Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The increased demand for food production has created higher needs for crop nutrients and protection. Although synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have increased food security and ensured yield for farmers worldwide, there are growing concerns about the environmental implications of over reliance of these fertilizers and pesticides as well as concern for pest resistance due to persistent pesticide use. This study sought to evaluate alternatives towards soil nutrition and pest control. This experiment evaluated wether or not 50% diluted rabbit urine can be used as a bio fertilizer and/or biopesticide as a sustainable and affordable alternative. The experiment used kale also known as collards, Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C and aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) as test subjects. There was no statistical difference between pesticidal control experiments and urine sprayed experiments in number of aphids. The number of leaves and dry matter weight was statistically higher in rabbit urine treated experiments compared to negative control. We therefore conclude from this experiment that there was evidence that rabbit urine can be used as biofertilizer but not e as a pesticide aginst aphids. Given that we diluted rabbit urine in 1:1 with water, further investigations could be undertaken to evaluate higher concentrations of urine as well as combine rabbit urine with other pesticides such as neem oil.

Ongezeko la mahitaji ya uzalishaji wa chakula limesababisha mahitaji ya juu ya virutubisho pamoja na ulinzi wa mazao ya mimea. Ingawa mbolea sanisi na dawa za kuuwa wadudu zimeongezea usalama wa chakula na kuhakikisha mavuno kwa wakulima duinani kote, kuna ongezeko la wasiwasi kuhusiana na athari za kimazingira za mbolea hizi na dawa hizi za kuulia wadudu pamoja na upinzani wa wadudu kutokana na uzoefu wa utumiaji uliokithiri wa dawa hizi. Jaribio ili lilitathimini kama au la, asilimia hamsini ya mkojo wa sungura uliozimuliwa unaweza kutumika kama mbolea ya kibiolojia na/ au dawa ya kuuwa wadudu kama mbadala endelevu na nafuu kwa mbolea sanisi na dawa za kuulia wadudu. Jaribio hili lilitumia mboga za kale na wadudu wa aphids kama vigezo vya majaribio. Kulikuwa na ushahidi wa wastani ambao ulionyesha kwamba mkojo wa sungura unaweza kutumika kama mbolea ya mimea lakini hakukuwa na ushahidi wowote wa kuonyesha kuwa mkojo wa sungura unaweza kutumika kama dawa dhidi ya wadudu wa aphids. Ili kchunguza zaidi athari ya mkojo wa sungura kama dawa ya wadudu, kuna haja ya kutathmini viwango tofauti vya mkusanyiko wa mkojo pamoja na kuchanganya mkojo wa sungura na dawa nyingine za kuuwa wadudu kama vile mafuta ya mwarobaini.