MICROBIAL UPGRADING OF SHEA WASTES TO ORGANIC MANURE BY COMPOSTING WITH SAWDUST

Abstract

Agricultural-based industries produce vast amount of waste every year. The release of this waste without proper treatment leads to environmental pollution which is harmful to human and animal health. This study converted shea-waste to organic manure using sawdust as bulking agent. It determined the microbiological and physicochemical properties of shea waste (SW),sawdust (SD) and soil(SL) using standard methods. The shea waste and sawdust were mixed in the ratio (SW/SD) 1:1, 10:1, 10:5, and shea waste alone. The composting was done under aerobic condition by bin compost technique with frequent turning for proper aeration. The study identified the following bacteria in the SW, SD and SL; Streptococcus faecalis 12 (21 %), Bacillus subtilis 14 (24.56 %), Bacillus cereus 10 (17.54 %), Lactobacillus bulgaricus 7(12.28 %) Enterococcus faecalis 5 (8.77 % ) and Bacillus licheniformis 9 (15.79 %).The fungi identified were Aspergillus niger 15 (23.81 %), Aspergillus flavus 13 (20.64 %), Penicillium notatum 8 (12.70 %), Mucor pusillus 7 (11.11 %), Fusarium solani 8 (12.69 %), Candida tropicalis 3 (4.76 %), Candida parapsilosis 7 (11.10 %) and Trichophyton rubrum 2 (3.18%). These microorganisms were the active agents in the composting process. After 84 days, the compost matured and had the following parameters: pH 7.80, Urea 14.3 %, Nitrogen 1.72 %, Potassium 1.7 %, Phosphorous 1.76 %, Organic carbon 25 % and Moisture 47 %. These parameters suit an ideal organic manure of National and International Standards. The compost SW/SD (1:1) showed positive effects on plant (Zea mays) parameters such as leaf height, leaf number, plant height and leaf width as well as the yield. Shea waste which is abundant in northern parts of Nigeria can form a good manure when composted with sawdust to boost agriculture