WO2012085647A1

WO2012085647A1 - Organic fertilizer and a method for preparing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2012085647A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/003118
Authority: WO
Inventors: Waste Agro Organics Pvt. Ltd. Zero; Ben W. H. JAMES
Original assignee: Zero Waste Agro Organics Pvt Ltd; James Ben W H
Priority date: 2010-12-22
Filing date: 2011-12-22
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: AU2011346748B2

Abstract

The present invention provides a soil conditioning organic fertilizer with enhanced NPK values and other vital nutrients along with useful microbial population. The organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprises of total nitrogen at least 3%, total phosphorus at least 4%, total potassium at least 1%, other nutrients at least 5%, trace elements, useful microorganisms with count of IX 10⁶ to IX 10¹⁰ and average C:N ratio of 15:1. It is capable of giving a vital source of nutrients and fertilizer. Such organic fertilizer has physicochemical properties suitable for effective soil conditioning and providing structure to poor soil. The present invention also provides a method for producing an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprising; composting raw materials at a suitable static temperature and moisture for the requisite period, spraying microbial inoculants at a regular interval and adding liquid nitrogen at a specific period.

Description

TITLE

ORGANIC FERTILIZER AND A METHOD FOR PREPARING THE SAME. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an organic fertilizer and a method for producing the same. More particularly the present invention relates to an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning and fertilization and a method for producing such organic fertilizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agriculture is the main practice which can satisfy the major food requirement of mankind. The success of the crop production heavily depends on the condition of the soil. All over the world the soil condition is seen to be deteriorating due to continuous and repeated farming. Organic nutrients and useful microbes are increasingly becoming depleted in the soil. These and other activities of man are causing various kinds of damages to the soil including acidity, high salinity, compaction, desertification, degraded and over tilled soil. The soil condition is further deteriorated by agricultural practices involving overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Numbers of approaches are suggested to improve the condition of the soil, one of which is the use of the organic fertilizers. The natural organic soil conditioner often used is the peat moss, coco peat or Sphagnum peat. However, peat moss is merely a soil substrate with no nutrient value and microbial activity. It is also mined leading to environmental concerns and is an unsustainable practice. There are manmade fertilizers available in the market but most of these are made from commercial garbage and are neither organic nor marketed for agricultural use. The hitherto made attempts for producing organic fertilizers are again not very successful, as they need high cost raw materials and are not able to supplement the requisite NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) value as well as useful microbes. These factors have necessitated the development of soil conditioning organic fertilizer which can be produced from the low cost raw materials, is rich in nutrients, high in organic carbon and is efficient in putting the beneficial populations of microbes back into degraded soils.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Hence, in view of the foregoing background, in one aspect the present invention provides an organic fertilizer with enhanced NPK values and microbe populations suitable for conditioning soil.

In one embodiment the present invention provides an organic fertilizer comprising of total nitrogen at least 3%, total phosphorus at least 4%, total potassium at least 1%, other nutrients at least 5%, organic carbon at least 5%, organic matter at least 25%, trace elements, chloride content of less than 600 mg/kg, exchangeable sodium less than 15% and having average particle size at least 2 mm, pH at least 6, moisture content at least 25%, electrical conductivity at least 4 ds/m, water holding capacity at least 50%, effective cation exchange capacity at least 40% and microorganism count of IX 10⁶ to IX 10¹⁰. In another aspect the present invention provides a method for producing an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning using economical and easily available raw materials in an environmentally sustainable manner.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a method for producing an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprising steps of: providing the raw materials comprised of sugar milling press mud, sugar millings fiber bagasse and boiler ash in a specific quantities; forming windrows; wetting the windrows, leaving to repose for a specific period; spraying windrows with microbial inoculant; spraying the windrows with water to maintain the moisture content of at least 40%; adding rock phosphate in a specific quantity to each windrow; turning each windrow at least once per week; maintaining the optimum temperature and moisture of each windrow; leaving windrows to repose after the internal temperature drops below optimum temperature and does not reheat after spraying and turning; drying the compost to 20-30% moisture; adding liquid nitrogen in a specific quantity and screening.

