Liquid Organic Fertilizer Research Articles

Applying Types Of Solid And Liquid Organic Fertilizer Dosages To Onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) Production

One of the plant cultivation techniques to increase shallot production is fertilization. Fertilization is the application of fertilizer to increase the supply of nutrients needed by plants to improve the yield and quality of plant products. This research aims to determine and obtain a combination of the type of organic fertilizer and dosage of liquid organic fertilizer that has the best effect on the production of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.). The research was conducted on farmers' land in Sukajadi Village, Talang Kelapa District, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. The study was carried out from March to June 2023. This research used an experimental method with a split-plot design with 12 treatment combinations repeated 3 times. The treatment in question is the main plot: type of organic fertilizer consisting of chicken manure, buffalo dung fertilizer, and goat dung fertilizer, while sub-plots: dosage of liquid organic fertilizer consisting of control; 10 L/ha; 15 L/ha and 20 L/ha. The variables observed were the number of tubers per cluster (tuber), tuber weight per cluster (g), and tuber weight per plot (kg). The research results showed that a combination of organic chicken manure and liquid organic fertilizer at a dose of 20 L/ha gave the best production of shallots, namely 0.61 kg/ plot (2.44 tons/ha).

Morphometric Analysis on Sacha Inchi Plants (Plukenetia volubilis L.) using Organic Fertilizer Treatment of Chicken Manure

Sacha Inchi is a plant that has economic potential and is worthy of development. This research was conducted to understand the relationship between variables in the treatment of chicken manure liquid organic fertilizer. The research method used in this research was an experimental method on 200 samples of Sacha Inchi plant seeds. The analytical design used in this research is linear regression analysis. Based on the results of linear regression on chicken fertilizer treatment, it is known that the weight variable has an effect on the cocoa bean surface area variable by 51% (moderate), bean weight has an effect on thickness by 53% (moderate), the effect of thickness on bean surface area is 6.5% ( weak) and the volume influenced by seed weight is 81% (strong). Thus, increasing the weight of the seeds will increase the volume of the seeds.

The Effect of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Kepok Banana Humps on Cayenne Pepper Plants' (Capsicum frutescens L.) Growth and Yield

The primary issue encountered in the cultivation of cayenne pepper is the low production levels attributed to the non-intensive cultivation system and poor soil fertility. Enhancing cultivation techniques, mainly through the application of liquid organic fertilizer derived from Kepok banana humps, has the potential to boost production yields. Kepok banana humps harbor microbes that aid in the decomposition of beneficial organic matter. The objective of this study is to assess the impact and optimal concentration of liquid organic fertilizer from Kepok banana humps on the growth and yield of cayenne pepper. Employing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications, the findings indicated that the utilization of liquid organic fertilizer from Kepok banana humps significantly influenced flowering age, harvest age, fruit weight per plant, and plant dry weight. At the same time, no notable effects were observed on plant height and leaf width. The most effective treatment was P3 (300 ml/plant), which yielded the most favorable outcomes across these parameters.

Optimizing the Growth and Production of Pagoda Mustard Plants (Brassica narinosa L.) by providing Tofu Dregs Compost and Banana Peel Liquid Organic Fertilizer

The pagoda mustard plant ( Brassica narinosa L.) is a type of vegetable that is healthy nutritious, and easy to cultivate because it is classified as an annual plant with a harvest age ranging from 40 to 45 HST. This research aims to optimize the growth and production of pagoda mustard greens ( Brassica narinosa L.) by providing Tofu Dregs Compost and Banana Peel POC. The location of this research was carried out in the appropriate home environment area in Danau Balai A Village, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhan Batu Regency, and the Agrotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Labuhan Batu University. Research I used the two-factor Randomized Group Plan (RAK) research method with three replications. ANOVA variance analysis (variety analysis) was used to test the observation data statistically. Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was carried out at an α level of 0.05. The effect of giving banana peel POC and tofu dregs fertilizer in each treatment was not significantly different on the growth capacity of pagoda mustard plants. Based on the analysis of variance, POC treatment of banana peel waste had no significant effect on the number of pagoda mustard leaves aged 14 DAP, 21 DAP, and 28 DAP. POC treatment of Ambon banana peel waste had a significant effect on the number of pagoda mustard leaves at 35 HST and 42 HST.

