Decomposition rate of pineapple peel waste byearthworms (Lumbricus rubellus, Hoff.) at different doses and water content

Abstract

Earthworms can be used as an indicator of fertility or soil quality. Its ability to decompose organic waste is very high. On the other hand, the organic waste generated by various human activities is enormous and continuous, including vegetable and fruit waste. In particular, pineapple peel waste which is a tropical fruit in traditional markets continues to be abundant and often becomes an environmental problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of decomposition of pineapple peel waste by earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus, Hoff) based on different doses and water content. The research was conducted at the Biological Conservation Laboratory, University of Jember. Pineapple peel waste was taken from traditional markets in the city of Jember. Combination treatment between pineapple peel waste water content (dry and fresh) and addition of pineapple peel waste per week as much as 140 g / week and 280 g / week. The soil medium used was 1500 g and inoculated earthworms with biomass 20 (± 0.53) grams at the beginning of the treatment. The evaluation of decomposition rate was based on soil organic C content and was evaluated weekly for 5 weeks.The results showed that the dried pineapple peel waste obtained a faster decomposition rate than the wet condition (fresh). The highest average speed in the treatment of pineapple peel waste with drying and weekly additions of 140 g / week was 86.76% per week and the lowest was in the combination treatment of wet pineapple waste (fresh) and weekly addition of 28 g / week of 63.17% per week. The decomposition rate at the beginning of incubation or the highest first week was followed by a decrease in speed based on the time of incubation.