EVALUATION OF RICE AND CASSAVA PROCESSING WASTES FOR SUITABILITY AS BIOFERTILIZER CARRIERS

OGBO  F C. and Odo, M O.

Abstract
Objectives: The quality of carrier is a vital factor in determining microbial load and shelf life of biofertilizers. Peat, a frequently used carrier is not readily available in many developing countries. Rice husk and cassava peels are abundant and practically of no economic value in these countries and thus satisfy two important requirements of materials to be used as carriers. 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. Promotion of plant growth (p ≤ 0.5) by test organism was not diminished after six weeks of storage in carrier made from rice husk.

Key words: Biofertilizer carriers, cassava peel, rice husk