CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF CMS BIOFERTILIZER

AND ITS APPLICATION IN VEGETABLE FARMING

MOHD RAWA BIN ISPAL

Bachelor of Science with Honours

(Resource Biotechnology)

2012

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology

CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF CMS BIOFERTILIZER

AND ITS APPLICATION IN VEGETABLE FARMING

MOHD RAWA BIN ISPAL (24127)

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of

Science with Honour (Resource Biotechnology)

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Awang Ahmad Sallehin

Co-Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainab Binti Ngaini

Resource Biotechnology Programme

Department of Molecular Biology

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writing of a dissertation can be a lonely and challenging experience, yet it is obviously

not possible without the personal and practical support of numerous people. I am deeply

indebted to my supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Awang Ahmad Sallehin Awang Husaini and co-

supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainab Binti Ngaini whose guidance, stimulating suggestions and

encouragement helped me in all the time of research for and writing of this dissertation.

I am also indebted to my family member especially my parent and siblings who

supported me. Special thanks also to the postgraduate students of the Molecular Genetic

Laboratory, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Fredrick anak Brinau, Cassandra

Sully anak Jamau and Nur Azlan bin Yusuf.

My sincere appreciation is also extends to all my friends and others who have

provided assistance, offering advices and critics, including crucial input for my planning and

findings. The guidance and support received from all was vital for the success of this research.

iii

Table of Contents

Title and Front Cover………………………………………………………………….…… i

Acknowledgements……………………………………...…………………………………. ii

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………….…..… iii

List of Abbreviation……………………………………………………...………...…….… v

List of Table………………………………………………………………………………... vi

List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………….... vii

Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………..… 1

Abstrak……………………………………………………………………………………... 1

1.0 Chapter 1: Introduction…………..…………………………………………………..… 2 2.0 Chapter 2: Literature Review…………………..……………………………….……… 5

2.1 Biofertilizer…………………………………………………………………..…….. 5 2.1.1 Advantages of Microorganism in Biofertilizer………………………………. 6

2.1.1.1 Microorganism as a Diseases Suppressor…………………………..... 6 2.1.1.2 Microorganism as a Decomposer……………………………...…...… 7

2.1.2 Disadvantages of Biofertilizer……………………………………………….. 7 2.1.3 Nutrient Content in Biofertilizer…………………………………………...… 8

2.2 The Composting Process…………………………………………………...….........10 2.2.1 Composition of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch………….……………………. 10 2.2.2 Manufacturing of CMS Compost……………………………………………..11

2.3 Marketing of Biofertilizer………………………………………………..……….... 12 3.0 Chapter 3: Materials and Methods….……….................. …………………..…………. 13

3.1 Sample Collection…………………………………………………..………...……. 13 3.2 Chemical Analysis…………………………………………………..……………... 13

3.2.1 Carbon and Nitrogen Analysis (C:N ratio) …………………………....…..… 13 3.2.1.1 The Dry Combustion Method………………………………...…....… 13

3.2.1.2 Kjeldahl Method……...………………………………………...….… 14

3.2.2 Porosity of Compost …….…………..………………………………....……. 15 3.2.3 Water Holding Capacity………………………………………………..……. 15 3.2.4 Moisture Content………………………………………...…………...……… 16 3.2.5 pH value…………………………………………………………..…….…..... 16 3.2.6 Plant Seed Germination Test……………………………………………...…. 17 3.2.7 Microbial Analysis………………………………………………………….... 18 3.2.8 Determination of Heavy Metals………………………………………...….… 19 3.2.9 Nutrient Content………………………………………………………...……. 20

3.3 Plant Growth Assessment…………………………………………………...……... 20 3.3.1 Potting Trial………………………………………………………...…….….. 20

3.3.1.1 Number of Leaves………………………………………...………….. 21 3.3.1.2 Plant Heights……………………………………………...………..… 21 3.3.1.3 Diameter of Leaves……………………………………...………….... 21

3.3.2 Plant Harvest……………………………………………………...………….. 22 3.3.2.1 Plant Fresh and Dry Weight……………………………...………...… 22 3.3.2.2 Root to Shoot Ratio……………………………………………...…… 23 3.3.2.3 Microbial Analysis………………………………………...…………. 23

4.0 Chapter 4: Results and Discussion………………..…………………………………… 24

iv

4.1 Chemical Analysis…………………………………………...………………...…... 24 4.1.1 Carbon and Nitrogen analysis (C:N ratio)……………………………...……. 24 4.1.2 Porosity of Compost…………………………………………………...…….. 27 4.1.3 Water Holding Capacity………………………………………………...….... 28 4.1.4 Moisture content………………………………………………………...…… 29 4.1.5 pH value……………………………………………………………...………. 30 4.1.6 Plant Seed Germination Test…………………………………………...……. 31 4.1.7 Microbial Analysis………………………………………………...…………. 32 4.1.8 Determination of Heavy Metals…………………………………………...…. 35 4.1.9 Nutrient Content………………………………………………………...….…37

