Chemical Composition of Cave Bats Guano and Its Effects Towards Plant Growth

Siti Syamim Nurfatihah, Abd Rahman (2025) Chemical Composition of Cave Bats Guano and Its Effects Towards Plant Growth. Masters thesis, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK.

	PDF dsva_SITI SYAMIM NURFATIHAH.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (411kB)
	PDF Thesis Master_SITI SYAMIM NURFATIHAH.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

Fertilisation is essential for plant development and generally falls into two categories: chemical and organic. While chemical fertilisers are known to significantly enhance plant growth, they are often linked to issues such as soil nutrient depletion and environmental degradation. Organic fertilisers, including chicken manure and cave bat guano, on the other hand, have been recognised for improving soil structure and fertility. Bat guano, the faeces of bats, has been previously reported to be highly beneficial for plant growth. Although multiple studies have discussed the potential of the fertilisers in promoting plant development, comparative studies examining its chemical composition alongside that of commercial fertilisers and chicken manure are limited. Furthermore, the relationship between cave bat guano composition and plant growth performance has not been extensively explored. This study seeks to address these gaps by evaluating the chemical characteristics of cave bat guano and its impact on the growth on chilli plants, while comparing its effects with chemical fertiliser and chicken manure. Guano composition is known to vary depending on bat species, diet, and locality. To gain insight into species contributing to the guano samples, acoustic recordings were collected using a Wildlife Acoustics bat detector and analysed with Kaleidoscope software. Call parameters including frequency range, peak frequency, and pulse duration were assessed, resulting in the identification of 11 bat species across four families: Hipposideridae, Rhinolophidae, Vespertilionidae, and Emballonuridae. For the chemical and plant growth performance analyses, three fertiliser types were used. Guano samples were collected from Wind Cave Nature Reserve and Raya Cave, while chemical fertiliser and chicken manure were sourced from a local agricultural supplier. Soil samples were also chemically analysed to determine the suitability of the growth medium used in the plant growth study. Chemical analysis followed Malaysian Standard protocols, focusing on organic matter, dry matter, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Chemical analysis revealed that the chemical fertiliser exhibited the highest Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content. Raya Cave guano showed higher nutrient levels than Wind Cave samples, suggesting that guano quality is influenced by bat species and habitat. The fertilisers were applied to Capsicum annuum L. variety Kulai, with six treatment groups: control (no fertiliser), chemical fertiliser, chicken manure, and bat guano at three application levels (2.5 g, 5.0 g, 7.5 g). Growth parameters—plant height, number of leaves, flower buds, flowers, and fruits—were recorded monthly over a six-month period. The study showed significant differences in plant growth across the various treatments. Chilli plants treated with chemical fertiliser consistently showed the highest growth rates, with significant increases in all the parameters throughout the growth cycle. Bat guano, particularly at the 7.5 g application rate, also promoted strong vegetative and reproductive growth, outperforming chicken manure and the control. Chicken manure produced moderate results, while control plants consistently recorded the lowest growth, reinforcing the importance of fertilisation. Although chemical fertilisers remain the most effective, bat guano presents a viable organic alternative with promising potential for sustainable agriculture. To fully explore its benefits, further research is needed, including trials on a wider range of plant species, variations in guano application rates, assessments of long-term effects on soil health, and evaluations of microbial dynamics. This study highlights the ecological and agricultural value of bat guano towards sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation.

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item