Optimizing crop growth is one of the important factors in modern agriculture. In particular, bagasse is becoming a smart solution to improve sustainability in agriculture and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

In this article, BB Agri will guide you through the simplest steps of composting bagasse as fertilizer for plants!

What is the effect of bagasse on the soil?

Bagasse, the product left after sugarcane has been ground to make sugar, is often treated as a byproduct and released. However, bagasse has great potential in providing nutrients to plants. It contains many important nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with organic compounds that help improve soil structure.

The following are the benefits of using fertilizer from bagasse:

Environmental sustainability: The use of fertilizers from bagasse minimizes the release of harmful substances into the environment, such as chemical radioactivity from traditional fertilizers. This helps contribute to the protection of the natural environment and maintain ecological balance.

• Cost savings: Bagasse is often available in sugar factories, which reduces the cost of fertilizer feedstock.
• Improve soil quality: Fertilizer from bagasse improves soil structure, increases water and nutrient retention, and helps plants grow healthier.
• Increase agricultural production: The use of fertilizers from bagasse can increase the yield and quality of crops, bringing economic benefits to farmers.

The effect of bagasse on the environment when not treated

Bagasse, a byproduct of sugar processing, is causing a serious problem related to environmental pollution. According to the Vietnam Sugarcane Association, there are about 41 refined sugar processing factories operating on the contracted sugarcane plantation, up to 257,546 hectares, sugarcane production reached 15.76 million tons.

When processed, sugarcane produces about 4.5 million tons of bagasse, 500,000 tons of bagasse and 500,000 tons of molasses annually. Previously, 80% of this bagasse was burned to produce heat in sugar mills, while the remaining 20% was used to make plywood. Molasses is commonly used in the production of alcohol, main noodles, and many other microbiological technology applications.

However, the ash, and especially the sludge, is not used efficiently and often has to be dumped into open land, leading to serious environmental pollution. Notably, sludge contains many valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, sulfur and calcium, which can be reused as organic fertilizer for plants.

Given this situation, composting bagasse into organic fertilizer is a positive solution that not only helps reduce environmental pollution but also makes the most of the nutritional value of bagasse to promote sustainable development in the agricultural industry. This means supporting an environmentally friendly business model that creates long-term benefits for both communities and ecosystems.

Factors affecting the process of carrying out bagasse and vegetable fertilization

Bagasse plays an important role in providing nutrients to plants, and to ensure good quality final product, you need to understand the important factors that affect the brewing process. Here are the main factors affecting the results of the vegetable fertilization process of bagasse:

Bagasse size

The size of bagasse greatly affects the decomposition process. Small bagasse (about 3-50cm) has a large surface, which speeds up decomposition. However, if the size is too small, it can block gas circulation and reduce microbial activity. Conversely, bagasse that is too large can create large grooves, affecting the incubation temperature and not killing pathogens.

Temperature affects the incubation process

Temperature plays an important role in the breakdown of bagasse. The optimum temperature level is about 50-60 degrees Celsius. At this temperature level, composting active microorganisms resolve best. You can adjust the temperature by adjusting the humidity, covering material, and inversion.

Humidity during incubation

Moisture is an indispensable factor for the development of microorganisms. To ensure the right humidity (about 50-60%), you need to observe the bagasse material so that there are traces of water flowing but not dripping. Humidity that is too low (less than 30%) can limit microbial activity, while too high humidity (over 65%) can cause odors and nutrient leakage.

Bagasse incubation period

The incubation time of bagasse for vegetable application depends on the method of incubation. The application of fertilizers before reaching the required time can lead to problems such as organic matter that has not fully decomposed, an unpleasant rotten smell and the existence of microorganisms harmful to plants.

Steps to compost bagasse for vegetable fertilization

Bagasse is an extremely valuable resource, widely used in many different fields. Known as a versatile raw material, bagasse has been wisely utilized to serve many different purposes such as packaging production, animal feed, or even in pulp production.

Bagasse has many important applications in agriculture, especially in vegetable composting. Instead of throwing away bagasse after squeezing the juice, farmers can leverage this material to produce quality and cost-effective fertilizer. Here are detailed instructions on how to compost bagasse for vegetable fertilization.

Preparation of raw materials

Before starting the bagasse composting process, make sure you have fully prepared the following ingredients:

• Bagasse and sludge from the sugarcane pressing process.
• NPK fertilizer 5-10-3.
• Superphosphate fertilizers.
• Emzeo probiotics.
• Bile leakage.
• Powdered lime.

Besides, you also need tools such as scales, tarpaulins, shovels, hoes, and containers. To ensure the quality of raw materials, buy them at reputable agricultural stores.

Carry out bagasse composting

Here are the detailed steps to carry out the process of composting bagasse for vegetable fertilization:

Start with crushing bagasse. Note that it should not be crushed too small or too large so as not to interfere with the decomposition process.

Next, mix the crushed bagasse well with slurry residue, NPK fertilizer, superphosphate fertilizer, and powdered lime. Make sure the layer of this material mixture has a thickness of about 20-30 cm.

Then you need to dilute the Emzeo probiotic in the proportions indicated on the package. Water the diluted Emzeo preparation onto a previously thinly spread layer of material.

Cover the tarpaulin on top of the compost pile, ensuring a height of about 1.5-2m. During the incubation process (about 3-4 days), check the compost pile temperature and humidity. Always mix well and maintain a temperature of about 50-60 degrees Celsius. After about 10-15 days, the bagasse fertilizer will rot and be ready to use for your vegetable garden.

Conclude

Bagasse for vegetable fertilization is an economical and effective solution for farmers. By following the above steps and using quality raw materials, you can utilize bagasse effectively to promote the growth of vegetable garden crops.

To order bagasse or bagasse pellets at the best price, please contact BB Agri via hotline number 0763218247. We are committed to providing quality raw materials at the most competitive prices in the market!