4.2 Plant Growth Assessment………………………………………………..………… 38 4.2.1 Potting Trial ………………………………………………………...……….. 38 4.2.2 Plant Harvest…………………………………………………………...…….. 41

4.2.2.1 Plant Fresh and Dry Weight…………………………………...……... 41 4.2.2.2 Root to Shoot Ratio…………………………………………...……… 42 4.2.2.3 Microbial Analysis…………………………………………...………. 43

5.0 Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation…..……………………………………... 45 6.0 References ……………………………………………………………………………... 47 7.0 Appendix…………………………...………………………………………………...… 54

v

List of Abbreviations

AAS Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

C Carbon

N Nitrogen

C:N ratio Carbon to nitrogen ratio

OPEFB Oil palm empty fruit bunch

OPFFB Oil palm fresh fruit bunch

EMB Eosine methylene blue

PCA Plate count agar

XLD Xylose lysine deoxycholate agar

DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid

RNA Ribonucleic acid

N Nitrogen

P Phosphorus

K Potassium

ml Milliliter

g Gram

vi

List of Table

Table 1 Germination index of seed germination test. 18

Table 2 Carbon to nitrogen ratio of compost samples. 26

Table 3 Porosity of compost samples. 27

Table 4 Average of water holding capacity (ml/l). 28

Table 5 Average percentage of moisture content of compost samples. 29

Table 6 Average of pH value of compost samples. 30

Table 7 Germination index of compost extract. 31

Table 8 Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) per ml of three compost samples. 32

Table 9 Detection present of Shigella and Salmonella in compost samples. 33

Table 10 Average heavy metals in compost samples (mg/L). 35

Table 11 Average nutrient content in compost samples (mg/L). 37

Table 12 Average of plant fresh weight and dry weight. 41

Table 13 Ratio of root to shoot. 42

Table 14 Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) per ml of different potting medium. 44

Table 15 Average percentage of carbon content in compost samples. 54

Table 16 Average percentage of nitrogen in compost samples. 54

Table 17 Water holding capacity of compost samples. 55

Table 18 Percentage of moisture content of compost samples. 55

Table 19 pH value of compost samples. 56

Table 20 Number of germinated seed and radicle length in distilled water

(control) and compost extract. 56

Table 21 Average of the number of colonies isolated from compost samples

grow in PCA. 58

Table 22 Plant growth measurement of potting medium with the ratio of 97:3

(Measurement 1-8). 60

Table 23 Plant growth measurement of potting medium with the ratio of 97:3

(Measurement 9-12). 60

Table 24 Plant growth measurement of potting medium with the ratio of 95:5

(Measurement 1-8). 61

Table 25 Plant growth measurement of potting medium with the ratio of 95:5

(Measurement 9-12). 61

Table 26 Plant growth measurement of potting medium containing soil only

(Measurement 1-8). 62

Table 27 Plant growth measurement of potting medium containing soil only

(Measurement 9-12). 62

Table 28 Plant fresh weight and dry weight of Sawi’s grow in different potting

medium. 63

Table 29 Plant fresh weight and dry weight of Chili’s grow in different potting

medium. 63

Table 30 Ratio of root to shoot of Sawi’s grow in different potting medium. 64

Table 31 Ratio of root to shoot of Chili’s grow in different potting medium. 64

Table 32 Average of the number of colonies isolated from potting medium in

PCA. 65

vii

List of Figures

Figure 1 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Model iCE 3500 Series,

ThermoFisher Scientific). 19

Figure 2 Potting medium with the ratio of soil to compost 95:5. 40

Figure 3 Potting medium with the ratio of soil to compost 97:3. 40

Figure 4 Potting medium containing soil only. 40

Figure 5 Seed germination test with compost extract. 57

Figure 6 Seed germination test with distilled water (control). 57

Figure 7 Microbial count of sample Compost A (dilution factor of 10-2

). 58

Figure 8 Microbial count of sample Compost B (dilution factor of 10-2

). 58

Figure 9 Microbial count of sample Compost C (dilution factor of 10-2

). 58

Figure 10 Present of coliform bacteria, Shigella and Salmonella in compost

samples. 59

Figure 11 Present of coliform bacteria (E. coli) in compost samples. 59

Figure 12 Microbial count of potting medium with ratio of soil to compost 95:5

(dilution factor of 10-2

). 65

Figure 13 Microbial count of potting medium with ratio of soil to compost 97:3

(dilution factor of 10-2

). 65

Figure 14 Microbial count of potting medium containing soil only (dilution factor

of 10-2

). 65

Figure 15 Absent of E. coli in potting medium with ratio of soil to compost 95:5

(dilution factor of 10-2

). 66

Figure 16 Present of E. coli in potting medium with ratio of soil to compost 97:3

