Minna Safe House Manure Report for Community Garden

by SALIU OLUMIDE SAHEED

Our manure-making and application were done in two methods. We did solid composting and manure, we also did the compost tea.

For the Compost Tea

we the boys from the Humanist Safe House in Minna successfully implemented a sustainable agriculture project utilizing chicken feces to create compost tea for our soybeans farms. The project began with the purchase of chicken feces from nearby poultry, mixed with water, and left to ferment for 48 hours. This process produced a nutrient-rich compost tea that was teeming with beneficial microorganisms. The boys learned about the importance of soil health and the role of compost tea in promoting healthy microbial activity, which enhances plant growth and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. The compost tea was applied to the soy farms through foliar spraying and soil drenching. The boys observed significant improvements in soil structure, plant vigor, and yield. The soy plants treated with compost tea showed increased resistance to pests and diseases. This project demonstrated the potential of using locally available waste materials to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practice. The boys gained hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and developed a sense of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.

For the solid manure

We collected and processed locally sourced organic waste, including dried leaves, shredded newspaper, cardboard, straw, wood chips, dried grass clippings, coconut coir, eggshells, hair, fur, wool, cotton fabric, wood ash, rock dust, kelp meal, fish bone meal, and animal manure. These materials were decomposed in composting pits, resulting in nutrient-rich solid manure and compost. The boys maintained optimal composting conditions, ensuring adequate moisture, aeration, and mixing. We are waiting till After 12 weeks, the organic materials will have transformed into dark, humus-rich solid manure and compost. The finished product will be analyzed, revealing enhanced nutrient content ideal for soy farming. The solid manure and compost will be applied to the soy farms, significantly improving soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. This sustainable approach reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting ecosystem balance and environmental stewardship.

The success of this project has inspired us to expand the sustainable agriculture initiatives. Plans include establishing a compost tea production unit to supply other farmers in the community and exploring other innovative uses of waste materials in agriculture. The Humanist Safe House aims to replicate this model in other locations, promoting sustainable agriculture practices and empowering vulnerable youth to become agents of positive change in their communities. The project's impact extends beyond agricultural productivity, fostering environmental stewardship, and promoting food security and economic empowerment among marginalized groups.