International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Vol. 1 (5), pp.156-161, July, 2012.  © International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Composting mulch of date palm trees through microbial activator in Saudi Arabia

Sadik M.W1*, Al Ashhab A.O 2, Zahran M.K3, Alsaqan F.M4

*¹Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Microbiology,Giza, Egypt

²Agric.Eng.Res.Inst, Giza, Egypt

³ Al Hofuf Stars Trading Est., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, P.O.220540

⁴Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding Author's E-mail: mahmoudsadik@alhofu fstars.com

Received July 06, 2012; Accepted July 23, 2012

Abstract

The main objective of the current study is producing high quality organic fertilizer in large scale using abundant  energy  resources  (Date palm trees  mulch  produced  from grinded  leafs,  trunks  and  roots) from  local  farms.  Date  palm  trees  mulch  (DPM)  was  mixed  with  fresh  farmyard  manure  (FYM) as nitrogen source. The mixtures were prepared by using 3 ratios (w/w) of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 (DPM : FCM).The C/N ratios were 44.3:1, 50:1 and 44:1 for mixtures 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Turned windrow method was applied in the composting process. The results showed that the temperature was increased up to 66, 69 and 68οC   for mixtures 1, 2 and 3, respectively and then decreased to 44, 45 and 45οC  by the end of the composting period for the above 3 mixtures. The final organic fertilizer had natural soil odor and brown in color. The final organic fertilizer C/N ratio recorded as 25:1, 12.5:1 and 23:1 for mixtures 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The loss in organic matter was also reached to 15.6 (mix 1), 29.54 (mix 2) and 20.00 % (mix3). The results found for mixtures of 2 and 3 were better than mixture 1, therefore these mixtures are considered to be the best for composting date palm trees mulch . Regulated elements (N, P, K, Organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, and TDS) were improved in all mixtures. The end product was free of salmonella, total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria.

Key Words: Date palm trees, Mulch, Cow manure, Organic Fertilizer