(dilution factor of 10-2

). 66

Figure 17 Present of E. coli in potting medium containing soil only (dilution

factor of 10-2

). 66

1

Chemical Characterization and Analysis of CMS Biofertilizer and its Application in

Vegetable Farming

Mohd Rawa Bin Ispal

Resources Biotechnology Programme

Department of Molecular Biology

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

ABSTRACT

Few decades ago farmers have adopted the strategy of increasing crop yields by applying compost for

supplying nutrition to crops. The compost is consist of a large population of a specific group of

beneficial microorganisms for enhancing productivity of soil and maintains soil fertility. The purpose

of this study was focusing on the chemical characterization and analysis of the compost produced by

CMS Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. to ensure that the compost produced is achieving the standard quality for

marketing. Investigation carried out involves chemical analysis of heavy metals in compost, water

holding capacity, moisture content, pH determination, porosity, microbial succession and nutrient

content viability. The percentage carbon and nitrogen content is determined to know the exact carbon

to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio). In addition, plant seed germination test and potting trial were also

conducted to determine and evaluate the performance of the compost produced towards promoting the

growth of the plant. Generally, all compost samples were analyzed in this study was performed high

quality and are recommended use for soil fertilizer. The compost samples possess optimum pH,

moisture content, porosity, water holding capacity, low heavy metal contents and contained adequate

amount of nutrients. However, the compost samples were low in the C:N ratio and the microbial

analysis of compost samples was not according to the standard quality for composting (BSI PAS 100).

Keywords: Biofertilizer, heavy metals, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio), water holding capacity and

plant seed germination test.

ABSTRAK

Penggunaan kompos merupakan strategi yang telah digunakan oleh kebanyakan petani sejak beberapa dekad

yang lalu dengan bertujuan untuk memberikan nutrien kepada tanaman. Kompos tersebut mengandungi

populasi bakteria tertentu baik dan berperanan untuk memastikan kesuburan dan meningkatkan produktiviti

penggunaan tanah. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk melakukan analisis kimia dan pencirian keatas kompos yang

telah dihasilkan oleh CMS Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. untuk memastikan kompos tersebut menepati piawaian sebelum

dipasarkan. Kajian dijalankan melibatkan analisis kimia untuk pengenalpastian kehadiran logam berat,

pegangan kapasiti air, kelembapan, liang kompos, analisis bakteria dan kandungan nutrien. Disamping itu,

ujikaji percambahan biji benih dan ujikaji pertumbuhan pokok dalam pasu juga dilakukan bertujuan

mengenalpasti dan menganalisa kemampuan kompos dalam menggalakkan pertumbuhan pokok tanaman.

Secara amnya, kompos yang telah dianalisa dalam kajian ini menunjukkan kualiti yang baik dan sangat

digalakkan untuk digunakan sebagai baja untuk tanah. Kompos mempunyai pH, kelembapan, liang kompos dan

pegangan kapasiti air yang optimum, logam berat yang rendah dan nutrien yang mencukupi. Namun, kompos

tersebut mempunyai nisbah C:N yang rendah dan analisis mikrob yang tidak menepati piawaian untuk tujuan

pengomposan (BSI PAS 100).

Kata kunci: Biofertiliser, logam berat, nisbah karbon kepada nitrogen (nisbah C:N), pegangan kapasiti air dan

ujikaji percambahan biji benih.

2

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The history application of fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop production were

recorded over 3,000 years ago where organic manures have been used in Chinese agriculture.

During the "Golden Age" of the ancients Greeks (800 to 200 B.C), sea-shells, clay and

vegetable waste was used and construction of a canal system for delivering the waste to fields

for beneficial of their crops. As development in science continued scientist discovered that

plants need certain chemicals to grow and leading the research to develop more effective

fertilizers. In the 1600s, the first chemical fertilizer was developed by scientist John Glauber

by using a combination of saltpeter, phosphoric acid and potash. Meanwhile, in early 1800s

Justus von Liebig demonstrated how plants need minerals such as nitrogen and phosphorous

and since the 1842s the modern chemical fertilizer industry has begun.

Nowadays, chemical fertilizer has been used widely by most farmers to supply enough

essential nutrients and to overcome the deficit in nutrient supply of crops. The increasing

demand in agriculture has become important for the industrial company to increase the

productivity by introducing various chemical fertilizers in the market. Large scale productions

of chemical fertilizer practically encourage most of the farmers to obtain easily and cheaper

with intention to ensure fast growing plant and harvest the product in a short period of time.

Although chemical fertilizer is served as the comprehensive way to achieve massive scale in

production of crops, the tremendous use of these products on the soil also bring along various

3

side effect to the environment (Narkhede et al., 2011). Among the side effects of chemical

fertilizers are environmental pollution, reduction in fertility of soil, contamination of toxic

compound by heavy metals and uncontrolled application of chemical fertilizer which

undergoing emerging of diseases (Yosefi1 et al., 2011).

