Utilization of microbial-assisted composting of the palm-press fiber as pre-nursery growing medium for oil palm seedlings

Abstract

Oil palm fruit fiber (mesocarp) is waste generated mainly from palm oil manufacturing activities. Since it is organic in origin, they are rich in nutrient for the plant. Composting can be a suitable method for converting the fiber into compost that can be used as growing media. In this study, three types of composts were made by mixing the fiber with cow manure in ratios as follows: fiber compost I (3:1), fiber compost II (1:1) and fiber compost III (1:3) respectively and the chemical properties (pH, temperature and nutrient content) of them were determined. Their suitability as growing media was observed through growth performance of oil palm seedlings. They were grown in four types of growing media which were F0 = subsoil 100% (control), F1 = 90% fiber compost I : 10% subsoil, F2 = 90% fiber compost II : 10% subsoil, F3 = 90% fiber compost III : 10% subsoil. As results, initial pH of fiber compost I were lower than other composts but value eventually similar by the end of the study. The composting temperature which higher, in the beginning, were decreasing and were stable at the end of composting (week 6). The growth of oil palm seedlings was the greatest when grown in a mixture of 90% fiber compost II: 10% subsoil. Results of this study suggest a bright future for the use of fiber as growing media as indicated in chemical properties of fiber that can be improved through composting process and its positive effect as reflected in the growth of oil palm seedlings.