Potential of Rice Husk and Cassava Peel as Carriers for Bio-fertilizer Production

Abstract

The quality of carrier is a vital factor in determining microbial load and shelf life of biofertilizers. Rice husk and cassava peels are abundant and practically of no economic value in many developing countries and thus satisfy two important requirements of biofertilizer-carrier materials. This study evaluated other properties necessary to confirm their suitability for this purpose. Low moisture content and bulk density, high porosity and good water absorption capacity of both materials suggest adequate environmental conditions within them for the growth and survival of inoculant organisms. Both carrier materials supported the growth of the test organism, thus suggesting the presence of nutrients and absence of toxicity. Rice husk showed potential for good shelf life. Promotion of plant growth (p ≤ 0.5) by test organism was not diminished after six weeks of immobilization in this carrier.

Keywords: Biofertilizer carriers; cassava peel; rice husk

Nig J. Biotech. Vol. 23 (2011) 1- 4