The contents availability of N, P, K, and Mg in empty fruit composting of oil palms with symbiont bacteria from rhinoceros beetle larvae (Oryctes rhinoceros) (Coleoptera: Scarabidae)

Abstract

The using of palm oil waste had not been optimal lately. It could be seen in oil empty fruit bunches (EFB). It was placed along the oil palm plantations. The condition was not only the trigger of air pollution but also could invite rhinoceros beetle pests (Oryctes rhinoceros) to lay their eggs and carry out reproductive activities due to availability organic matter of the trees. Oil palm plants required large amounts of macro nutrients, especially potassium. However, the potassium nutrient was found in EFB was too slow available because of its relatively long breakdown. That was the reason why it was needed a method of using EFB waste into a capable of high use value product, environmentally friendly, and could give a lot of benefits to oil palm farmers. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of nutrient content in EFB composting by the using of symbiont bacteria from larvae O. rhinoceros. The research was experimentally conducted a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 2 factors, namely the type of bacteria and the time of decomposition. The composting stage was carried out by coarsely chopping the EFB then 75 ml of bacterial culture was applied to 1 kg of EFB. Analysis, results indicated C/N ratio (35.56% and 36.97%) and high K content (1.64% and 1.48%). The EFB composting method is achievable in 6 weeks with activators of Bacillus stratosphericus and Bacillus siamensis.