In another aspect the present invention provides the use of the organic fertilizer for soil conditioning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

The present invention provides a soil conditioning organic fertilizer with enhanced NPK values and other vital nutrients along with useful microbial population.

The soil conditioning organic fertilizer is made at low cost using various input materials which are by-products of the sugar milling and distillery industries. Most of the raw materials are used in specific quantities which provide the best results in terms of the quality of the end product and fertilizer values. Such quantities also give the best results in terms of management of the production cost, wind rows and process, allowing control of the thermophilic composting process as well as curing process for stability and maturity of the final product.

The soil conditioning organic fertilizer in one of the embodiment is made from raw materials comprising of milling and distillery industries by-products including press mud, bagasse and boiler ash. The other raw materials include rock phosphate, natural liquid nitrogen and microorganisms. The press mud, which is a by-product of sugar milling industry, is a mud that is removed during the clarification of cane juice. The press mud, also known as filtration mud, is obtained by sedimentation of the colloidal material contained in juice, and is obtained by precipitation of the insoluble solids from using of alkalizers that flocculate by formation of insoluble salts such as calcium phosphates fundamentally. Its water content is between 75 and 77%, and the corresponding dry material constitutes between 23 and 27%.

The bagasse is also one of the fibres waste materials of the sugar milling industry. It comprises the marrow, and the crust, or long fiber.

The boiler ash is a milling by-product scrubbed or separated from the flue gases chimney stacks.

This invention also suitably includes use of micro-organisms during composting. The microorganisms are preferably used as microbial inoculants by regular direct spraying of the windrows during the processing. The type and quantity of microorganism is critical for preparing the good quality soil conditioning organic fertilizer. Use of one or more microorganisms is contemplated as per the present invention including microorganisms such as bacteria for e.g., gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, and extremophiles; yeast; fungi; algae and/or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a method for producing an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprising; composting specific quantities of raw materials at a suitable static temperature and moisture for the requisite period, spraying microbial inoculants at a regular interval and adding liquid nitrogen in a specific quantity at a specific period.

In one embodiment, the method for producing an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprises: providing the raw materials comprised of a sugar milling press mud, a sugar millings fiber bagasse and boiler ash in specific quantities; forming windrows; wetting the windrows and leaving to repose for a specific period; spraying windrows with microbial inoculant; spraying the windrows with water so as to maintain the moisture content at least 40%; adding rock phosphate in a specific quantity to each windrow; turning each windrow at least once per week; maintaining the optimum temperature and moisture of each windrow; leaving windrows to repose after the internal temperature drops below optimum temperature and does not reheat after spraying and turning; drying the compost to 20-30% moisture; adding liquid nitrogen in a specific quantity and screening. The step of providing raw material includes adding the raw materials in a specific order and specific quantity, wherein the order includes adding sugar milling bagasse, followed by sugar milling press mud and boiler ash.

In one embodiment, the quantity of sugar milling bagasse added is at least 2.5 parts w/w of total material. The quantity of sugar milling press mud added is at least 5 parts w/w of total material. The quantity of boiler ash added is at least 2.5 parts, w/w of total material.

In an alternate embodiment the quantity of sugar milling bagasse added is at least 5 parts w/w of total material. The quantity of sugar milling press mud added is at least 10 parts w/w of total material. The quantity of boiler ash added is at least 2.5 parts 10 w/w of total material.

The water that may be used to wet or moisturize the windrows may be fresh water, distillery effluent or treated spent wash.

Windrows at the initial phase are allowed to repose for a period of 1-4 weeks, more preferably for 3 weeks.

The optimum moisture content of the windrow is about 40% and the optimum temperature is 55 to 65 degrees centigrade. If the windrow temperature rises above the optimum temperature, it is lowered by adding water. If the temperature falls below the optimum temperature then windrows are turned repeated until desired temperature is achieved.

