Method for Producing Fertilizer from Water Hyacinth Biomass (Method for Preparing Granulated and Liquid Organic Fertilizer)

Abstract

The present invention provides a sustainable method for producing nutrient-rich, green organic fertilizer from Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), an invasive aquatic weed posing significant ecological threats. The method involves chopping, layering, and composting of the water hyacinth biomass with local organic materials (Teff straw, manure, and soil), forming structured compost piles optimized for aeration and microbial activity. The produced compost is chemically balanced (C: N ratio ~11.7), free from heavy metal contamination, and costeffective, with demonstrated efficacy in improving Teff crop yields and soil health. Field experiments confirm its agronomic efficiency, showing improved productivity comparable to conventional fertilizers. This innovation simultaneously addresses the issues of soil fertility degradation and the high cost of synthetic fertilizers, offering 8 climate-smart and reasonably affordable solution for agroecological restoration.