Empty Fruit Bunches Compost and Germination of Raphanus sativs L.

Abstract

Overabundance of empty fruit bunches (EFB) from palm oil industries has opened opportunity for its exploitationfor agricultural use as compost. In this study, palm oil EFB compost was prepared by the addition of wood chipsas a bulking agent and chicken manure to enhance the composting rate. Moisture was maintained at 50-70%during the 2-month composting. Results showed that the EFB compost containing high mineralisation indexcompared to the initial EFB samples after two months of the composting process. The important macronutrients;N, P, K, Ca and Mg and micronutrients Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu and B were found present in the EFB composts. Thefinal stage of EFB compost B showed high nutrient content with N, P, and K values of 2.21%, 3.65%, and 0.49%,respectively. Fe was the most outstanding element in the EFB compost as high as 9000 ppm. Germination resultsshowed that EFB compost with EFB:wood chips at 1:3 ratio exhibited better growth of leaves and root ofRaphanus sativs L. compared to 1:2 ratio. This indicated that the EFB compost is capable in improving soilfertility and growth of plants.