In certain embodiments micro-organisms used includes microorganisms selected from the group consisting of but not limited to Lactobacillus sp., Arthobacter sp., Arthobacter sp., Rhodoseudomonas sp. and yeast. Lactobacillus sp. includes Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum; Arthobacter sp. includes Arthobacter paraffineus; Rhodoseudomonas sp. includes Rhodoseudomonas palustris and yeast is Saccharomyces cervisiae. In one embodiment the micro-organisms used includes blend of microorganisms comprising of Lactobacillus casei count of 10⁷, Lactobacillus plantarum count of 10^7, Arthobacter sp. count of 10³, Arthobacter paraffineus count of 10³, Rhodopseudomonas palustris count of 10^s and Saccharomyces cerevisiae count of 10³. The rock phosphate can be added in a suitable crushed powder form, preferably as a source of phosphate, high quality rock phosphate is used.

The quantity of rock phosphate added is atleast 10%, preferably 10-30%, more preferably 15-20% w/w of total material.

As an alternative to rock phosphate other compounds which may be used as a phosphorus source can be selected from but not limiting to basic slags, bone flour, phosphoric acid, phosphatic concentrates, yeast, sludge and digested sludge.

The quantity of liquid nitrogen diluted in water is at least 10 Litres per 1 metric tonne. The liquid nitrogen is added around 12th -18th week prior to screening the organic fertilizer. Liquid nitrogen may be alternately replaced with other compounds selected from but not limiting to anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonia, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate (calcium nitrate), ammonium sulphate, ammonium sulphate nitrate, calcium cyanamide and sodium nitrate.

The quantity of microbial inoculant added is at least 1 Litre per 1 KLitre of water used in the process. The entire process includes composting carried out over a total period of about 12- 18 weeks. The composting includes the actual composting for a period of 8-12 weeks and 2-4 weeks of curing phase or resting period to ensure that the product is stable and there is no possibility of reheating after it is custom blended and packed. The requisite composting and curing phase both are important for obtaining the stable and mature end product fertilizer. If there is insufficient composting the un- composted material applied to the ground results in a negative fertilizer effect. The in-sufficiently composted material carriers nematodes and pathogens which will result in pest and root rot outbreak. If there is insufficient curing, usually reheating occurs to the packaged fertilizer. Also, when such fertilizer is applied to the soil, it will begin or finish off the composting cycle in the ground. This will give a negative fertilizer effect as it will pull the entire available nutrient away from the soil or subject crop.

The screening of final end product is done through a screen of desired mesh size so as to obtain the organic fertilizer of a requisite texture; preferably the screen is of 20 mm mesh size. The same is then packed as per the requisite quantity.

The final end product is well matured, microbe enhanced and stabilized organic fertilizer without possibility of reheating. In one embodiment the organic fertilizer for soil conditioning has N 3.5 - 5%, P 4 - 5% and K 1.5 - 2.5%. The organic fertilizer for soil conditioning as per the method of the present invention is unique as it can be provided as a customized blend, as desired.

The organic fertilizer of the present invention has consistent product quality in terms of its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. The soil conditioning organic fertilizer provides up to 20% useable organic carbon essential for soil health.

In certain embodiments the present invention provides organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprising of total nitrogen at least 3%, total phosphorus at least 4%, total potassium at least 1%, other nutrients at least 5%, trace elements, useful microorganisms with count of IX 10⁶ to IX 10¹⁰ and average C:N ratio of 15:1. It is capable of giving a vital source of nutrients and fertilizer. Such organic fertilizer has physicochemical properties suitable for effective soil conditioning and providing structure to poor soil.

The physicochemical properties of the organic fertilizer including pH, chloride content, effective cation exchange capacity, exchangeable sodium, total organic matter, moisture content, electrical conductivity, particle size and water holding capacity are such that they provide superior quality to the organic fertilizer for effective soil conditioning.

In one embodiment the present invention provides an organic fertilizer comprising on dry mass basis: total nitrogen at least 3%, total phosphorus at least 4%, total potassium at least 1%, other nutrients at least 5%, organic carbon at least 10%, organic matter at least 25%, trace elements, chloride content of less than 600 mg/kg, exchangeable sodium less than 15%, enzymes and having average particle size at least 2 mm, bulk density of at least 500 g/L, pH at least 6, moisture content at least 25%, water holding capacity at least 50%, electrical conductivity at least 4 ds/m, effective cation exchange capacity at least 40% and useful microorganism count of IX 10⁶ to IX 10¹⁰.

