The effect of Co-60 gamma rays irradiation on chemical properties of biofertilizer carrier material

Abstract

This study was conducted to test the method of sterilization using autoclave and Co-60 gamma rays irradiation on chemical properties changes of biofertilizer carriers (Jasinga Latosols, Pasar Jumat Latosols, compost, Rawa Pening peat, Kalimantan peat). This research was conducted in July 2016 to April 2017 at Center for the Application of Isotopes and Radiation National Nuclear Energy Agency (PAIR BATAN) laboratory and Ilmu Tanah Sumber Daya Lahan Insitut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) laboratory. The design used in this study is completely randomized design, with seven treatment and five replications. The treatments provided include the control (without sterilization), sterilization using autoclave, and sterilization using gamma ray of Co-60 with doses of 10 kilo Gray (kGy), 20 kGy, 30 kGy, 40 kGy and 50 kGy. The parameters observed in this research was available Mn2+, available Fe2+, available Zn2+, and effectiveness of sterilization method. This research also showed chemical character changes in materials as shown by Fouier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) spectra. The results showed that the methods sterilization was gave significant effect on pH changes, the levels of available P, the levels of available nitrates, available Mn2+, available Fe2+, and available Zn2+. Autoclave has led to a higher metal increase compared to Co-60 gamma irradiation. A dose of 30 kGy is an effective dose to sterilize the carriers material.