(13-21) Elnasikh et al (2016) Use of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas L.) Seed Cake in Three Mixtures of Raw Materials for Compost Production
Maria H. Elnasikh*, Atif I. Abuali, Hashim A. Fadlalla, Hatim A. Ali, Amir E. Babiker and Eltayeb A. Mohamed
Environment, Natural Resources and Desertification Research Institute, National Centre for Research, P.O. Box 6096, Khartoum, Sudan
*Corresponding Author: mariaelnasikh@hotmail.com; Tel: 0123750706
Accepted: 1st December 2016, Published: 31st December 2016
Abstract
Seed cake of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is a major by-product of the biodiesel extraction process. Study on biological conversion of J. curcas seed cake (JSC) into added value product (compost) was carried out. Three mixtures (JSC + date palm leaves + cattle manure), (JSC + date palm leaves + chicken manure) and (JSC + date palm leaves + banana leaves), each of 65 kg and with the same carbon to nitrogen ratio (25:1) were formulated and fermented to produce three types of compost named as cattle, chicken and banana compost. The finished composts were assessed for the chemical properties. Results showed germination index exceeded 80% in 60 days of decomposition. Banana compost gave the highest nitrogen (2.66%) and organic carbon (29.35%) compared to cattle and chicken compost nitrogen (2.38%) and organic carbon of 28.01 and 27.80%, respectively. Nutrients content in the finished composts were within the desired levels, with banana compost showed the highest values. Huge quantities of JSC will be expected if J. curcas plantation succeeded. Therefore, the current finding is of utmost importance in eliminating such by-product through co-composting with other organic wastes, and that the commercial production of compost will increase the efficiency and profitability of J. curcas and bio-fuel industry.
Keywords: Barbados nut, composting, bulking agent, date palm leaves, germination index.
