Mud press-based organic fertilizer production

Campaner et al. (SPAMAST) produced a mud press-based organic fertilizers through a project implemented in Davao del Sur from 2005 to 2006. The materials used were combination of 75% fresh mud press, 12.5% cow manure, and 12.5% ipil-ipil leaves. A 1-kg Trichoderma harzianum compost fungus activator (CFA) was used for every 100 kg of total substrates. Mud press and cow manure were locally available at the United Sugarcane Planters of Davao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (USPDMPC) at Tulogan, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Ipil-ipil leaves were taken from nearby barangays [villages] while CFA was taken from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Digos City. Findings of the study revealed the following: The organic fertilizer from mud press had the following nutrient contents: total nitrogen, 2.34%; total phosphoric acid, 4.32%; total potassium, 1.03%; copper, 130 ppm; zinc, 113 ppm; iron, 6225 ppm; manganese, 325 ppm; organic matter, 45.74%; pH, 8.07; moisture content, 19.78. the total amount of substrates was 32,786 kg of which 19,850 kg or 397 bags of organic fertilizer were produced. At P175/ sack, the gross income was P69,475. Total expense incurred was P54,501.90. Net income was P14,973.10. For every peso invested, the computed benefit was P1.27 ROI was 27.47%. The Davao del Sur Central Company produces approximately 21,000 t of mud press per milling. The USPD-MPC owns 1,000 head of cattle that produce 2 kg of manure/head per day. Ipil-ipil leaves are available in the locality. Hence, continuous supply of raw materials is guaranteed. This technology is intended for the 3000 members of the cooperative who are encouraged to use organic fertilizer for their 3,200 ha of sugarcane plantation. It is an efficient way of recycling farm wastes while reducing production cost from chemical fertilizer use. Procedure for the production of organic fertilizer is presented.