Studies on Utilization of Decomposed Solid Waste Combined With Cow Dung and Poultry Manure for Urban Agriculture in the Tamale Metropolis

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2012
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The main aim of the research was to explore how disposal and treatment of solid domestic waste impacts urban crop production by urban farmers in the Tamale Metropolis. The research focused on decomposed solid waste soils by urban farmers and on-farm trails with combination of soil amendments, cow dung and poultry manures. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to gather data on the quantity of solid waste generated, methods used to collect and transport solid domestic waste. Decomposed solid waste was combined with the various soil amendments in the ratio of 1:1 used for cabbage cultivation. The soils were spread evenly on beds incorporated using hoe by tilling 30 days prior to transplanting cabbage seedlings to beds. A randomized complete block design with 4 replications of 5 treatments was used. Soil amendment treatments consisted of combinations of the following: decomposed solid waste soil with combination of poultry manure and cow dung. The parameters assessed to determine the impact of the various soil amendments on cabbage were weekly plant height for seven weeks and weights of cabbage heads at maturity. However, differences among the soil amendment treatments were not significant, but all soil amendment treatments resulted in significantly greater yields than the No input treatment. Significant differences in plant growth occurred beginning with week 2, and by week 7 plant growth differences among treatments paralleled trends in yield. Decomposed solid waste soils combined with cow dung and poultry manure resulted in depressed yields and plant growth as compared to the other treatments. Farmers formed the majority constituting sixty seven percent (67%). Respondents who lived in middle income areas formed majority with sixty seven percent (67%). Ninety-two (92) respondents representing twenty-four percent (24%) had availability of municipal cooperation dustbin while two hundred and ninety three (293) respondents representing seventy six percent (76%) had no access to municipal dustbin within 100 metres from their homes. The disposal of waste is done by both adults and children. One hundred thirty nine (139) respondents representing thirty six percent (36%) called for the provision of municipal cooperation waste bin. Thirty (30) respondents representing eight (8%) also called for residents to contribute by clearing bushes around homes. Seventy eight percent (78%) of respondent do not make financial contribution to the current waste collection systems. The study showed that one hundred and twelve (112) respondents representing forty four percent (44%) of the urban farmers use organic manure while seventy five (75) respondents representing twenty nine percent (29%) use inorganic fertilizers.
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A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Environmental Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in Partial Fulfillment of the Award of Master of Science in Environmental Science
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