Analysis of Nutrient Content in Liquid Organic Fertiliser from Fruit Waste

Abstract

Liquid organic fertilizer derived from fruit waste is a solution resulting from the decomposition of organic materials sourced from agricultural by-products, such as fruits and vegetables that contain multiple nutrient elements. This study aims to quantitatively analyse the nutrient content of the liquid organic fertilizer made from agricultural organic waste, including the peels of various fruits such as banana, rambutan, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, mangosteen, kwini, and orange, which were fermented for 14 days with the addition of EM4. The parameters tested include the levels of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), organic carbon content, and pH levels. The nutrient analysis was conducted using the Kjeldahl method for Nitrogen (N) content, spectrophotometry for Phosphorus (P) analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for Potassium (K), spectrophotometry for organic carbon analysis, and pH measurement via electrometry. The findings indicate that the liquid organic fertilizer with the code BZ 19724 contains macro nutrients of 0.01% total N, 0.01% P2O5, and 0.20% K2O. Furthermore, the recorded pH value was 4.19, with organic carbon content reaching 0.88%. Conversely, the liquid organic fertilizer with the code BZ 60624 displayed different results. The macro nutrient content in this sample recorded 0.04% total N, 0.03% P2O5, and 0.39% K2O. The pH value obtained was 4.72, and the organic carbon content was 0.90%. Liquid organic fertilizer derived from fruit waste demonstrates potential as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers, and further research could be conducted to explore its viability as a liquid organic fertilizer.