CHEMICAL, PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF TOWN REFUSE COMPOST AND CHICKEN MANURE AS ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Some important chemical, physical and biological characteristics of to wn refuse compost and chicken manures were investigated. The results o btained clearly indicated that both manures contain the principal elem ents needed for healthy plant growth. However, chicken manure contains more inherent characteristics which render its application to soil ad vantageous than does town refuse compost. Thus, being entirely organic in origin, chicken manure has, not unexpectedly, a higher content of nutrients. Moreover, it has a higher degree of water-holding capacity and is also easier to handle for practical use. These, and other prope rties are discussed.