Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
imbalanced use of the synthetic fertilizer and intensive cropping system. This may
cause low crop production and may affect of the physical properties of the soil and
ultimately pose environmental threat (Reynolds et al.
2002
). As an organic source
compost can be used instead of peat in horticulture and agriculture which can main-
tain the moisture level and prevent the crop from disease and provide nutrients to
crop plant (Liu
2000
).
Recently researchers are taking interest for oil palm EFB. Many companies
working in cultivation of oil palm are developing the methods to return EFB to field
due to its positive effects of mulching EFB on the oil palm production (Loong et al.
1987
; Gurmit et al.
1989
; Lim and Chan
1989
). There are different uses of compost
in agriculture, such as a source of fertilizer, soil ameliorant, top dressing for hay
crops and pastures and poting media (Oviasogie et al.
2010
). Soil water and nutrient
retention capacity could also be improved by composting as it helps to make soil
porous to provide favorable soil environment for root penetration also extend the
organic matter and lower the bulk density of the soil (Anon
2002
).
11.5.1
Main Uses of Bio-compost
Composting has an essential role to play in closing the organic loop, returning or-
ganic matter and precious essential nutrients to soil. There is a growing interest to
use composts within the agricultural and horticultural sector at present. Compost
in together the short- and long-term offer vast profit to soil as it is a contributor of
plant nutrients as well as creating a superior plant growing atmosphere within an
integrated soil fertility system.
11.5.1.1
Microorganisms
Upon addition of compost in to the soil, the value of micro organisms could be seen
in soil. During the composting process the harmful pathogens of human and plants
are destroyed. Different functions of the remaining beneficial microorganisms are
observed in plant and soil health (Barker
1997
).
11.5.1.2
Nutrient Conversion
The conversion of the organic nitrogen in to inorganic form is done by microbes
which are mostly found in soil and compost, and this process is known as miner-
alization. Mineralization process ensures the availability of the nutrients to plants.
Population of the beneficial microorganisms can be affected by the use of toxic pes-
ticides like methyl bromide to the soil/plants. Nutrient cycling microorganisms can
re-inoculate these soils with the help of compost. However, poorly treated compost
may reverse the mineralization process in soil (Barker
1997
).
