1.1 Introduction
Jatropha curcas seed cake (J.S.C.) is a useful organic byproduct containing considerable amounts of nitrogen, phosphrous, potassium and micronutrients. It can be considered as a green economy soil amendment. Jatropha curcas seed cake was used as an attempt to enhance soil health and to sustain soil productivity. Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose tree, which has a potential as an alternative source for biodiesel. All of its parts can be used for human food, animal feed, fertilizer, fuel and traditional medicine (Donlaporn and Worapot. 2011).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Jatropha curcas seed cake (J.S.C.) is a low-value by-product obtained after oil extraction during the preparation of biodiesel production. Increasing Jatropha curcas production as a biofuel source will increase the quantity of its seed cake. The seed cake left after extraction of oil provides high amounts of protein and essential amino acids. It containes also up to 58% of crude protein by weight and the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) contents are in the range: 3.2-4.5%, 1.4-2.1%, and 1.2-1.7%, respectively (Achten et al., 2008).
The presences of these elements are recognized as nutrients sources that are even higher than that of chicken or cow manure (Achten et al., 2008). Moreover, J.S.C. contains also primary and secondary elements required for plant growth such as trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and sodium (Saetae et al., 2011).
Fertilizers, no matter the kind, provide your plants with the macronutrients they need that might be in short supply in your soil. Organic and inorganic fertilizers deliver these nutrients in different ways. Organic fertilizers are natural, in that the nutrients they possess are strictly comprised of plant- or animal-based materials. Either by products or end products of natural processes, Cow manure, decaying leaves, and food compost are all forms of organic fertilizer (Mowbot, 2021).
Organic fertilizers release nutrients as they break down, improving the soil and its ability to hold water and nutrients. Given time, they make your soil and plants healthier and hardier. Organic fertilizers carry little risk of a toxic overdose of chemicals, but they require a breakdown of microorganisms to release nutrients, limiting their seasonal effectiveness and potentially increasing the amount of time they take to feed your plants (Mowbot, 2021).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Effectiveness of Organic Fertilizer Made from Jatropha Curcas Seed Cake.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that modern agriculture faces to new challenges and problems. One of the greatest threats is depletion in soil fertility. The inherent soil fertility decreases with an increase in soil cropping; especially when the essential nutrients taken up by crops are not replenished (Ilex EnvironSciences, 2018).
Zingore et al (2015) reported that land degradation associated with poor soil fertility leading to decreasing agricultural productivity is a problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) whereas Mungai et al. (2016) indicated that low soil fertility was among the factors that limit sustainable agricultural production in Central Malawi.
A decline in soil fertility leads to a number of consequences. These include a marked decline in crop productivity and food insecurity as the main consequence. The other consequences include less fodder for cattle, less fuel wood for cooking, and less crop residues and cattle manure to recycle nutrients. These effects often increase runoff and erosion losses because there is less plant cover to protect the soil (liu et al., 2018).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Effectiveness of Organic Fertilizer Made from Jatropha Curcas Seed Cake. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the characteristics of Jatropha seed cake in terms of Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus(P) and Potassium(K)
- To examine the effect of Jatropha seed cake and organic fertilizer on maize crop growth rate
- To determine the effect of Jatropha seed cake and organic fertilizer on maize 100-seed weight
- To evaluate the effect of Jatropha seed cake and organic fertilizer on maize plant biomass
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the effect of Jatropha seed cake and organic fertilizer on maize crop growth rate?
- What is the effect of Jatropha seed cake and organic fertilizer on maize 100-seed weight?
- What is the effect of Jatropha seed cake and organic fertilizer on maize plant biomass?
- What are the characteristics of Jatropha seed cake in terms of Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus(P) and Potassium(K)?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Effectiveness of Organic Fertilizer Made from Jatropha Curcas Seed Cake. The maize crop was selected for the execution of this research work.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Proximate: Proximate is used in the analysis of biological materials as a decomposition of a human-consumable good into its major constituents.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of breaking down a something into its parts to learn what they do and how they relate to one another.
Value: Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine what is important to us.
Nutrition: Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life.
