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Organic soil improvement with pellets produced from poultry manure, an alternative to chemical fertilizers in order to reduce the soil and water pollution

Abstract:

In Ecuador and in the Andean region there is a demand for organically produced fruits and vegetables. However, there are some issues related to organic production: 1) The use of an organic soil stabilizer to grow vegetables and fruits is widespread as the consumer prefers to buy organic products, but there are low standards for a proper production and application of organic fertilizers in Ecuador; 2) Farmers use organic matter -such as chicken manure- mostly directly on their fields, which can potentially produce a negative impact on crop production; and 3) Inappropriate handling of chicken manure can contaminate water sources and affect the environment. Poultry manure can contribute to crop production by the supply of nutrients and addition of organic matter to soil. However, its application requires technical support and the development of handling guidelines to protect human and environment health. The association Yaku and You develops and implements in a pilot project the drying, enrichment with nutrients and pelletization of poultry manure to reduce its negative impact and to improve crop growth. The aim is to show an example how to properly use manure as a nutrient source while reducing pollution in agriculture.