(5) The use of different levels of effluent from plastic biodigester loaded with pig manure for mulberry (Morus alba) tree growth

Chiv Phiny, Khieu Borin and Chhay Ty

Center for Livestock and Agriculture Development, UTA-Cambodia
POB 2423, Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia
Phiny_kh@yahoo.com
khieu_borin@forum.org.kh

Abstract

An agronomic trial was conducted from 25 August 2004 to 25 August 2005 during both dry and rainy seasons in the ecological farm of CelAgrid - UTA Cambodia. The trial included 6 treatments with 4 replications and  4 blocks according to a Complete Randomize Block Design. The effluent levels applied were 0, 100, 250, 400, 550 and 700 kg N/ha/year.

Effluent was applied every 7days. Mulberry was harvested for forage (cutting height 60 cm above ground level) after 3 months and again at 2 months intervals. The foliage was separated into stem and leaf + petiole and analyzed for dry matter and nitrogen. The biomass yield in DM and the crude protein content of the leaves indicated linear increases with level of effluent N applied.  The proportion of leaves in the foliage was in the range of 52 to 57% (DM basis) with no effect of effluent N level

Key words: Biodigester, biomass, effluent, manure, mulberry