Waste water minimization: Utilization of rubber latex residue and swine dung as fertilizer for Para rubber seedling growth

Abstract

Centrifuged residue of concentrated latex production is the by-product or waste of latex processing of the Hevea tree (Heveabrasiliensis). The 10-15% residue of fresh latex causes waste disposal cost and environmental problems for factories. Because this residue contains some nutrients (N, P, K) in available forms, it can potentially enhance para-rubber tree growth. However, this centrifuged residue (CR) has some small rubber pieces mixed within that needs to be blended to prevent soil problems. The waste of swine dung or manure (SD) has similar problems on farms. This waste contains some essential plant nutrients, but it requires a period of time for microorganisms to decompose into the available compounds for plant growth. Thus, the blended fertilizer of latex residue with swine dung can potentially act as a preferable blended fertilizer because the nutrients from both wastes can enhance the plant growth from the initial stage. The aim of this study was to study the feasibility and effectiveness of the blended fertilizer at consideration ratio of 1:1 (CR and SD) alone and at nutrient adjustment to equal to chemical fertilizer usage for Hevea tree as a study case. We found that the blended fertilizer was feasible for para rubber seedlings, from the view point of growth enhancement, soil properties and water leachates.