Ojukwu, Chukwuebuka N. and Covenant University, Theses (2024) ANAEROBIC DIGESTER APPLICATION TO PRODUCE ORGANIC MANURE FROM CASSAVA PEELS AND PALM OIL SLUDGE FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP GROWTH. Masters thesis, Covenant University.
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Abstract
This study explores environmental sustainability through a focused examination of innovative waste management approaches in agriculture. The primary emphasis is on the application of digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, as organic manure. Utilizing a purpose-built anaerobic digester compliant with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, a substrate mix comprising cassava peels, palm oil sludge, cow dung, crushed eggshells, and water underwent processing. The digestate extraction involved a constructed screw press designed to segregate liquid and solid components. The liquid fraction was stored at room temperature, while the solid fraction underwent a drying process. Transitioning to the planting phase, four experimental variables were introduced: a control group, soil with chemical fertilizer, soil with solid fraction of digestate fertilizer, and soil with liquid fraction of digestate fertilizer. Fertilization was applied at a rate of 1 gram per kilogram of soil. Over a two-month period, significant impacts on plant growth were observed across the various fertilization methods. Notably, the soil treated with liquid fraction of digestate fertilizer exhibited advantages in leaf count, stem width, and crop yield, culminating in a total yield of 99 seeds. In conclusion, the incorporation of digestate as organic manure demonstrates clear potential for enhancing sustainable agriculture practices. The specially designed anaerobic digester and screw press offers an economic waste-to-resource solution, supported by experimental outcomes highlighting the benefits of digestate. Recommendations include further research to optimize digestate composition and application methods tailored to crop-specific requirements. This study contributes insights to the evolving field of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing eco-friendly practices in waste management and crop cultivation.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Anaerobic co-digestion, Cassava peels, Palm oil sludge, Digestate, Sustainable crop growth. |
| Subjects: | T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Civil Engineering and the Environment |
| Depositing User: | Patricia Nwokealisi |
| Date Deposited: | 06 May 2024 15:45 |
| Last Modified: | 06 May 2024 15:45 |
| URI: | http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/17957 |
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