Assessment of the Feasibility Of Waste Food Conversion into Organic Fertilizers For Sustainable Agriculture In Bindura Town
- Author
- Ashley, M. Manenji
- Title
- Assessment of the Feasibility Of Waste Food Conversion into Organic Fertilizers For Sustainable Agriculture In Bindura Town
- Abstract
- The study sought to assess the feasibility of waste food conversion into organic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture in Bindura town. The study were designed to characterize types of waste food generated in restaurants, supermarkets, and other food outlets in Bindura Town, assess nutrient composition of waste food for organic fertilizers and evaluation of final product quality for potential utilisation in plantain production. An aerobic type of compost was used in the form of buckets. Waste food such as leftovers, fruits, vegetables and expired food from supermarkets, restaurants and food outlets were collected for composting. During the composting period temperature and moisture contented were monitored after every three days. Results were tested in the lab after 36 days for potential organic fertilizer and analysed using IBM SPSS v20. The results indicate that this research endeavour is deemed successful, as the organic compost produced from the food waste composting can be utilized as a fertilizer. This is because the nutrient content of the compost falls within the acceptable range for a mature, high-quality fertilizer. Specifically, the compost contains 0.9% total Nitrogen, 0.8% total Phosphorus, and 0.4% total Potassium. Furthermore, the final compost product exhibits a soil-like aroma and a dark brown coloration, indicating it has reached sufficient maturity for application.
- Date
- JUNE 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Waste Food, Organic Fertilizers, Sustainable Agriculture
- Supervisor
- Mr A Kundhlande
- Item sets
- Department of Natural Resources
- Media
-
Manenji - NRM.pdf