The use of liquid organic fertilizers in improving soil chemistry and fertility without harming soil and the environment

THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
…..............................

BONIFACIO B. NATAG-OY
TOPIC TITLE: THE USE OF LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZERS IN IMPROVING
SOIL CHEMISTRY AND FERTILITY WITHOUT HARMING SOIL AND THE
ENVIRONMENT

Bachelor Thesis
Study Mode: Full-Time
Major

: Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Faculty

: International Training and Development Center

Batch

: K42 - AEP

Thai Nguyen, 20/01/2015


CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “THE USE OF LIQUID ORGANIC
FERTILIZERS IN IMPROVING SOIL CHEMISTRY AND FERTILITY WITHOUT
HARMING SOIL AND THE ENVIRONMENT” submitted by Bonifacio B. Natag-oy
towards the fulfillment of the undergraduate degree of Environmental Science and

Management is based on his original research and study under the supervision of Dr.
Dedik Budianta and Dr. Nguyen The Hung. The thesis in part or full is the property of
the Advanced Education Program of the Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture
and Forestry and thereof should not be used by any other public or private institution
without prior consent.
Thai Nguyen, 23/ 01/ 2015
Supervisor

Dr. Nguyen The Hung
Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture
and Forestry

Signed by:


DOCUMENTATION PAGE WITH ABSTRACT
Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry
Degree Program Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
Student Name

Bonifacio B. Natag-oy

Student ID

DTN1054140237

Thesis Title

The Use of Liquid Organic Fertilizers In Improving Soil Chemistry and
Fertility Without Harming Soil and the Environment

Supervisors

Dr. Dedik Budianta and Dr. Nguyen The Hung

Abstract
Soil has a very important role to the environment and if not manage well due to the
overuse of some inorganic or chemical fertilizers may lead to soil degradation and soil
destruction of the soil structure and the soil fertility. However, with the proper use of
liquid organic fertilizers (LOF) can bring back the life into the soil as it provides
microorganisms and soil nutrients that improves the soil chemistry and fertility. The
study area was in the Soil Science Department greenhouse, Faculty of Agriculture,
Sriwijaya University, Inderalaya Campus, South Sumatra Province. The findings of the
study are expected to help the farmers to have an idea on how to make and apply their
own fertilizer that can costs much cheaper compared to some commercial fertilizers
(Organic and Inorganic). The study analyzed the NPK of the LOF and pH, NPK of the
soil after the experiment. The study revealed that the best treatment for water spinach in
a histosol soil type was in treatment 2 with the rates of 7.5 L/ha but the results in
statistical analysis was that all has no significant difference with each treatment except
the K with significant difference. Although, the soil type (histosol) used in this study
affected the plants growth due to the compaction of the soil when wet or after watering.

Keywords

Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF), Histosol (organosol),pH
and NPK, environment

Number of Pages

Thirty four (34) pages

Date of submission

January 22, 2015

ii


ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author wishes to extend his grateful appreciation to the following people
for their valuable contribution in order to make this research possible. First and
foremost, to our Almighty God for giving the author wisdom, strength, courage and
through Him everything was made possible. To his family for their support and
unconditional love necessary to fulfill the author’s dreams. To the Advanced
Education Program headed by Dr. Duong Van Thao for their continuous support and
assistance with their students. To the lecturers at Sriwijaya University and TUAF
especially to Dr. Dedik Budianta and Dr. Nguyen The Hung, his thesis supervisors, for
their excellent advices and for providing him good atmosphere and motivations for
doing the research. To Dr. Arinafril, without him the research in Sriwijaya University
would not be possible and for the recommendation for his supervisor. To his friends in
Sriwijaya University, Faculty of Agriculture, ASEAN University Games Volunteers
for their kindness in helping him for his research and for the friendship that they built
during his stay in Indonesia. To his classmates in K42 and to all the Filipino students
for sharing the happy days and hard times in the last four years of his life in Vietnam.
To Mrs. Herminia Teh-op, for giving him a financial and moral support in the last four
years of study in Vietnam. To Dr. Serafin L. Ngohayon and the Ifugao State
University (IFSU), for giving him the full support and for giving him the chance to
study in Vietnam. Lastly, the author offers his regards and blessings to all of those
who supported him in any respect during the completion of the project.

