Biofertilizer from durian shell and seashell

Using durian shells and seashells to produce bio-fertilizer not only solves the problem of waste treatment but also turns waste into resources.

Durian peel can be processed into nutritious organic fertilizer for plants.

Solving the problem of agricultural waste

Author Nguyen Trong Hoa, an inventor in Tien Giang , has researched “Utilizing agricultural waste to produce organic fertilizer from durian shells combined with clam shells” to improve the soil. This research focuses on utilizing waste products such as durian shells, clam shells and other agricultural waste to create organic fertilizer, helping to reduce waste and environmental pollution, while improving soil quality and increasing crop yields.

Vietnam is currently a prominent country with durian growing areas, mainly in two regions: the Southeast and the Mekong Delta. In particular, Dong Thap is considered the durian “capital” of the South, with a growing area of up to 5,057 hectares in 2007. According to the local agricultural development strategy, durian is chosen to become the main crop, while developing high-quality specialized growing areas here.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Hoa said that durian peels account for more than 70% of the fruit’s weight and are still discarded without being utilized. This concentrated disposal causes environmental pollution, releases odors, attracts bacteria and fungi, and creates a burden in agricultural waste treatment.

Compost is an effective solution for waste treatment, turning organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer. In addition to reducing pollution, compost also promotes the decomposition and transformation of organic matter; Reduces the concentration of pollutants and toxins in the soil; Improves the physical and chemical structure, especially increasing porosity and water retention capacity; Improves soil fertility, increases crop yields (rice, corn, vegetables, beans, tea, forestry trees, etc.).

In Vietnam, many studies have shown that compost helps save chemical fertilizers and improve fertility. PH and Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio are two key indicators that determine compost quality.

Decomposition is effective when the pH fluctuates from 6 - 8 (bacteria work well at pH 6.5 - 8, fungi at 5 - 8.5); in the compost pile, the initial pH is ~6, drops to 4.5 - 5 due to acidity, then increases to 7.5 - 8.5 during the high temperature phase, then returns to neutral 5.5 - 6.5 when decomposition is complete. The addition of CaCO₃ from seashells helps stabilize the pH, maintain a favorable environment for microorganisms and shorten the composting time.

The research team investigated 6 treatments with different proportions of durian husk, coconut fiber, NPK fertilizer, Trichoderma preparation and oyster shell powder. In addition to durian husk and oyster shell powder, other ingredients included coconut peat, a small amount of NPK fertilizer, and Trichoderma preparation to promote decomposition. All were mixed every 3 days during the incubation process.

Improve crop yield and quality

Mr. Nguyen Trong Hoa said that after decomposition, NT5 (15% seashell, C/N 30) gave the best quality including organic matter content of 26%; total nitrogen 1.03%; P₂O₅ 0.23%; Potassium (K₂O) 1.01%; Microorganisms capable of decomposing cellulose ≥ 1×10⁶ CFU/g (meeting QCVN 01‑189:2019/BNNPTNT standard).

NT5 also gives outstanding results when used as fertilizer for mustard greens. Plants grown on beds with compost are significantly improved compared to control beds. Using this compost helps reduce treatment and chemical fertilizer costs; create a sustainable value chain from traders to farmers; increase income and quality of agricultural products; contribute to improving acidic, infertile soil.

According to him, reducing waste from durian shells and clam shells; creating fertilizers that meet standards; reducing farmers' costs; contributing to diversifying economic models in a closed chain; moving towards circular agriculture with no waste.

The exploitation of durian growing areas in Dong Thap shows that the amount of waste peels is extremely large. The purchase for compost production awakens the economic potential of the region; helps farmers and businesses connect into a closed chain, from production to land care, increasing the value of agricultural products and increasing farmers' income.

Author Nguyen Trong Hoa has developed a composting process system from durian shells combined with shell powder with the optimal formula NT5 (15% shells, C/N 30). The product contains high quality organic matter, microorganisms, NPK nutrients, meeting organic fertilizer standards. Field trials have proven the effectiveness of soil improvement and crop productivity, bringing great potential for wide-scale application.

This solution not only solves pollution caused by agricultural waste, but also provides a model for domestic, environmentally friendly fertilizer production, reducing chemical fertilizers. The introduction of compost into agricultural production orients towards clean agriculture, green economy and sustainable development for durian growing areas in particular and Vietnamese agriculture in general.

With the problem of treating durian shells and clam shells, the compost solution shows the ability to effectively solve pollution, regenerate soil, increase the value of agricultural products, and move towards a circular agricultural model with great potential and long-term effectiveness.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/phan-bon-sinh-hoc-tu-vo-sau-rieng-va-vo-so-post649504.html