Production of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) Based on Leaves, Fruit Peel, Bamboo Shoots, and Free-Range Chicken Manure

Abstract

Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers without the addition of organic fertilizers can lead to an imbalance of nutrients in the soil, damage to soil structure, and a decrease in soil microbiology. Self-sufficiency in making Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) from cheap and abundant natural materials is intended to counteract the negative effects of continuous chemical fertilizer use, in order to maintain soil fertility and the ecosystem. Papaya leaves, guava leaves, and teak leaves are rich in N, P, and K as well as essential microelements; banana and pineapple peels serve as sources of potassium and carbohydrates; free-range chicken manure is rich in macro (NPK) and micro nutrients; bamboo shoots are sources of growth hormones and microorganisms. The experimental aims to utilize these solid materials in the production of liquid organic fertilizer. All solid materials are chopped into small pieces and then blended alternately with a molasses solution (1kg of papaya leaves, 1kg of guava leaves, 1kg of teak leaves, 1kg of banana peels, 1kg of pineapple peels, 1kg of bamboo shoots), then mixed with 1 liter of coconut water, 1 liter of rice water decoction, and 250 ml of EM-4 bio activator, as well as 10 liters of pure water in a 40-liter capacity bucket to undergo anaerobic fermentation for approximately 14 days. The result obtained is an organic liquid fertilizer (LOF) with a brown or dark color, a characteristic fermentation aroma, and containing N, P, K, and growth hormones for fertilizing various types of vegetables and plants.