33
3


TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................. 1
LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................... 2
PART I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 3
1.1. Reasearch Rationale ......................................................................................... 3
1.2. Research’s objectives........................................................................................ 4
1.3. Research questions and Hypotheses.................................................................. 4
1.4. Limitations ....................................................................................................... 5
PART II. LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................ 6
2.1. Organic fertilizers ............................................................................................. 6
2.1.1. The use and importance of organic fertilizers................................................. 6
2.1.2. The use of liquid organic fertilizers (LOF)..................................................... 6
2.1.3. Advantages of liquid organic fertilizers ......................................................... 8
2.1.4. Disadvantages liquid organic fertilizers ....................................................... 10
2.2. Functions of lime in the soil............................................................................ 11
2.2.1. Importance of liming the soil ....................................................................... 11
2.2.2. Neutralization of Soil Acids......................................................................... 12
2.2.3. The Influence of Calcium on Plant Growth.................................................. 12
2.2.4. The effect of Lime on the Solubility of Soil Mineral Elements .................... 12
2.2.5. Effect of Lime on Microbial Process of the Soil........................................... 13
2.2.6. The Effect of Lime on Soil Structure ........................................................... 13
2.2.7. The Influence of Lime on the Effectiveness of Fertilizers and Manure......... 13
2.3. Swamp area in South Sumatra, Indonesia ....................................................... 13
2.4. Histosol .......................................................................................................... 14
PART III. METHODS ........................................................................................... 16
3.1. Materials......................................................................................................... 16

3.1.1. Organic Materials, OM (Chicken Manure, Legume tree (Gliricidia sepium),
Effective microorganisms EM4, Coconut Water) .................................................. 16
3.1.2. Water, pots, soil, and lime............................................................................ 17
3.1.3. Water Spinach ............................................................................................. 18
3.1.4. Bucket ......................................................................................................... 18
4
4


3.1.5. Laboratory room and equipments................................................................. 18
3.1.6. Camera ........................................................................................................ 18
3.1.7. Papers and pen............................................................................................. 18
3.2. Methods.......................................................................................................... 18
3.2.1. Experimental Process................................................................................... 18
3.2.2. Site Location ............................................................................................... 20
3.2.3. Experimental Design ................................................................................... 20
3.2.4. Sampling and Analysis ................................................................................ 20
3.2.5. Statistical Analysis ...................................................................................... 21
PART IV. RESULTS.............................................................................................. 22
4.1. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) ....................................................................... 22
4.2. Soil nutrients .................................................................................................. 22
4.3. Plants growth and biomass.............................................................................. 26
PART V. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION..................................................... 30
5.1. Discussion ...................................................................................................... 30
5.1.1. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) .................................................................... 30
5.1.2. Soil nutrients ............................................................................................... 31
5.1.3. Plants growth and biomass........................................................................... 31
5.1.4. The effects of Histosol on the Plants ............................................................ 32
5.2. Conclusion...................................................................................................... 32
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 33

5


LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.1. Effect of applied lime on Soil pH............................................................ 23
Figure 4.2. Effects of applied LOF on Soil Nitrogen Contents .................................. 24
Figure 4.3. Effect of applied LOF on Soil Phosphorus Contents ............................... 24
Figure 4.4. Effect of applied LOF on Soil Potassium Contents ................................. 25
Figure 4.5. Effect of applied rates of LOF on height of the plants ............................. 27
Figure 4.6. Effect of applied rates of LOF on the number of leaves .......................... 27
Figure 4.7. Effect of applied rates of LOF on fresh weight of the plants ................... 29
Figure 4.8. Effect of applied rates of LOF on dry weight of the plants ...................... 29

1


LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1. Liquid Organic Fertilizer Results (Silalahi, 2014) ...................................... 8
Table 2.2. Chemical properties of organic soil material as related to degree of
decomposition .......................................................................................................... 14
Table 2.3. The results of the soil analysis from lowland dry swamp area (Silalahi,
2014) ........................................................................................................................ 15
Table 4.1. Nutrient concentration of liquid organic fertilizer used in the study................. 22
Table 4.2. Some properties of soil sampled after harvesting the water spinach.......... 22
Table 4.3. Effect of applied rates of LOF on plants growth ....................................... 26
Table 4.4. Effects of applied rates of LOF on plants weight...................................... 28

