Effectiveness of Rural Waste Materials as Natural Fertilizers on Sustainable Soil Fertility and Productivity in Myanmar

Abstract

This research aimed to study the effect of waste materials from rural area as natural organic fertilizers on the soil fertility and crop production. Three natural fertilizers (defatted sesame meal; DSM, bat guano; BG and wood ash) and one commercial organic fertilizer (vedagro) were applied in radish (Raphanus sativas L.)  cultivation at the Hinthada Township (at 17°38ʹ latitudes north and 95°27ʹ longitude east), Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar in 2013. Initial soil was found medium in K, moderately low in N, Mg, very high in Ca, P and the texture was assigned as silt loam and moderately alkaline. Three fertilizer treatments viz., DSM +Ash (1:1w/w), natural (1:1:1 w/w of DSM+BG+Ash) and Vedagro along with control (no fertilizer) were applied. The nutrient value and growth parameters in radish and the NPK contents of the soil after harvesting are also providing high results in the natural fertilizer treatment as well as Vedagro treatment. From these results, it can be inferred that application of this natural fertilizer can prevent soil nutrient depletion by cultivation of the plants and other environmental factors. These waste materials are available on or near the farm and recommended as cost effective and beneficial organic fertilizers.