Challenges and Prospects of Utilizing Treated Animal Manure as an Alternative Plant Nutrient Source in Hydroponics System – A Review

Abstract

Animal manure, when properly processed and treated, can be a valuable and sustainable nutrient source for hydroponic systems, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, and promoting efficient waste management in agriculture. This review article explores the research on using treated animal manure as fertilizer in hydroponic systems, examining its potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable crop production. The review article discusses the properties of animal manure, processing, and treatment methods, and its utilization in hydroponics. While animal manure provides a valuable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, challenges such as ammonia toxicity, imbalanced nutrient profiles, and contamination risks must be addressed. The study highlights the need for further research on optimizing nutrient requirements for hydroponic crops and developing new processing technologies to streamline the conversion of animal waste into usable nutrients. Ultimately, the successful integration of animal manure in hydroponic systems can contribute to circular agricultural models, minimizing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable agriculture.