Effectiveness of Using Liquid Organic Fertilizer Rice Wash and Coffee Grounds to Increase the Growth of Tomato Plants (Allium ascalonicum L.)

Tomato plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) are horticultural vegetable plants that are included in the eggplant group. Tomato plants are very much needed in the community because tomatoes are one of the most important vegetable ingredients in several types of vegetables. This study observed the growth of tomato plants under the influence of POC treatment of Rice Water and Coffee Grounds Waste. The method used in this study was a non-factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) with three replications to see how the POC of rice washing water and coffee grounds waste affected the growth of tomato plants ( Allium ascalonicum L. ). With three types of treatment concentrations 0 (control), 100, 200ml POC and 0 (control), 75g, and 150g coffee grounds waste. The results of this research show that plants with a dose of 200ml POC have a high growth rate compared to other doses. With the same plant age, plant stem height occurred at a dose of 200ml, while the lowest number of leaves occurred at a dose of 0. This study found that administering a 200ml POC dose at 3MST showed a significant dose level, compared to other dose treatments. The results of this research show that a dose of 200ml POC of rice washing water is very suitable for the growth process of tomato plants, and the findings of this research can be used as a condition for getting tomato plant growth results.

Characterization of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) Derived from Unmarketable Vegetables and Fruits

The Malaysian government has been challenged with handling unmarketable vegetables and fruit waste that pollutes the environment and emits greenhouse gases, mainly methane and nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gases have been contributing to climate change. In contrast, these wastes consist of high moisture and readily biodegradable nutrients that can serve as the perfect substrate rate for fermentation. The valuable nutrients contained in these wastes can produce liquid organic fertilizers (LOF), which help improve the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and reduce the demand for inorganic fertilizers and costs to farmers. In this regard, a study was conducted to produce and characterize LOF derived from unmarketable vegetables and fruit waste. The waste was identified from the nearest wet market, collected, and incubated in containers with a ratio of 1: 2: 0.1 (10 kg unmarketable vegetable and food waste: 20 L water: 1 kg inducer) for 30, 45, and 60 days. The unmarketable vegetables and fruits were fermented using three different types of inducers: yeast (Y), brown sugar (BS), and shrimp paste (SP). Unmarketable vegetables and fruit waste with no inducer were also included as a control. Samples from the produced LOF were taken after 30, 45, and 60 days of fermentation, filtered, and subjected to analysis for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macro-, and micronutrients. These experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest nitrogen (0.95%), phosphorus (0.31%), potassium (1.68%), copper (0.23 ppm), and manganese (9.03 ppm) were obtained from LOF fermented for 60 days using yeast, indicating that it improved the nutrient availability of agricultural waste. Moreover, this treatment provided optimum pH and EC values for the growth and development of plants. Thus, LOF derived from unmarketable vegetable and fruit waste can be considered an attractive alternative for supplementing chemical fertilizers.

Peningkatan Kapasitas Kelompoktani Melalui Inovasi Teknologi Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Di Kecamatan Janapria Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

During 2013-2019, rice production and cattle population in West Nusa Tenggara Province increased, however, rice productivity tended to decrease. One of the reasons for this decline in rice productivity is the excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers, which causes the soil structure to harden. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the use of non-chemical fertilizers or organic fertilizers whose raw materials come from cow dung which is often found in the field. Apart from that, animal feed, especially cows, is actually available around the community, namely in the form of forage from plants. However, management of forage for livestock has not been carried out by many farmers. Based on these problems, this community service activity aims to increase the capacity of farmer-livestock groups to be able to apply technology for making organic fertilizer and feed management. This community service activity was carried out in Saba Village, Janapria District, Central Lombok Regency, where there is quite a lot of agricultural waste potential available. Implementation of activities includes: outreach, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), training, and practice in making organic fertilizer and managing animal feed. The target of the activity was 30 members of the farmer-livestock group in Janapria District. The output of the activity is increasing farmers' knowledge, skills and attitudes in organic fertilizer production technology; as well as the production of solid organic fertilizer (compost), liquid organic fertilizer and animal feed from agricultural waste. Output in the academic aspect is in the form of writing in journals or seminar proceedings. The evaluation results using statistical methods with paired sample t tests in this activity showed that there was a significant increase in farmer-breeder behavior after participating in training activities in making organic fertilizer and making feed. Some farmer-breeders have implemented the results of the training and feel that there are savings in farming costs by using organic fertilizer that they make themselves

THE IMPACT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER FROM TEMBANG FISH (Sardinella fimbriata) AND COCONUT WATER (Cocos nucifera L) ON THE GROWTH AND FRUIT OF BIRD’S EYE CHILI PLANTS (Capsicum frutescens L.)