2

PART I. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Reasearch Rationale
Soils play a very important role in our life and in our environment. It is the
foundation of all the buildings, houses, roads, plants for forestry and agriculture and
others. It is where all living and non-living things standing including humans. Soils are
a combinations and interactions of solids (organic and inorganic materials including
microorganisms), liquid (water) and gas (air) (Hyodo et. al., 2006).
Soil is very important to all plants and a plant does not depend on only with soil
but also with soil fertility in order to grow properly. The fertility or nutrients of the soil
already exists since the soil was developed from rocks through chemical processes and
time and the rocks contain all of the nutrients needed by plants. Soil fertility depends
on soil chemistry as we need to know the soil chemistry to determine its fertility.
Organic fertilizers are different from inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers
provide food and nourish the plants while helping forming the structure of the soil.
Inorganic fertilizers do the same thing but will soon destroy the soil and according to
(Puma, 2010), the carbonic acid which is present in the soil, combines with the sodium
from chemical fertilizers to form sodium carbonate. This sodium carbonate act as a
bonding agent causing soil particles to bind together and compact. That process caused
the soil becomes hard, difficult to work, and plant roots can't penetrate it.
Farmers most likely to use inorganic fertilizers because it gives the nutrients that
are needed by plants faster than organic fertilizers which are slower. According to
Hadad and Anderson, 2004, inorganic fertilizers are generally simple to use, because it
is easy to determine the fertilizer concentration with the use of a conductivity meter.

3


On the other hand, Organic fertilizers have been difficult to apply at a specific rate
because the amounts of nutrients per unit of fertilizer solution were not known.

Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) is the most likely to be used as a replacement to
inorganic fertilizer because it’s easy for the plants to uptake the nutrients from it through
the roots or leaves (Stomata). LOF provide better nourishment for plants resulting into
healthy and strong plants. They reduce incidences of plant pests and diseases making
them more resistant (Agro Eco Louis Bolk Institute (AELBI), 2010). Farmers or
gardeners may buy commercial LOF in the markets or make a homemade LOF.
1.2. Research’s objectives
To know how to prepare liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) that can be prepared at
home and apply in the field, study the effects of LOF in soil chemistry to see the
improvements after the applications, to find an alternative way to improve soil fertility
in an environmental friendly way which has a similar or close to the effective time rate
like inorganic fertilizers.
1.3. Research questions and Hypotheses
This study aims to give information to farmers and help or guide them with the
help of this following research questions:
1. How does soil chemistry affects soil fertility?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using liquid organic fertilizer in
terms of economic and time value in comparison to inorganic fertilizer?
3. How to prepare and apply liquid organic fertilizer?
4. What are the effects and benefits of using organic fertilizer to soil and the
environment?

4


The researcher was expecting good results for the Nitrogen contents from the main
ingredients of the LOF which is from the legume tree leaves (Gliricidia sepium). For
the Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are also expected to provide good results from
the chicken manure (dry) as one of the main ingredients of the LOF as it is a good
source of P and K nutrients. Chicken Manure is also a good source of N contents of the

fertilizers and it is expected to add or contribute in Nitrogen contents of the LOF.
The researcher was also expecting to get good results for the soil and plant analysis after the
applications of the lime and LOF in the experiments. The rates of the LOF applications
increases from the control, 5, 7.5, and 10 liters per hectare, the results of the plants growth
should be better as the rates of the LOF per treatments increased.
1.4. Limitations
This study aims to test the effect of different rates of liquid organic fertilizer on soil
properties and crop growth of water spinach. The study only analyzes macro nutrients
needed by plants such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). It also analyzes
soil pH and the growth measurement including the number of leaves per crop, plants height
and

its

biomass

(fresh

and

dry

weight).

5


PART II. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Organic fertilizers
2.1.1. The use and importance of organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are products obtained from the decomposition of organic matter; in
this process effective microorganisms are important because they break down the organic
matter thus realizing nutrients for plant growth. Organic fertilizers can be prepared on the
farm at a low cost using crop residues, animal dung and other plant materials (Agro Eco
Luis Institute, 2010).
The following are the importance of organic fertilizers according to (Agro Eco Luis
Institute, 2010).
• Organic fertilizers reduce the dependence on artificial chemical products on
different crops.
• They improve the soil, physical structure (soft and loose soil), chemical (increase
nutrients), and biological (high population of beneficial microorganisms) composition.
• Improve yields and the quality of products.
• Source of food for soil organisms.
2.1.2. The use of liquid organic fertilizers (LOF)
The use of liquid organic fertilizer could greatly improve the health of plants and
their yield within the production area. Biol liquid fertilizer is made by the anaerobic
decomposition (fermentation), of organic materials, producing a nutrient rich
source of humus and living culture to stimulate such physiological activities in plants
as root formation, stimulation of flower and fruit growth, and overall plant
development. Applied in small amounts, Biol promotes the lives of microorganisms
which improve soil structure when applied in the ground and reduce fungal and
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bacterial infections when applied to leaves. Users of biol fertilizers report a noticeable
greening in the leaves of treated plants and an increase in harvest quantity and quality.
The overall health of the plant is improved (Dorner, 2013).
Liquid organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly fertilizers obtained from
plant and animal origin. They are formulated from botanical extracts into liquids that
are readily absorbed in soluble state, and are usually fortified with nutrient elements

