EVALUATION OF SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZER FROM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH

Vanessa Rhamas Anak Giles Gana, - (2022) EVALUATION OF SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZER FROM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) is developed to enhance the effectiveness of fertilizers in releasing nutrient content as well as to overcome environmental impact associated with nutrient leaching in soil. In this study, SRF was synthesised from oil palm empty fruit bunch which is one of the most abundant agricultural wastes from oil palm mill. Two samples of slow-release fertilizer were synthesised via extrusion method applying starch as its biodegradable coating. Two types of SRF where prepared whereby one with addition of urea and the other one was without the addition of urea. Dried SRF pellet is tested for its performance on the spinach growth. The results indicated that the SRF synthesised from OPEFB successfully helped in the spinach growth based on the changes observed in the stem height, the number of leaves and the surface area of spinach leaf. Additionally, the properties of SRF were characterized via several analyses such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The slow release behaviour of SRF was signified based on the cumulative percentage release of nitrogen. The release kinetics of SRF in soil was best described by the Zero order model indicating that the release behaviour was independent of SRF concentration.

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