Other nutrient elements comprised in the organic fertilizer include calcium at least 4%, magnesium at least 1% and sulphur at least 1%.

Trace elements comprised in the organic fertilizer include iron in the range of about 750-1000 ppm, manganese in the range of about 250-300 ppm, zinc in the range of about 70-120 ppm, copper in the range of about 50-75 ppm and boron in the range of about 20-25 ppm. In certain embodiments the organic fertilizer of the present invention comprises microorganisms selected from the group consisting of but not limited to Lactobacillus sp., Arthobacter sp., Arthobacter sp., Rhodoseudomonas sp. and yeast. Lactobacillus sp. includes Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum; Arthobacter sp. includes Arthobacter paraffineus; Rhodoseudomonas sp. includes Rhodoseudomonas palustris and yeast is Saccharomyces cervisiae.

The organic fertilizer strengthens the useful microflora and suppresses the pathogenic organisms by competitive process. It contains high protein humus and growth promoting substances of biological origin.

The organic fertilizer of the present invention is free from viable weed seeds, pathogens, foreign matter including plastic or pebbles.

The soil conditioning organic fertilizer of the present invention produced from plant residues, using a method of the present invention meets the global norms of standards for example the requirements of the United States Environment Protection Agency Environmental Regulation for the Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction (EPA/625/R-92/013 1999) and material used are Category 1 organics under the New South Wales Department if Environment (Australia) and Conservation Environmental Guidelines for Composting and Related Organic Processing Facilities, which are rated as having the lowest potential impact on the environment.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides use of organic fertilizer of the present invention for conditioning soil. It is used in agriculture, horticulture, domestic gardens, turf lawns, sport playgrounds, golf clubs and wherever soil conditioning is required.

The organic fertilizer is compatible with and applied in blends with other fertilizers too.

The soil conditioning organic fertilizer of the present invention has much enhanced NPK values as compared to other organic fertilizers hitherto known and commercially available. Such organic fertilizer of the present invention can be a major contributor to soil health revitalization and allows a substantial reduction in the required application rate of chemical fertilizer for broad crop production and landscape in arid sandy soils and degraded soils at the recommended application rates. It assists in maintenance of the structure of the base soil and reduces the bulk density of soil. It also improves aeration, water holding capacity and aggregation of soils. It also assists in addressing salinity, acidity, low fertility and other contamination issues in soils. It provides near neutral pH and assists in resisting fungus, root diseases and pests.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above product and method descriptions and embodiments and that changes may be made to the same without departing from the scope of the invention and the same will be construed to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention may be described by a following non-limiting example: Example 1:

Preparation of the organic fertilizer for soil conditioning: The custom blended organic fertilizer for soil conditioning was prepared as per the following method:

Week 1 (Construction & Site Preparation Phase):

An impervious pad preferably of concrete was constructed. Sites were laser leveled to 1-3% slopes and directing slopes towards holding ponds. Pads were cut using graders and sealed using compactors (roller). Rows were marked using laser sights and lime. Windrows were made having distance of 1.5 meters between them.

Week 2 - 5 (Windrow Formation Phase):

Raw materials were placed evenly with no gaps between forming triangular windrow. Raw material comprised of the 100 tones press mud, 50 tons bagasse and 45 tons boiler ash. Rows shrank over the composting lifecycle by approximately 50%. Bulk density was under 700 kg/m3. Windrows were wetted from top to bottom and end to end using microorganism inoculated treated spent wash. The care was taken not to soak the windrows but just to wet them. Windrows were turned using aero-tiller. This turning procedure was repeated minimum twice for each windrow. After about 3 weeks of settling time, windrows were not turned but only wetted, if moisture dropped below 40%. Inoculant comprising microorganism 1 part and water 8 parts was sprayed on both sides of every windrow once a week. Inoculant of microorganism comprised of of Lactobacillus casei (10⁷), Lactobacillus plantarum(10⁷), Arthobacter sp. (10³), Arthobacter paraffineus (10³), Rhodoseudomonas palustris (10⁵), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (10³).

