Review Article
Vermicompost as Organic Amendment: Effects on Some Soil Physical, Biological Properties and Crops Performance on Acidic Soil: A Review
Getachew Mulatu*
,
Adugna Bayata
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
66-73
Received:
6 November 2024
Accepted:
25 November 2024
Published:
19 December 2024
Abstract: One of the most precious natural resources is soil, which provides ecological functions necessary for life's survival and sustenance. Therefore, preserving and enhancing soil health is crucial for agricultural and ecological sustainability. However, careless application of mineral fertilizer lowers fertility and organic matter and has negative impacts on the environment, ground water quality, and soil health, whereas the use of organic amendments is essential for enhancing soil health. In order to improve the physical, biological, and crop productivity of acidic soil, this review emphasizes the potential of vermicompost as a soil conditioner. Thus, adding organic amendments to soil is a management tactic that can boost microbial populations, activity, and variety, enhances soil fertility and improve soil structure. Vermicompost (VC) is one type of organic amendment that is created when earthworms and soil microorganisms interact. The end product has a high degree of maturity, high porosity, aeration, drainage, water storage capacity, and microbial activity. As a result, applying this amendment encourages biological activity, which raises the soils' potential for production both directly through increased nutrient availability and indirectly through improved physical characteristics. Similarly, the addition of vermicompost (VC) to soil raised its pH levels, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and total organic carbon; it also enhanced the soil's cation exchange capacity, microbial biomass carbon, micronutrient content, and nitrogen content, all of which increased crop yield. In addition to raising crop yield and improving soil quality and nutrient availability, vermicompost also strengthens crop resistance to pests and diseases. By adding essential nutrients, humic acids, growth-regulating hormones, and enzymes to the soil, it acts as an organic fertilizer that improves plant nutrition, photosynthesis, and overall crop quality.
Abstract: One of the most precious natural resources is soil, which provides ecological functions necessary for life's survival and sustenance. Therefore, preserving and enhancing soil health is crucial for agricultural and ecological sustainability. However, careless application of mineral fertilizer lowers fertility and organic matter and has negative impa...
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Research Article
Antimicrobial Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on Dental Caries-causing Bacteria
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
74-83
Received:
11 July 2024
Accepted:
12 August 2024
Published:
19 December 2024
Abstract: This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on dental caries-causing bacteria. Standard microbiological techniques were carried out on samples obtained from patients at St. Luke Hospital, Anua, Uyo. The percentage occurrence of five bacterial isolates obtained included: Enterococcus faecalis (20%), Corynebacterium sp (10%), Bacillus sp (5%), Lactobacillus acidophilus (25%) and Streptococcus mutans (40%). The ethanol extract of lemongrass and thyme as well as the phytochemical analysis were determined. The results revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids and phenols in lemongrass. It also showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids in thyme. Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanol extracts of lemongrass and thyme were also determined. The results indicated that at 100% concentration, Bacillus sp (25.5 mm) exhibited more susceptibility; Enterococcus faecalis (19 mm) exhibited the least susceptibility and Corynebacterium sp was resistant to the ethanol extract of lemongrass. Enterococcus faecalis (32 mm) exhibited the highest susceptibility while Streptococcus mutans (14 mm) exhibited the least susceptibility to the ethanol extract of thyme. Bacillus sp and Enterococcus faecalis exhibited the lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value which was 6.25 mg/ml. In this study, lemongrass and thyme proved to be potential antimicrobial agents against dental caries-causing bacteria.
Abstract: This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on dental caries-causing bacteria. Standard microbiological techniques were carried out on samples obtained from patients at St. Luke Hospital, Anua, Uyo. The percentage occurrence of five bacterial isolates obta...
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Research Article
Effect of Cleaning Milk Equipment with Plant Material on Microbial Load, Quality and Organoleptic Character of Milk
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
84-88
Received:
29 October 2024
Accepted:
12 December 2024
Published:
30 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.fem.20241004.13
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Abstract: Ensuring the safety and quality of milk requires effective sanitation of milk-handling equipment to minimize microbial contamination. This study examined the antimicrobial effectiveness of Eucalyptus globulus and Ruta chalepensis as natural cleaning agents compared to conventional synthetic detergents. Equipment cleaned with plant-based solutions significantly reduced microbial loads, including total bacterial count (TBC), coliforms, and lactic acid bacteria (TLAB), with reductions exceeding those observed with conventional detergents (p < 0.05). Lower titratable acidity in milk processed using plant-treated equipment indicated delayed spoilage and extended shelf life. Sensory evaluation by trained panelists revealed improved flavor, texture, and overall acceptability in milk cleaned with plant-based agents, outperforming detergent-cleaned samples (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial properties of Eucalyptus globulus stem from its phytochemicals, such as eucalyptol and α-pinene, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes, effectively targeting gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Ruta chalepensis owes its antibacterial activity to phenolics and flavonoids, which inhibit bacterial growth through oxidative stress and enzyme disruption. These bioactive compounds contribute not only to reduced microbial loads but also to enhanced sensory qualities of milk, making the plant-based agents promising alternatives to chemical cleaners. The findings suggest that Eucalyptus globulus and Ruta chalepensis offer sustainable, eco-friendly solutions for dairy sanitation, effectively reducing microbial contamination while enhancing milk quality. These natural agents align with the growing consumer preference for environmentally sustainable practices in food production. Further research is recommended to optimize their application methods, evaluate residue safety, and investigate their long-term impact on milk-handling equipment and microbial resistance patterns. By integrating these plant-based solutions into dairy sanitation practices, producers can achieve safer, higher-quality milk while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Abstract: Ensuring the safety and quality of milk requires effective sanitation of milk-handling equipment to minimize microbial contamination. This study examined the antimicrobial effectiveness of Eucalyptus globulus and Ruta chalepensis as natural cleaning agents compared to conventional synthetic detergents. Equipment cleaned with plant-based solutions s...
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