Study on the Effect of Adding Zeolite and other Bio-Adsorbance in Enhancing the Quality of the Palm Based Vermicompost

Abstract

This research work deals with the production of vermicompost from empty fruit bunch (EFB) blended with cow dung using an epigeic earthworm known as Eudrilus Eugeniae. The vermicomposting mixture was carried out in a humid environment with moisture content between 70% to 80% and a pH of between 6 to 8. Natural zeolite, such as clinoptilolite and charcoal were mixed with vermicompost at different ratios and prior to being pelletized. The highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) was observed at 10% of zeolite (Z2) and 20% of charcoal (C4) mixtures. The proportion of 10% zeolite in the mixture resulted in the highest of Cu reduction by 44% and manganese by 60% and in addition the 15% charcoal caused the highest reduction of iron (Fe) by 32%. A significant decrease in carbon to nitrogen C/N ratio and an overall increase in total nitrogen, total available phosporous and total potassium were also discussed in this paper.

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