Viable Tailored Organic Fertilizer Alternatives From Waste Produced by Bio-Diesel Extraction Process and Tobacco Industry

Rapid depletion of conventional sources of energy and the growing environmental concern of their use warrant urgent attention to look for suitable energy alternatives. In this regard the seeds of Jatropha curcas, constituting 40–50% bio-crude oil are considered as one of the most promising alternatives for the production of bio-diesel. It is estimated that about 1.5 tons de-oiled cake is produced from seeds obtained from one hectare of plantation, utilized for bio-diesel extraction process. Being non-edible due to its toxic contents, cost effective safe disposal of this by-product can only be possible if there is a meaningful utilization. India’s tobacco industry is the second largest in the world after China, having vast area under tobacco cultivation. The wastes from tobacco industry lead to significant environmental pollution that has severe impacts on both flora and fauna. A few studies on this aspect have revealed that Jatropha and tobacco bio-wastes have potential to be used as organic fertilizers. The present study aims at developing appropriate bio-processes and formulation that utilize Jatropha seed cake and waste of tobacco industry as organic fertilizer for improving the growth of Chrysanthemum, a flower variety valued for its beauty and fragrance and having wide applications in cosmetic and perfumery products. Pot experiments were carried out by adding specific proportions of Jatropha de-oiled cake and tobacco waste to normal garden soil. The growth and morphological parameters of Chrysanthemum plants grown in pots prepared by the treated soil were monitored for 4–5 months and the results were recorded. The results have been encouraging as the treatments lead to a significant enhancement in flower growth as well as yield. 11.5% increase in number of buds per plant was recorded for treated soil as compared to the control soil. The number of flowers per plant also recorded an increase of 16% to 24% due to the effect of formulation applied to the soil. Similar trends were observed for other parameters like flower size, flower head size, flower weight and ray floret number. Through experimentation new composted organic fertilizer formulations, tailored to specific commercial crop has been developed. The research findings would enable these bio-wastes to be used as a viable alternative to the energy intensive chemical fertilizers for floriculture, thus contributing to the mitigation of global climate change. This addition in the value chain would improve the financial viability of bio-diesel extraction process. This new synergistic organic fertilizer formulation when used as an alternative to nitrogenous chemical fertilizers would also provide an opportunity to earn carbon credits which is estimated to be € 67904 millions/year.