that promote healthy plants growth and development (Danbala and Green Planet,
2003). Liquid organic fertilizer gives plants added nutrients in a faster-acting form
than granular fertilizer. Health-related benefits accrue from application of liquid
organic fertilizer. Bockrnan et al. (1990) reported that a desire for quality food is part
of the market acceptance of organic produce which have little or no chemical residue.
Some advocates or organic farming believe that food produced with liquid organic
fertilizers is more nutritious than food produced by conventional farming (Schupan,
1974). However, the price of organic products are more expensive compared to
inorganic products, thus, this organic products are not popular in daily needs and also
this organic products are difficult to find in the market.
Liquid organic fertilizer has the advantages that contain certain substances such as
microorganisms that are rarely found in solid organic. In dry form some
microorganisms die and cannot be active substances. If the liquid organic fertilizer
mixed with solid organic fertilizer, it can enable the microorganisms present in the
solid organic fertilizer. Liquid organic fertilizers have largely remained in the
background of mainstream scientific literature and what little knowledge exists about
them is mainly confined to biodynamic farming literature (Divers, 1999).

7


Table 2.1. Liquid Organic Fertilizer Results (Silalahi, 2014)
(NSI) Liquid
Analysis Type

Unit

Result
Organic Fertilizer

pH

6.85

Meet

N-Total

%

3.107

Meet

P-Total

%

0.012

Does not meet

K-Total

%

0.027

Does not meet

Note : Analyzed in the Soil Science Department Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture.
Inderalaya. 2014.

Sriwijaya University.

The table above is the results of the liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) made from
Water Hyacinth.
2.1.3. Advantages of liquid organic fertilizers
• Homemade liquid fertilizers are often costs much cheaper than commercial
inorganic fertilizers, because the material can be found in the vicinity of the house.
Information from the document of Agro Eco Luis Institute: A Practical Manual for
Small Holder Farmers, 2010 indicated that:
• Better nourishment for plants resulting into healthy and strong plants.
• It is a microbial soup which permits the re-establishment of microbial equilibrium
in the ecosystem.
• They reduce incidences of plant pests and diseases making them more resistant.
• They do not permit growth of plant pathogenic microorganisms on plants by
working in a way to prevent and eliminate diseases.
The information from Eco Green, (2015) indicated that:

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Economic advantage
• Cost effective: Improve the economic wellbeing of growers and farmers in
particular and the society in general.
Social advantage
• No toxic effect: there is no any health hazard effect to human beings because there
is no any toxicity effect.
Crop Productivity advantages

• Controlled growth: does not over- stimulate to exceptional growth which can cause
problems and require more work.
• Enhance/ speed up the crops maturity date: it expedites new bud initiation and also
maturity of plants by up to 10 days.
• Other quality improvements on the crop: it improves head size and color/texture of
leaves while also increasing vase life after flowers are cut.
• Stronger plants and grass: a multipurpose liquid concentrate that promotes vigorous
growth, increased root development and improved stress and disease tolerance.
• For rapid uptake: Their small particle size and liquid formulations also allow for
rapid uptake when applied directly to leaves (foliar feeding).
Soil related advantages
• Better for the soil: provides organic matter essential for microorganisms. It is one
of the building blocks for fertile soil which is rich in humus.
• Nutrient release: slow and consistent at a natural rate that plants are able to use.
Since microbes must break down the material no danger of over concentration of any
element can be caused; and also it constitutes full of both macro and micro nutrients.
9


• Trace minerals: typically present in a broad range, providing more balanced
nutrition to the plant.
•

