Optimization of Bio-Fermented Liquid Fertilizer Production from Leucaena leucocephala Leaves
Keywords:
Bio-fermented liquid fertilizer, Leucaena leaves, microorganisms, Organic fertilizer, PotassiumAbstract
This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for producing bio-fermented liquid fertilizer from Leucaena leucocephala leaves by evaluating four factors: leaf quantity, molasses quantity, microbial inoculant type, and fermentation duration. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replications for each treatment. The results showed that the optimal conditions consisted of 10 kg of L. leucocephala leaves, 6 kg of molasses, Effective Microorganisms (EM) as the microbial inoculant, and a fermentation period of 4 weeks. These conditions provided suitable levels of major nutrients, particularly total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The study also found that fermentation beyond 8 weeks led to excessive potassium accumulation, which may cause phytotoxic effects if the liquid fertilizer is applied without proper dilution. In addition, Effective Microorganisms (EM) maintained relatively stable pH throughout the fermentation period, indicating its suitability for controlling the quality of the fermented liquid fertilizer. The resulting product could reduce production costs by more than 70% compared with chemical fertilizers. These findings provide fundamental information for producing bio-fermented liquid fertilizer from local resources and support sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
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