AbstractThis research aims to determine the impact of administering varying quantities of liquid organic fertilizer obtained from tembang fish (Sardinella fimbriata) and coconut water (Cocos nucifera L) on the development and productivity of bird's eye chili plants (Capsicum frutescens L). This study was carried out in North Penajam Paser Regency from April to July 2023. This study employs a quantitative research methodology using a randomized factorial group (RAKF) design. The design has 2 factors, each with 16 treatments, and is replicated 4 times. The measured variables consist of plant height (in centimeters), leaf count (in strands), and fresh fruit weight (in grams). The results showed that treatment P2 (25 mL POC coconut water) had a real influence on the height parameters of bird's eye chili plants. Treatment P2 showed the highest average at the age of 70 and 79 HST, namely 44 cm and 45.5 cm. Meanwhile, treatment P16 (35 mL POC of tembang fish and 75 mL POC of coconut water) results demonstrate a notable influence on the parameters of leaf number and fresh fruit weight. The P16 treatment showed the highest average number of leaves at 56, 70 and 79 HST, namely 229, 245.75 and 326 strands. Furthermore, P16 treatment produced the highest average fresh fruit weight, namely 29 grams

Effect of spent engine oil pollution and liquid organic fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and nutrient contents of Maize (Zea Mays)

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of spent engine oil (SEO), bio-treated with liquid organic fertilizer, on maize plant growth. The study utilized three concentrations of SEO (0.5 and 10% w/w) and four liquid organic fertilizers (water control, cattle dung, poultry manure and rabbit manure). These factors were arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial setup with three replications in a completely randomized design. Collected data included percentage moisture, dry weight, nutrient content and uptake, heavy metal concentration, and post-harvest soil chemical properties. Soil composite samples on physical and chemical analysis carried out show that the engine oil pollution negatively affected soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable cations, but it increased total organic carbon before maize cultivation. The percentage moisture and dry weight of the maize plant were not significantly (p > 0.5) influenced by engine oil pollution or liquid organic fertilizer application. N, P and Mg content of maize plant were significantly reduced by the engine oil pollution but significantly boosted by organic fertilizer application. Cr and Pb content of the maize were increased with engine oil concentration but decreased with liquid organic fertilizer. Nutrient uptake was decreased with increase in engine oil content but increased with liquid organic fertilizer application. At the end of the experiment, engine oil pollution significantly depressed pH, total N, available P and exchangeable cations, but increased organic C, total hydrocarbon, exchangeable Al and heavy metal content while it was opposite for liquid organic fertilizer. Our findings suggested that soils polluted with SEO should be corrected with the application of organic fertilizers.

An Incubation System for the Simulation of Ammonia Emissions from Soil Surface-Applied Slurry: Effect of pH and Acid Type

Acidification of slurry is a promising approach for reducing ammonia emissions during the application procedure. Since only a few studies have been conducted focusing on ammonia emissions during the application of liquid organic fertilizers on the soil surface, a suitable incubation system was developed to evaluate the effects of acidification under controlled conditions. This incubation system was used to measure the ammonia emissions of various liquid organic fertilizers. The substrates were acidified with sulfuric and citric acid to different pH values to determine both the influence of the pH value of the substrates and of the type of acid on the ammonia emissions. The emissions decreased with declining pH value, and the reduction in emissions compared to the initial pH of the substrate was over 86% for pH 6.5 and over 98% for pH 6.0 and below. At the same pH value, the ammonia emissions did not differ between substrates acidified with citric acid and sulfuric acid, although more than twice as much 50% citric acid was required compared to 96% sulfuric acid to achieve the same pH value. Overall, our results demonstrate that the incubation system used is suitable for measuring ammonia emissions from surface-applied liquid organic fertilizers. The system allows for the differentiation of emission levels at various pH levels and is therefore suitable for testing the effectiveness of additives for reducing ammonia emissions from liquid organic fertilizers.

