https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Comparative evaluation of the biological, chemical properties, and nutrient content of Tithonia diversifolia and Cassava peel composts as sustainable soil amendments

Details

Type

Article

Created At

29 Mar 2025