Week 6 - 12 (Active Phase): Windrows were sprayed with ordinary or spent wash until the "field capacity" was achieved. Field capacity can be checked by the squeeze test - squeeze product in hand, if moisture runs freely, row is to wet and needs turning, if droplets form between fingers, 'field capacity' moisture level have been achieved. 40% moisture was maintained as optimum level. 20 tones of rock phosphate was added per 100 tones raw material at 'settlement phase'.

Windrows were turned once a week and were checked for moisture and temperature levels. When windrow temperature reached above 65 degree centigrade, windrows were sprayed with water. At certain point of time If temperature was found to be below 55 degree centigrade, windrows were sprayed with water and turned until they achieve the optimum temperature that is 55 degree centigrade. The two most important windrow maintenance parameters were windrow moisture of the entire windrow, end to end with no dry pockets) and temperature, care was taken not to allow formation of heat pockets by turning windrows for distributing heat pockets. Multiple temperature readings were taken at different windrow sections.

Weeks 12 -14 Onwards (2 Weeks - Curing Phase):

Curing phase started when the internal windrow temperature dropped below 55 degrees and did not re-heat after spraying and turning. Windrows were allowed to repose undisturbed as much as possible. Compost thus formed was dried to 30% moisture. Liquid Nitrogen was added at this stage, 10 Liters per Metric tons.

Week 16 Screening & Bagging:

The composted material was dried until the moisture level of 30% was achieved, screened using 20 mm screen and bagged. The product thus obtained was organic fertilizer with soil conditioning property having on average N 3%, P 4% and K 1%.

Example 2:

Comparative study of effect of Soil Conditioning Fertilizer on Onion Cultivation:

Onion cultivation trials were conducted at Rahuri, India. Studies were conducted with Onion cv. N-2-4-1, in a plot size of 3X2 m² using randomized block design.

Table 1. Treatment Details

Date of sowing was November 11, 2010 and the date of transplanting was January 08, 2011. Crop was observed for overall growth and yield parameters.

Table 2. Effect of soil conditioner on overall growth and yield of Onion cv. N-2-4-1

The treatment T_s (Soil Conditioning Organic Fertilizer of Example 1- 15 ton/ha + RDA /ha) as seen from above recorded overall improvement in all parameters including significantly highest yield as compared to other treatment, showing the superiority of the soil conditioning organic fertilizer of the present invention.

Example 3 Effect of Soil Conditioning Organic Fertilizer on Safflower Cultivation

Fifteen trials of safflower cultivation were conducted in six blocks of two districts of Maharashtra, India to demonstrate the effect of the soil conditioning organic fertilizer as per Example 1. The soil samples were analyzed for fertility constituents. Soils of the trial blocks were calcareous alkaline in nature with pH 7.3 to 8.5; low salt content of 0.3 to 0.7 ds/m; low in organic carbon of 0.3 to 0.5%; low available nitrogen of 145 to 165 kg/ha; low available phosphorus of 13 to 17 kg/ha but high in available potassium of 310 to 490 kg/ha and marginally supplied with micronutrients. Safflower varieties BHIMA, USHA and MHD-129 were used for sowing. The farmers were oriented about cultivation practices to be adapted. Farmers divided their plots into two parts for comparison of the effect of soil conditioning organic fertilizer as per Example 1 when used with chemical fertilizer and that of conventional fertilizer including FYM/Compost. The organic fertilizer as per Example 1 was applied before sowing i.e. at the time of preparation of land for sowing. The chemical fertilizers were applied at the time of sowing. The details of plots along with location for different farmers were as follows:

Table 3. Plot and Location Details per Farmer. Conventional Fertilizer is denoted as C. F. and the organic fertilizer of the present invention as per Example 1 used with chemical fertilizer is denoted as E .F.

1 Guntha is equal to 1/40 acre.

Table 4. Rate of Application of Fertilizers.

Diammonium Phosphate is denoted as DAP.

Single Super Phosphate is denoted as ssp.