Effect of Planting Media Composition and Consentration of Vegetable Waste Liquid Organic Fertilizer on the Growth of Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq) in the Main Nursery

The research was carried out at Research and Educational Garden of the STIPER Agricultural Institute which is located in Maguwoharjo, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. This experiment was conducted from April – July 2023. This research design used a factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of two factors. The first factor was the composition of the planting medium with 3 kinds, namely: M1 = top soil + cocopeat (1:1); M2 = top soil + husk charcoal (1:1) and M3 = top soil + cocopeat + husk charcoal (1:1:1 ). The second factor was the LOF of vegetable waste which consists of 4 kinds, namely: P0 = without LOF (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) of vegetable waste (control); P1 = 50 ml / plant; P2 = 80 ml /plant and P3 = 100 ml / plant. The treatment combinations were 3 x 4 = 12 with 4 replications to obtain 48 plants. Data observations were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and if there were significantly differences, it was continued analyzed with the Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5%. There is an interaction between the composition of the planting medium and the LOF of vegetable waste, on the fresh weight of the crown and the fresh weight of the roots. The best treatment combination for crown fresh weight and root fresh weight is top soil + husk charcoal with vegetable waste LOF 100 ml/plant. The composition of the planting media has an influence on planting height, number of leaves, fresh weight of the crown and fresh weight of the roots. Top soil + charcoal husk planting media is the best. The LOF concentration of vegetable waste has an effect on stem diameter, fresh weight of the crown and the roots. Giving vegetable waste LOF of 50 ml/plant and so on up to 100 ml/plant shows better growth.

Effectiveness of Eco Farming as Organic Fertilizer on Vegetative Growth Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.)

The Indonesian people are familiar with the herbaceous vegetable plant known as basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The leaves of the basil plant are typically used to flavor cuisine and as fresh vegetables. This study set out to determine how applying liquid organic fertilizer from eco farming affected basil plants' ability to grow vegetatively (Ocimum basilicum L.) as well as the optimal dosage for this growth. August and September of 2023 saw the completion of this study. Using three treatments and five replications, the research employed a Randomized Block Design (RAK) methodology. Treatment A0 was the control, receiving no fertilizer; treatment A1 received 4 milliliters of eco-farm fertilizer; and treatment A2 received 6 milliliters of eco-farm fertilizer. The characteristics that need to be taken into account include plant height, number of branches, leaf area index, number of leaves, initial and final soil analysis, and chlorophyll content. The study data will be analyzed using statistical products and services solutions (SPSS) software version 25. The administration of 6 milliliters of eco-farm fertilizer to plants, or treatment A2, had a significant effect on the vegetative development of Ocinum basilicum L. basil plants, according to the research findings. Measurements of plant height are affected by a concentration of 6 ml. The highest average value for number of leaves is 30.00, while the highest average value for height is 39.60, the highest average value of 3.35 for leaf area index, and the highest average for leaf area index. 4.0 for number of branches.

Analysis of the heavy metals and Escherichia coli contamination of liquid organic fertilizers in the local market, Sri Lanka

Commercially available liquid organic fertilizers have gained popularity in agriculture due to their convenience and perceived environmental benefits. However, these fertilizers are susceptible to various contaminations, including heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), as well as bacterial contaminants like Escherichia coli (E. coli). Monitoring these contaminants helps to identify potential health risks to consumers, prevent soil and water pollution, and maintain the quality of agricultural products. Therefore, this study involved a comprehensive analysis of Pb and Cd heavy metals and E. coli bacterial contaminants in two widely used liquid organic fertilizers in the local market. The samples were digested using an open-vessel acid digestion followed by the flame atomic absorption spectroscopic (FAAS) analysis. The limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), matrix effect, and spike recovery were determined. The Pb concentration of one fertilizer was 3.45 (± 0.07) mg/kg with 92% recovery whereas the other was 2.87 (± 0.08) mg/kg with 91% recovery. In contrast, the Cd concentration was 0.09 (± 0.01) mg/kg and 0.11 (± 0.01) mg/kg with percentage recoveries of 93% and 90% for two fertilizers respectively. The Pb content exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 1.0 mg/kg set by the Sri Lanka Standard (SLS 1702:2121), while Cd levels remained within the limit of 0.5 mg/kg. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of the pathogenic O157:H7 E. coli strain in both fertilizers. Thus, the results of this study confirmed the lead (Pb) and Escherichia coli contamination in liquid organic fertilizers in the local market of Sri Lanka.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Solutions on Growth and Yield Performances of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in Red Yellow Podzolic Soil in Sri Lanka

