Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers, lead to accumulation of injurious heavy metal ions, polluting the soil with precipitates of hydroxides, carbonates, sulphides and sulphates. These necessitate organic amendments to soil for environmental safety and soil health. One of the organic amendments is the coirpith. Coirpith is a bye-product of coir processing industry, producing more than 7.5 million tonnes of coirpith annually in India. The aged heaps of coirpith are readily available in the coir factory sites in the south India. Composition of raw coirpith Raw coirpith contains nitrogen (0.21-0.30%), phosphorus (0.09-0.10%), potassium (0.78-1.02%), calcium (0.35-0.42%), magnesium (0.36-0.70%), carbon (20-26%), cellulose (20-27%), lignin (25-30%), sulphur (0.04-0.20%), ash (2-7%), pentosan (9.5%), resin (1.28%), iron (1000ppm). The carbon: nitrogen ratio is 112:1. Composted coirpith The raw coirpith has several disadvantages and the high C: N ratio of coirpith is the basic reason for this. Hence composted coirpith is preferred over raw coirpith, for crop husbandry. Coirpith compost is used as a source of plant nutrition particularly for rice. When compared to other major nutrients the potassium is in higher quantity in the coirpith. Composted coirpith can be profitably utilized as a source of potassium for rice cultivation. In research findings it is seen that the use of inorganic potassic fertilizer can be reduced by 25% on application of coirpith compost. Organic Manures and their Manufacturers
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