Open up the soil pores so that the soil microbes will multiply and begin to release

nutrients, as crops use them.
• Will not burn: safe for all plants with no danger of burning due to salt
concentration.
•

Long lasting: doesn’t leach out since the organic matter binds to the soil particles

where the roots have access to it.
• Encourages soil life: Microbes convert the organic matter to the form of nutrients that
plants need. Earthworms feeding on organic materials are eaten and loosen the soil.
• Specific formulas: formulated in liquid form which enables it to percolate easily to
the soil and can adapt to any application by changing the ingredient blend. Pre-blended
formulas or individual items allow flexibility for plant preferences or needs.
Environmental advantage
• Beneficial to the environment: it is free from any harmful residues or it will not
cause pollution due to runoff from irrigation or rain. It is environmentally friendly and
it addresses the requirements of eco friendly.
• Organic wastes or garbage in the house would be easier to manage and organize
those wastes because it could be used for home made organic fertilizers and it provides
a healthy life style.
2.1.4. Disadvantages liquid organic fertilizers
• Usually, commercial liquid organic fertilizers are often more expensive than
commercial

inorganic

fertilizers.
10
10


• Home made liquid organic fertilizers are much cheaper than inorganic fertilizers
but it takes time to produce as organic fertilizers for the plants.
•

Incomplete composting can leave certain pathogens in the organic matter. These

pathogens can enter the water system or the food crops, causing human health and
environmental problems (Gore, 2006).
• The certain nutrients that are presents in the ingredients of organic materials were
not known.
• Usually, nutrients that come from the organic materials were slow to release for the
plants consumptions.
2.2. Functions of lime in the soil
2.2.1. Importance of liming the soil
Liming is an important practice in scientific soil management. Too frequently soil
fertility is regarded chiefly as a matter of supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium, and insufficient emphasis is placed on calcium which performs many
indispensable functions in plant growth and in modifying soil conditions. The liming
of soils should be accepted by all as a fundamental and essential practice; it is
frequently referred to as the “backbone” of permanent agriculture in humid regions
(Millar & Turk, 1943). Agriculturally, lime may be said to be any compound of
calcium or of calcium and magnesium capable of counteracting the harmful effects of
an acid soil, they also added.
These materials are effective in neutralizing all types of soil acids and have no
detrimental effects on the physical properties of soils and are not toxic to plants in
amounts normally applied. Liming materials are used to bring about in the soil chemical,
physical, and biological changes that are beneficial to plant growth. The need of soils for
11
11


lime, then, is caused by the loss of the basic constituents, calcium and magnesium,
through leaching and cropping and is aggravated by other processes or practices which
add acid constituents to the soil although as pointed out a need for lime may exist even

though no loss of bases occurs during soil formation (Millar and Turk, 1943).
2.2.2. Neutralization of Soil Acids
Since the accumulation of hydrogen ions in acidic soils is accompanied by the loss of
basic elements, calcium, an addition of lime will correct the calcium deficiency and the
same time neutralize soil acidity (Millar & Turk, 1943). They also stated that lime in the
forms of oxide, hydroxide, and carbonate reacts rather rapidly with moist, acid soils.
2.2.3. The Influence of Calcium on Plant Growth
Calcium is indispensable element for growth of all crops. It appears to be essential
for cell-wall construction and perhaps aids in neutralizing organic acids within the
plant or in regulating the acid-base balance in plants (Millar & Turk, 1943). Calcium
in general is not only good for the growth of the crops but it also helps in neutralizing
the soil pH.
2.2.4. The effect of Lime on the Solubility of Soil Mineral Elements
According to Millar and Turk, (1943), Soil phosphorus is generally most readily
available to plants in neutral or slightly acid soils, and with increasing acidity its
availability decreases. Liming acidic soils has a tendency to make the phosphate
compounds in the soil more available. When soils become deficient in bases, the
solubility of aluminum, iron, and manganese increases; in strongly acid soils, the high
concentrations of these elements may be toxic to crop plants. Caution is therefore
necessary in the use of lime. A normal application may prevent toxic concentrations of
these substances; yet too much lime may create an iron and manganese deficiency.
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2.2.5. Effect of Lime on Microbial Process of the Soil
Millar and Turk, (1943), stated that calcium is closely associated with certain
important microbial processes. The more important effects of calcium on the soil
population may be grouped as follows:
• Promoting the decomposition of organic matter

