BIOGAS PRODUCTION AND ASSESSMENT OF BIOFERILIZER POTENTIAL OF COW DUNG, POULTRY WASTE AND RICE HUSK
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study titled “biogas production and assessment of biofertilizer potential of cow dung, poultry waste, and rice husk” was carried out using the substrate individually and in different combination. The digesters were constructed using locally available peak tin can, and gas production was monitored for 48 days. Proximate analyses of the substrates were carried out to determine their moisture, ash, and organic matter content, while the resulting slurry were analyzed for elemental composition (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) using standard methods including Kjeldahl digestion, UV–Visible spectrophotometry, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results showed that poultry waste produced the highest total biogas yield (6145 cm³ at 1:4) and recorded the highest nutrient concentrations (3.2% nitrogen, 3.93 mg/L phosphorus, 2.95 mg/L potassium, 1.38 mg/L magnesium, and 2.45 mg/L calcium). Cow dung exhibited moderate biogas production (4905 cm³ at 1:4) and nutrient composition, while rice husk had the poorest performance, with low gas production (335 cm³ at 1:4) and nutrient content due to its high lignin and silica levels. Combination digesters produced intermediate values, demonstrating synergistic benefits when substrates were co-digested. Across all substrates, slurry at 1:4 dilution consistently overcome those at 1:12 in terms of nutrient concentrations, confirming that higher water ratios reduce nutrient density. Proximate analysis further revealed that poultry waste contained the highest organic matter (45%), correlating with its superior biogas and nutrient output, whereas rice husk contained only 5% organic matter, reflecting its limited degradability. Overall, the result indicate that poultry waste is the most promising substrate for both biogas production and biofertilizer development, followed by cow dung, while rice husk alone is less suitable. However, co-digestion of substrates remains beneficial for balanced nutrient release. The study recommends the application of 1:4 slurry as bio fertilizers in sustainable agriculture to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity
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