Effect of Organic Nutrient Solutions on Growth and Yield Performances of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in Red Yellow Podzolic Soil in Sri Lanka

Influences of pH control in the organic liquid fertilizer production using MASARO technology

Indonesia’s food security compels the government to develop food and land intensification as a long-term national program. It cannot be denied that food productivity is closely related to fertilizer demand considering that Indonesia is an agricultural country. However, to date, 86.5% of Indonesian farmers rely on synthetic fertilizers which are adverse to the environment. On the other hand, Indonesia is the 2nd largest food waste producer and most of them are still unprocessed. Therefore, a practical solution to overcome this problem is to offer the application of MASARO technology. This technology can convert 1 kg of degradable waste into 10 L of organic liquid fertilizer so that it can increase agricultural productivity while replacing the role of synthetic fertilizers. In the organic liquid fertilizer production process, pH is an important parameter of the entire fermentation process where the value should be in the range of 3.9-4.2. However, the manual process still requires a long production duration, 28 days, because of pH value overshoot. By implementing a pH control system, the duration of organic liquid fertilizer production can be cut by 57% (from 672.8 hours to 288.6 hours) so the effect is proven can provide optimal and effective fermentation.

Producción de fertilizante orgánico líquido utilizando levadura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) residual del proceso de elaboración de cerveza

El objetivo del estudio fue revalorar la levadura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), del proceso de elaboración de cerveza, para obtener fertilizante orgánico líquido. El experimento se realizó en dos etapas: en campo, la recolección de materia prima y en el laboratorio, la determinación del porcentaje de humedad y los análisis microbiológicos, fisicoquímicos y agronómicos. Se utilizó un diseño completo al azar (DCA) con arreglo factorial de 4x4 con tres repeticiones. La caracterización de la levadura fue pH: 6,52, CE: 3,60 dS/m, HR relativa: 84,94% y materia orgánica en solución: 66,64%. Mientras que, la caracterización del fertilizante orgánico líquido estuvo en un pH: 3,96, CE: 21,40 dS/m, sólidos totales: 183,30 g/L y materia orgánica en solución: 146,40 g/L. La fermentación láctica realizada por las bacterias ácido-lácticas del consorcio microbiano (B-lac), es una opción para la producción de fertilizante orgánico líquido utilizando levadura residual del proceso de elaboración de cerveza. Mediante la caracterización de levadura, se demostró que la concentración de materia orgánica, el contenido de macronutrientes y micronutrientes de la levadura residual es alto en determinados elementos, tales como; nitrógeno (9681 mg/L), fósforo (2203,70 mg/L) y potasio (3850 mg/L); resultando ser un producto de calidad agronómica.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Cair dari Limbah Kulit Bawang Merah dan Air Cucian Beras (Leri) Pada Ibu Rumah Tangga Di Desa Mekar Sari, Kecamatan Tanjung Raya Kabupaten Mesuji

This community service project in the form of training was carried out based on the collaboration of KKN students from UIN Raden Intan Lampung and the community of Mekar Sari Village, in Tanjung Raya District, Mesuji Regency, Lampung Province, in order to provide training on community-friendly products for making liquid organic fertiliser from household waste to fertilise plants. The method used is counselling and providing training to the community, especially housewives. The purpose of this service is to educate and manage household waste as plant fertilizer. As a result, people are very aware that household vegetable waste, which is reprocessed into liquid organic fertiliser, has benefits for fertilising plants.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Kulit Pisang dan Kulit Nanas sebagai Bahan Baku Pembuatan Pupuk Organic Cair (POC)