• Making conditions favorable for nitrification and sulphofication
• Providing favorable conditions for growth and functioning of both symbiotic and
non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
2.2.6. The Effect of Lime on Soil Structure
According to Millar and Turk, (1943), a soil with a high content of lime is more
likely to remain in good tilt than one low in lime. The presence of sufficient lime aids
in making soils loose and friable, permitting better aeration assists in drainage and is
important in plowing and seedbed preparation.
2.2.7. The Influence of Lime on the Effectiveness of Fertilizers and Manure
The full benefits of fertilizers and manures are realized only after ample supplies of
lime have been provided. Fertilizers and manures are more effective when all soil
conditions are favorable. Lime is not a substitute for fertilizers and manure, but when lime
is needed its application will greatly increase their effectiveness (Millar & Turk, 1943).
2.3. Swamp area in South Sumatra, Indonesia
Lowland swamp areas in Indonesia are quite wide and it is estimated to 13.28 million
ha of the area of which have been exploited and distributed in Borneo, Sumatra and
Papua. On the island of Sumatra, the largest lowland swamp area located in South
Sumatra Province which is about 2.98 million hectares (Suparwoto & Waluyo, 2009).
Potential lowland swamp area in South Sumatra reached 2.28 million hectares or 27
13
13


percent of the area of South Sumatra (Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, 2011).
Ogan Ilir is one of the Districts of the said province where in this study located. It belongs
to the lowland swamp area in the province but during the dry season, they use the soil to
cultivate some crops by the local people. But some factors that has been the problem in
the soil from the swamp area like low in pH and low soil fertility.
2.4. Histosol
Table 2.2. Chemical properties of organic soil material as related to degree of

decomposition

Note: This image was captured from the “Handbook of Soil Science” (Summer, 1999).

The organic parent materials of Histosols are a major source of acidity. Acids
produced by the partial decomposition of organic matter cause the organic horizons of
Histosols to be highly acidic unless they have been neutralized by bases that were
dissolved from mineral soils or rocks and transported into the peat by groundwater.
There are different types of Histosols like Fibric, Hemic and Sapric soil materials. The
type of Histosol used in this study was Fibric with an original soil pH of 4.5. The
image above showed the different pH of the three different types of Histosol.
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14


Table 2.3. The results of the soil analysis from lowland dry swamp area (Silalahi, 2014)
Analysis Type

Unit

Results

Criteria

pH (H2O)

-

4.25

Very sour

pH KCl

-

4.08

Sour

C-Organik

%

6.92

Very High

N-Total

%

0.45

Medium

ppm

6.00

Very Low

K-dd

cmol(+) kg-1

0.26

Low

Na-dd

cmol(+) kg-1

0.11

Low

Ca-dd

cmol(+) kg-1

0.28

Low

Mg-dd

cmol(+) kg-1

0.12

Very Low

CEC

cmol(+) kg-1

17.40

Medium

Al-dd

cmol(+) kg-1

1.36

-

H-dd

cmol(+) kg-1

1.24

-

P-available (Bray I)

Sandy Clay

Texture
Sand

%

58.67

Dust

%

34.24

Clay

%

7.09

Note : Analyzed in the Soil Science Department Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University.
Inderalaya. 2014.

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PART III. METHODS
3.1. Materials

3.1.1. Organic Materials, OM (Chicken Manure, Legume tree (Gliricidia sepium),
Effective microorganisms EM4, Coconut Water)
This are the materials that were used to prepare and make liquid organic fertilizer.
The brief descriptions of materials used in the study are as follows:
Chicken Manure
Chicken manure is rich in Nitrogen contents as well as Phosphorus and Potassium.
For this ingredient, you can buy or purchase in poultry production area or in some
organic fertilizer store. If you have your own small or large poultry production
business is much better and can save money. Fresh manure is the best ingredients to
use in making LOF as compared to dry manure as some nutrients will evaporate to the
atmosphere. In this study, we used dry chicken manure and was purchased in poultry
production area.
Madre cacao (Gliricidia sepium)
Madre cacao is a leguminous tree that rich in Nitrogen and a nitrogen fixation tree.
You can find these plants and add in making LOF as one of the source on nitrogen
contents. In this study, we used fresh leaves in making the LOF.
Effective microorgansims (EM4)
These ingredients contained microorganism as decomposer to be used to help in
composting the materials and make the nutrients as a ready for fertilizer applications.
These ingredients can be purchased in agricultural farm supplies or organic fertilizer
supplies.

