Combining Kitchen Waste and Cow Dung Bio-slurry have Synergistic Effects on Growth and Yield of Shade Net Grown Swiss Chard
Allan Mwajoha
*
Pwani University, P.O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
Elisha Otieno Gogo
Pwani University, P.O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
Simon Muti
Pwani University, P.O. Box 195-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
Thomas Rewe
Great Lakes University of Kisumu, P.O. Box 2224-40100, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bio-slurry fertilizer source feedstock on the growth and yield of Swiss Chard. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Pwani University integrated biogas unit in Kilifi County. Treatments include a control (no fertilizer), 100% DAP+100% CAN, 100% kitchen waste bio-slurry, 100% cowdung bio-slurry, 50% DAP+50% CAN+50%kitchen waste bio-slurry, 50% DAP+50% CAN+50% cowdung bio-slurry and a combination of 50%kitchen waste bio-slurry and 50% cowdung bio-slurry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5%significance level. The results indicated that 100% kitchen waste bio-slurry led to the highest values in most growth parameters, while 100% inorganic fertilizer resulted in the highest chlorophyll content. Notably, the combination of 50%kitchen waste bio-slurry and 50% cowdung bio-slurry significantly increased leaf length (55.3%), plant height (58.9%) and yield (140.4%) compared to other treatments. The study concludes that a 50% kitchen bio-slurry and 50% cowdung bio-slurry mix is an effective alternative to inorganic fertilizers for growing Swiss chard.
Keywords: Bio-digester feed stock, bio-slurry, organic agriculture