Table 5. Response of Safflower to Application of Fertilizers.

Table 6. Response of Safflower to Application of Fertilizers.

Table 7. Response of Safflower to Application of Fertilizers.

Farmer Seed/Boll Seed/Boll Wt. of Wt. of Seed Seed

C. F. E. F. 100 100 Seeds Yield Yield

Seeds E. F. C. F. E. F.

C. F.

Fl 26 28 5.74 6.18 185 226

F2 21 19 5.98 6.08 182 235

F3 16 20 6.01 6.21 162 219

F4 18 23 6.25 6.58 230 320

F5 26 28 6.13 6.22 200 255

F6 20 22 5.21 5.89 195 255

F7 22 24 5.97 6.27 187 245

F8 19 20 5.96 6.18 145 175

F9 20 22 6.57 6.85 200 245

F10 18 19 5.71 5.89 146 164

Fll 20 22 5.88 6.00 135 172

F12 16 18 5.82 6.01 135 155

F13 18 20 5.82 5.91 212 282

F14 20 22 6.00 6.02

F15 21 24 6.35 6.51 289 378 Table 8. Influence of Fertilizers on Yield of Safflower.

Above studies demonstrated that all physiological parameters and yield improved through use of the organic fertilizer of the present invention. The results are summarized below:

Table 9: Summary

The above variations in the results were attributed to different soil types, weather conditions and farmer practice adapted.

However, despite such variations, the above results clearly indicate that the organic fertilizer of the present invention improved soil health, which improved the physiological parameters which in turn increased the seed yield.

Cost Benefit:

Farmers used the conventional fertilizersthat is 4-5 cartloads of FYM/COMPOST weighing around 2500 kg/acre as compared to the organic fertilizer of the present invention at the recommended dose of 500 kg/acre. The cost of FYM/COMPOST amounted to Rs. 4500/acre to 5000/acre as against the organic fertilizer of the present invention costing Rs.3850/- at MRP (maximum retail price). The difference was Rs. 1150/-. However, an increased yield of safflower of about one quintal/acre fetched good market cost of Rs. 2100 to 2200/quintal. Thus the total gain was Rs. 3350/acre. Therefore, the use of the organic fertilizer of the present invention was found to be highly beneficial even in terms of cost.

Soil Study:

Also, fertility status of soil before and after harvest of safflower was checked of plots in different locations.

Table 10A. Soil analysis data before and after harvest of safflower at Usmanabad

Table 10 B. Soil analysis data before and after harvest of safflower at Usmanabad

Table 11A. Soil analysis data before and after harvest of safflower at Latur

Table 11B. Soil analysis data before and after harvest of safflower at Latur

The above analysis indicates that the residual fertility is improved in its available nutrients and biological fertility rather than depleting the same. Although, there is less effect on soil reaction (pH) and organic matter accumulation and salt built up. The addition of organic fertilizer soil conditioner as per Example 1 is has been proved to be suitable for direct application to ensuing crop and likely beneficial to succeeding crop.

Example 4

Effect of Soil Conditioning Organic Fertilizer on Tomato Cultivation Local variety of tomato was grown in two separate plots. In one plot locally available neem based organic manure was applied to the soil. In another plot the organic fertilizer of Example 1 was applied. The rate of application and the effects of application of fertilizers are summarized below: Table 12 : Effect of Organic Fertilizer on Tomato Cultivation

The above results demonstrated that the application of the organic fertilizer of the present invention was beneficial and was found to be superior over the other locally used fertilizers and treatment. Yield of tomato increased significantly with the use of the organic fertilizer of the present invention.

As will be readily apparent from the above description and the method of the present invention for producing the organic fertilizer that it is cost effective and provide the remarkably advantageous effects with regard to the conditioning of the soil and increased production of agricultural crops.

While the present invention has been described above with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that it should not be limited only to them but various changes or modifications may be made in any acceptable manner without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprising of total nitrogen at least 3%, total phosphorus at least 4%, total potassium at least 1%, other nutrients at least 5%, trace elements, useful microorganisms with count of IX 10⁶ to IX 10¹⁰ and average C:N ratio of 15:1.

