Preparation And Characterization Of Organic Compost As An Eco-Friendly Alternative To Chemical Fertilizers

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of compost as a sustainable alternative, preparation and characterization of compost to evaluate its efficacy as a substitute for chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices and examines the effects of compost application on soil fertility, plant growth, and environmental sustainability. The preparation process involves the collection and segregation of organic waste materials, including kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, poultry manure. Plant trials are conducted to compare the performance of compost with chemical fertilizers in terms of crop yield, nutrient uptake, and soil health indicators. Characterization of the compost is conducted through physio-chemical analyses. Physical properties such as pH (6.44) (calculated with digital multimeter) and moisture content (33.4) (measured by Digital oven) are assessed to determine the suitability of compost for soil application. Chemical analysis includes the quantification of compost and chemical fertilizer such as nitrogen (measured with Micro Kjeldahl method), phosphorus and potassium (measured with Spectrophotometry method), along with organic matter content (measured with Incinerator). The percentage for compost (NPK) is (0.7%, 0.75%, 2.5%) and chemical fertilizer (0%, 2.50%, 0%). According to this research, composting offers a comprehensive way to support sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change challenges by increasing soil fertility, lowering environmental pollution, and promoting agricultural resilience. Composting is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.