(CALIDAD DEL GUANO PROVENIENTE DEL MURCIELAGO Hipposideros speoris)

SUMMARY This study aimed at assessing the physicochemical characteristics, microflora and manure quality of guano of an endemic insectivorous cave bat Hipposideros speoris. The impact of bat guano on crop growth was also assessed. Results indicated that organic matter, total carbon, total nitrogen and phosphate were high in faecal pellets. Calcium, magnesium, bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi were higher in humus-like guano than faecal pellets. Physicochemical features and microbial load between faecal pellets and humus-like guano significantly differed (p<0.05). One set control pots received red loamy soil; four sets of experimental pots received soil amended with different quantity of guano (w/w); one set each with guano + farm yard manure (FYM) and FYM. After three weeks (finger millet) and six weeks (black gram) of growth, crops were harvested and assessed various parameters. Both crops, in soil amended with guano at the ratio of 20:1 showed the highest shoot length, total dry matter, nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake. The shoot length, total dry matter, nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake in both crops were significantly differed between treatment 20:1 and control (p<0.05). The results clearly indicated that incorporation of low amount of bat guano into the soil enhances crop production. Importance of conservation of insectivorous bats in agricultural fields and their guano have been emphasized.