2. An organic fertilizer comprising on dry mass basis: total nitrogen at least 3%, total phosphorus at least 4%, total potassium at least 1%, other nutrients at least 5%, organic carbon at least 5%, organic matter at least 25%, trace elements and having average particle size at least 2 mm, bulk density of at least 500 g/L, pH at least 6, moisture content at least 25%, water holding capacity at least 50%, electrical conductivity at least 4 ds/m, effective cation exchange capacity at least 40% and useful microorganism count of IX 10⁶ to IX 10¹⁰.

3. The organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the other nutrient elements comprised in the organic fertilizer include calcium at least 4%, magnesium at least 1% and sulphur at least 1%.

4. The organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the trace elements comprised in the organic fertilizer include iron in the range of about 750-1000 ppm, manganese in the range of about 250-300 ppm, zinc in the range of about 70-120 ppm, copper in the range of about 50-75 ppm and boron in the range of about 20-25 ppm.

5. The organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the organic fertilizer has chloride content of less than 600 mg/kg and exchangeable sodium less than 15%

6. The organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the microorganisms present in the organic fertilizer include Lactobacillus sp., Arthobacter sp.,

Arthobacter sp., Rhodoseudomonas sp. and yeast.

7. The organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the Lactobacillus sp. includes Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum; Arthobacter sp. includes Arthobacter paraffineus; Rhodoseudomonas sp. includes Rhodoseudomonas palustris and yeast is Saccharomyces cervisiae.

8. A method for producing an organic fertilizer for soil conditioning comprising steps of: providing the raw materials comprised of a sugar milling press mud, a sugar millings fiber bagasse and boiler ash in specific quantities; forming windrows; wetting the windrows and leaving to repose for a specific period; spraying windrows with microbial inoculant; spraying the windrows with water so as to maintain the moisture content at least 40%; adding rock phosphate in a specific quantity to each windrow; turning each windrow at least once per week; maintaining the optimum temperature and moisture of each windrow; leaving windrows to repose after the internal temperature drops below optimum temperature and does not reheat after spraying and turning; drying the compost to 20-30% moisture; adding liquid nitrogen in a specific quantity and screening.

9. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein step of providing raw material includes adding the raw materials in a specific order of adding sugar milling bagasse, followed by sugar milling press mud and boiler ash in a specific quantities.

10. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 or 9, wherein the quantity of sugar milling bagasse is at least 2.5 parts w/w of total material, quantity of sugar milling press mud is at least 5 parts w/w of total material and the quantity of boiler ash is at least 2.5 parts w/w of total material.

11. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein windrows at the initial phase are allowed to repose for a period of 1-4 weeks, preferably for 3 weeks.

12. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein the optimum moisture content of the windrow is about 40% and the optimum temperature is 55 to 65 degrees centigrade.

13. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein the quantity of rock phosphate added is atleast 10%, preferably 10-30%, more preferably 15-20% w/w of total material.

14. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein the quantity of liquid nitrogen diluted in water is at least 10 Litres per 1 metric tonne.

15. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein The liquid nitrogen is added around 12th -18th week prior to screening the organic fertilizer.

16. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein the quantity of microbial inoculant added is at least 1 Litre per 1 KLitre of water used in the process.

17. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein the microorganisms used are selected from the group consisting of but not limited to Lactobacillus sp., Arthobacter sp., Arthobacter sp., Rhodoseudomonas sp. and yeast.

18. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 8, wherein Lactobacillus sp. includes Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum; Arthobacter sp. includes Arthobacter paraffineus; Rhodoseudomonas sp. includes Rhodoseudomonas palustris and yeast is Saccharomyces cervisiae.

19. The method for producing an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 9, wherein the micro-organisms used includes blend of microorganisms comprising of Lactobacillus casei (10⁷), Lactobacillus plantarum(10⁷), Arthobacter sp. (10³), Arthobacter paraffineus (10³), Rhodoseudomonas palustris (10^s), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (10³).

20. Use of an organic fertilizer as claimed in claim 1 to 7 for conditioning soil.