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Coconut water
These ingredients used to provide foods for the microorganisms aside from the
chicken manure. This ingredient is more possible to use in a small amount of LOF or
in small scale farms. Sugar or molasses can be used as a replacement in large amount

of LOF or large scale farms.
3.1.2. Water, pots, soil, and lime
These materials are needed for potting soil and amended soils in the pots with lime.
Water is used to moisturize the soil. Water was used also to dilute the liquid organic
fertilizer. The insecticide represented as soil pollutants. The soil that was used in the
experiment is Organosol.
Water
This used to add also in making the LOF to add more liquid and helps in the
fermenting or composting the LOF ingredients. It also used for everyday watering of
the plants and soils. It used also in diluting the LOF to minimized its concentration to
avoid plant damage.
Pots
It used in potting the soil to grow the plants. These materials can be purchased in
gardening supplies in markets.
Soil (Organosol or Histosol)
This type of soil was used in this study to test the LOF effectiveness. This type of
soil can be found on dried swamp area.
Lime
This used to raise the pH of the soil as organosol has low pH even though it was
made from organic materials. The amount of lime used to raise the pH of the soil was
4.6 grams per 5 kilograms of soil.
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3.1.3. Water Spinach
Water Spinach is the plant that was used for the experiment to test the effectiveness
of the liquid organic fertilizer. The seed can be purchased in any Agricultural Farm
Supply.
3.1.4. Bucket

Bucket was used for fermenting or mixing the organic matters for a month.
3.1.5. Laboratory room and equipments
This is where the samples will be analyzed using some laboratory equipments and
chemicals to determine pH, N, P, K.
3.1.6. Camera
This was used for documentation during the experiment to take photos of the
materials and the making of liquid organic fertilizer.
3.1.7. Papers and pen
This was used to record all the data and results of the experiment and others.
3.2. Methods
3.2.1. Experimental Process
Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) was prepared in this study using pure organic
materials (OM) including 1 kg of chicken manure, 1 kg of Madre cacao leaves
(Gliricidia Sepium), 1 L EM4, 1 L of coconut water and 1 L of water that were used in
the fermentation of the LOF. Organic materials were mixed together in a bucket for 1
month (30 days) and stirring it every three (3) days. After the preparation of the LOF,
while waiting for 30 days to be fermented, soil was prepared and amended with lime
and need to wait for the soil to absorb the lime within 2 weeks (14 days). There are 5
kg (dry soil) of top soil (Organosol) that were used in every pot. Before applying the
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treatments, the soil in the pots were amended with lime (4.6 g/pot) for 2 weeks to raise
the pH of the soil.
After 30 days, the LOF is ready to be filtered. LOF were filtered and collected
about 3.60 L of pure LOF. LOF sample were collected and brought to the laboratory
for N, P, and K analysis. 12 pots were prepared for the experiment in this study. All
pots were planted with water spinach (1 spinach/pot). The experiment was divided into
four groups (4 pots/ group) with four fertility treatments. Group A, treatment 0 has

zero application of LOF. Group B, treatment 1 has 1 rate of LOF application. Group C,
treatment 2, 1.5 rates and group D, treatment 3 in 2 rates of LOF application.
Before applying the LOF in the soil, it was diluted with water to minimize its
concentration. The rate of the LOF dilution were at the ratio of 1:100 (e.g. 1 L of LOF
: 100 L of water). The rate of LOF (diluted with water) that were applied in this
experiment was 5 liters (L) LOF/hectare (ha) in treatment 1 at 1 rate and it is
equivalent to 4.5 ml of LOF per spinach. Treatment 2 at 1.5 rates was 7.5 L/ha is
equivalent to 5.25 ml/spinach. Treatment 3 at 2 rates was 10 L/ha and it is equivalent
to 9 ml of LOF per spinach. The application of the LOF to the soil is right after
transplanting the water spinach in the pot.
The water spinach was watered everyday from the seedling to transplanting until
harvesting. After harvesting the crops, we measured the growth of the crops to
compare each treatments and replications growth at the same time. We also get the
fresh and dry weight of each crops. Fresh weight of the crops was determined right
after getting the growth measurement. After getting the fresh weight, we put the crops
in a bond paper each and put it into the oven for drying. After drying the crops in the
oven for 2 days (48 hours), we immediately get the dry weight of the crops.
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