PRODUCTION OF CALCIUM-RICH FERTILIZER USING EGGSHELL
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has driven the search for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic fertilizers, which often contribute to environmental pollution and soil degradation. One promising approach is the enhancement of agricultural and domestic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizers. Eggshell waste, which is abundantly generated globally as a by-product of the food industry and household consumption, offers a valuable source of calcium, primarily in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This research investigates the production of calcium-rich fertilizer utilizing eggshell waste, aiming to provide a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for soil nutrient management. In this study, waste eggshells were collected, washed to remove organic residues, dried and ground into fine powder to increase surface area and facilitate subsequent processing. The powdered eggshell was then subjected to acid treatment to convert calcium carbonate into soluble fertilizer enhancing its solubility and bioavailability for plant uptake. The produced product was characterized for its chemical composition, pH, and nutrient content using standard analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). To assess the agronomic effectiveness of the produced fertilizer, controlled pot experiments were conducted using selected test crops. Plant growth parameters, including germination rate, plant height, leaf number, and plant yield were monitored and compared with those obtained using commercial calcium fertilizers. The results demonstrated that the eggshell-derived fertilizer significantly improved soil pH and provided adequate calcium nutrition, leading to enhanced plant growth performance. This research highlights the dual benefits of waste reduction and nutrient recycling, contributing to the circular economy and sustainable agricultural development. The utilization of eggshell waste as a calcium-rich fertilizer offers a practical solution for managing food waste while promoting environmentally responsible farming practices, particularly in resource limited settings.
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