Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Biogas Slurry as an Organic Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture

Ritu Nagdev; Shakeel Ahmad Khan; Renu Dhupper

doi:10.18006/2024.12(4).634.644

Authors

Ritu Nagdev Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shakeel Ahmad Khan ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
Renu Dhupper Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2024.12(4).634.644

Keywords:

Chemical fertilizer, Biogas slurry, Soil fertility, Sustainable agriculture and environment

Abstract

Chemical fertilizers have been extensively used for growing crops and controlling plant diseases, but they pose potential hazards to the environment, soil health, plants, and people. The current world situation highlights the need to implement eco-friendly agricultural practices for sustainable crop production. Using environmentally friendly manure, such as biogas slurry, can help reduce the negative effects of chemical fertilizers. Biogas slurry is an efficient waste material and organic fertilizer, making it an ideal supplement for sustainable crop production and waste management. An experiment was conducted at IARI, New Delhi, to explore the nutrient potential of biogas slurry. The main objective of this study was to assess biogas slurry's physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient contents. Samples of biogas slurry were collected in three replications and analyzed using standard methods for macro and micronutrients. The data revealed that biogas slurry has a pH of 7.2-8.5, EC of 1.06 to 1.12 dS/m, and organic carbon content of 41.7 to 45.8%. In terms of fertility, it contains significant amounts of nitrogen (1.98-2.17%), phosphorus (0.97 to 1.15%), and potassium (1.98 to 2.17%). Additionally, biogas slurry contains micronutrients such as Zn (0.023-0.027 ppm), Cu (0.005-0.009 ppm), Fe (0.32-0.38 ppm), and Mn (0.089-0.094 ppm). Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Post Hoc tests indicated that the mean data values among all three replications do not differ significantly. Therefore, it can be concluded that the nutritive value of biogas slurry is sufficient to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agriculture. It represents an optimal long-term organic remedy for developing fertile soil, ensuring enduring agricultural productivity, and mitigating the negative environmental impacts associated with waste management.

Author Biographies

Ritu Nagdev, Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP), RC, New Delhi, India

Shakeel Ahmad Khan, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India

Renu Dhupper, Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

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