Enhancing bush beans quality by applying Brown Algae (Ascophyllum sp) organic fertilizer

Abstract

Agriculture could be a solution for climate change by the widespread adoption of mitigation and adaptation actions. This happens with the help of best management practices such as organic fertilizer. The types of organic fertilizer will affect beans’ production and their quality characteristics, both physically and their nutrient content. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of brown algae extracts as organic fertilizer applied to bush beans’ quality. The study was conducted in October 2017, on IVEGRI’s experimental field, Lembang, Indonesia about 1200 m above sea level. The experiment used 10 treatments and 3 replications), which were a variation dose of NPK and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF). The physical and chemical characteristics of testing consisted of length, diameter, texture, water content, TSS, fibre, and vitamin C. The quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to determine the beans’ shelf life. Freshness test parameters were consisting of colour, texture, and appearance. Panelists provided a score of 1 (strongly like) to 5 (strongly dislike). Data were statistically analysed, followed by Tukey’s test (5%). The results showed that LOF with standard NPK dosage can increase vitamin C and fiber content of bush beans. Higher LOF dose usage can reduce the change rate of bush beans’ quality on shelf life. LOF from brown algae can reduce the chemical fertilizers used in the soil, so it will slowly create environmentally friendly vegetable production.