Organic fertilizers are defined as fertilizers derived from plants or animals that have gone through an engineering process to improve soil biological, physical, and chemical properties. Organic fertilizers in this study were made from basic ingredients in the form of waste banana peels and pineapple peels. Pineapple and banana peels are often found in the form of waste from food and beverage processing facilities that are collected and not used. Therefore, in this study we made liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from banana and pineapple peel waste. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) products with parameters of pH, temperature, and C-Organic content compared with quality standards according to the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia No. 261 / KPTS / SR.310 / M / 4/ 2019 concerning Minimum Technical Requirements for Organic Fertilizers, Biological Fertilizers and Soil Improvements. The production of POC in this study was carried out using the anaerobic method, where the fermentation process itself was carried out for 14 days using Effective Microorganisms (EM4) as a bioactivator. The results of this study indicate that the highest temperature in POC made from banana peels was obtained during the initial fermentation time of 33 oC and the lowest temperature was obtained during the 3-day fermentation time of 25 oC, while in POC made from pineapple peel, the highest temperature was obtained during the initial fermentation time. of 33.5 oC and the lowest temperature was obtained during the 9-day fermentation time of 26 oC. The initial pH value for POC made from banana peels is 5 and the final pH is 4. While for POC pineapple peel, the initial pH value is 3 and the final pH is 4. For the C-Organic content in the initial POC peel the results are 0.095% and final C-Organic content of 0.021%. Meanwhile, the initial C-Organic content in the POC of pineapple peel was 0.037% and the final C-Organic content was 0.013%. The final value of the pH parameter is in accordance with the quality standard, which is 4-9 for pH, while the final value of the C-Organic parameter is not in accordance with the quality standard where the C-Organic content according to the quality standard is a minimum of 10%.

Accelerated organic liquid fertilizer made from oil palm industry effluents

Due to the increase in the cost of production and the environmental pollution caused by the effluents of the oil palm industry, environmentally friendly solutions are being sought. The objective of the research was to evaluate Accelerated Organic Liquid Fertilizer (ALOA) from palm industry effluents, through homolactic biofermentation processes. Five treatments were evaluated: T1 (80% florentine effluent+10% garlac+10% molasses), T2 (80% overflow effluent+10% garlac+10% molasses), T3 (40% florentine effluent+40% of overflow effluent+10% garlac+10% molasses), T4 (70% of florentino effluent+10% palm kernel+10% garlac + 10% molasses) and T5 (70% of overflow effluent+10% palm kernel+10% garlac+10% molasses), under a Complete Randomized Design (RCD), with four repetitions. The T4 obtained the best result with 4.3 pH, 28.54 dS*m-1 in Electrical Conductivity (EC) and the highest content of nitrogen (9560.46 mg*L-1), phosphorus (1620.79 mg*L-1), potassium (6787.50 mg*L-1), organic matter 262.01 g*L-1 and total solids 302.80 g*L-1. Preparing an ALOA from the Florentine effluent, overflow and palm kernel from the oil palm industry is an alternative to reduce environmental pollution.

Analysis of the heavy metals and Escherichia coli contamination of liquid organic fertilizers in the local market, Sri Lanka

Commercially available liquid organic fertilizers have gained popularity in agriculture due to their convenience and perceived environmental benefits. However, these fertilizers are susceptible to various contaminations, including heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), as well as bacterial contaminants like Escherichia coli (E. coli). Monitoring these contaminants helps to identify potential health risks to consumers, prevent soil and water pollution, and maintain the quality of agricultural products. Therefore, this study involved a comprehensive analysis of Pb and Cd heavy metals and E. coli bacterial contaminants in two widely used liquid organic fertilizers in the local market. The samples were digested using an open-vessel acid digestion followed by the flame atomic absorption spectroscopic (FAAS) analysis. The limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), matrix effect, and spike recovery were determined. The Pb concentration of one fertilizer was 3.45 (± 0.07) mg/kg with 92% recovery whereas the other was 2.87 (± 0.08) mg/kg with 91% recovery. In contrast, the Cd concentration was 0.09 (± 0.01) mg/kg and 0.11 (± 0.01) mg/kg with percentage recoveries of 93% and 90% for two fertilizers respectively. The Pb content exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 1.0 mg/kg set by the Sri Lanka Standard (SLS 1702:2121), while Cd levels remained within the limit of 0.5 mg/kg. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of the pathogenic O157:H7 E. coli strain in both fertilizers. Thus, the results of this study confirmed the lead (Pb) and Escherichia coli contamination in liquid organic fertilizers in the local market of Sri Lanka.