ABSTRACT
The present study demonstrated the bio-conversion of fish industrial processing wastes into organic fertilizer through co-composting technology using Sugarcane bagasse and Cowdung substrates. The matured fish co-composts were evaluated for physico-chemical and spectroscopic properties and seed germination assays to confirm non-toxicity for application as organic soil input. Chemical analysis revealed high levels of macronutrients (NPK) in fish and sugarcane bagasse co-compost. In contrast, high level of micronutrients (Mn, Cu, Fe) was estimated in fish and cowdung co-compost. The absorption ratio (E4/E6) values confirmed high humification degree and good maturity levels. FTIR analysis detected presence of different functional moieties such as hydroxyl group of alcohols (3280 cm-1); amide I band (1636 cm-1) etc. A sharp intense peak located at 1031 cm-1 indicated better degradation of polysaccharides into simple carbohydrates confirming the maturity of the organic matter. Phytotoxicity assays performed with different concentration of aqueous extracts of co-composts demonstrated good seed germination effect on Trigonella foenum-graceum confirming non-toxicity and growth promotion effects. Based on the findings of the study, sugarcane bagasse and cowdung could act as better substrates for effective transformation of fish wastes into organic fertilizer for application as organic amendment to enrich soil fertility.
