ISSN 2456-0235

International Journal of Modern Science and Technology

INDEXED IN 

​​​​​​​February 2020, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 59-64. 

​​​Co-Composting of Water Hyacinth with Cattle Manure and its Effects on Growth and Yield Of Okra

S. Akber, J. C. Joardar*
Soil, Water and Environment Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh.

​​​*Corresponding author’s e-mail: jcjoardar@swe.ku.ac.bd

​Abstract

​Water hyacinth (WH), a floating aquatic weed, has conquered many tropical water bodies including Bangladesh and is considered the most damaging weed of the world due to its harmful effects on watercourses and livelihood. Due to its rapid growth, it reduces clean water supply, causes problems in water extraction, blocks irrigation canals, increases transport costs and decreases fishing by making dense mats. As a management and utilization tool of this WH, co-composting of WH with cattle manure (CM) was done to produce a nutrient rich organic soil amendment. Co-composting of WH with CM was done at five combinations (WH:CM, 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). Prepared co-compost was analyzed for nutrient elements. Pot experiment was carried out to assess the effects of co-compost on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Organic carbon, P, K and Na content was higher in WH whereas N content was higher in CM. CM alone was found the best performer on the basis of growth and yield of okra plant. But WH in combination with CM, the ratio WH:CM, 1:2 was second best yielder. Considering the growth and yield of okra, WH in combination with CM (WH:CM, 1:2) could be efficiently used through co-composting. The approach used in this study could be a better practice for the areas people facing difficulties with WH and also might be a nutrient rich source of organic amendment for marginal farmers.

Keywords: Co-composting; Water hyacinth; Cattle manure; Okra; Organic amendment; Management.

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