As an alternative way to minimize the use of chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer has been

introduced and serve as high potential use for supplying the nutrient needed by crops. This

could decrease the problems associated with conventional chemical fertilizer, thereby protect

both the human health and environment (Aziz et al., 2007). Biofertilizer helps accelerate

certain microbial processes in the soil which promote the availability of nutrients in a form

that easily assimilated by plants (Boraste et al., 2009). Applying biofertilizer or compost to

soil serve as nutrient supplement and prepare good soil conditions for the growths of crops.

Chien et al., (2009) reported that biofertilizer manage to enhanced the existing function of

chemical fertilizer by reducing the negative effect of the pollutant to environment and

consumer. Even though biofertilizer performance is almost the same in term of crop yields as

the chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer are more cost effective. It is an instant renewable source

of plant nutrients that can provide viable support to small or marginal farmers for realizing the

ultimate goal of increasing productivity (Boonsiri et al., 2009). In addition, biofertilizer are

responsible in achieving the sustainable agriculture due to the ability to develop farming

system that are productive, profitable, energy conserving of natural resources such as soil and

water and also to ensure that food safety and quality (Nakano, 2007).

4

As the biofertilizer are cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to

supplement instead of chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture, CMS Agrotech Sdn.

Bhd. has given the responsibility to support the protection and preservation of environment

venturing to the project on composting oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) business which

began in 2006. The company’s organic compost manufacturing plant is located at Bintawa,

Kuching, Sarawak. In 2010, CMS Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. is collaborating with Universiti

Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on the research and development in composting technology

and enhancement of the quality production organic compost produced for the benefit of

customers, both local and foreign. The basic compositions of biofertilizer produced by the

company are made up of OPEFB, sawdust, plant waste and microorganism. The exact ratio

composition of mixture of these substance is varies according to the specific types of crops

and to meet a correct nutrient requirement of the plant. OPEFB is used as a main component

for composting due to large quantities in localized area.

In this study, the research for compost analysis was conducted on study the

physiochemical properties and characterization of compost produced such as C:N ratio, pH

measurement, water holding capacity, moisture content, percentage of porosity, plant seed

germination test, microbial analysis, heavy metal analysis and nutrient content. Assessing the

compost on pot trial plant growth were also conducted.s

5

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Biofertilizer

Biofertilizer is a mixture which contains living cells or latent cells of efficient strains of

microorganisms that help crop plants to gain of nutrients by their interactions in the

rhizosphere when applied through soil (Rokhzadi et al., 2008). Biofertilizer also can be

defined as a substance which contains living microorganisms which, when applied to seed,

plant surfaces or soil which can colonizes the rhizospheror of the plant and promotes growth

by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant (Vessey, 2003).

Application of biofertilizer is commonly referred to the use of soil borne

microorganisms to increase the availability and uptake of mineral nutrients for plants. In

addition, biofertilizer become an ideal substitute to minimize or eliminate the application of

chemical fertilizers for soil, to sustain productivity and maintain the agro-ecosystem for most

of farmer either in large scale agricultural production or garden farming practice (Tripathy

and Ayyapan, 2005). Biofertilizer also can be used to condition the soil by increase the water

holding capacity, increase the percentages of porosity of the medium soil and enhance

nutrient absorption abilities by root system of crops (Chien et al., 2009). Prerequisites to

biofertilizer are include the combination of microorganism, organic wastes, water and oxygen.

6

2.1.1 Advantages of Microorganism in Biofertilizer

Microorganisms can live in the air, water, soil and also in the body of human beings and

become indispensable component of the ecosystem. They are involved in the carbon, oxygen,

nitrogen and sulfur cycle that take place in terrestrial and aquatic system. Microorganisms can

be valuable in many ways such as in the production of bread, cheese, bear, antibiotics,

vaccines, vitamin, enzymes and composting (Vaishampayan et al., 2001).

The present of microorganism in biofertilizer encourage beneficial effects on plant

health and growth, suppress diseases causing microbes and accelerate nutrient availability and

assimilation (Babalola, 2010). Thus, application of biofertilizer containing bacteria is able to

improved soil fertility for crop yield and manage to reduce the negative impacts on the

environment. In addition, microorganism exists in the region around the root and compensate

for the reduction plant growth caused by weed infestation, drought stress, heavy metals, salt

stress and some other unfavorable environment conditions (Befta, 2002).

2.1.1.1 Microorganism as a Diseases Suppressor

Bacillus megaterium is an example of a bacterium that has been used on some crops to

suppress the diseases-causing fungus Rhizoctonia solani (Boraste et al., 2009). Pseudomonas

fluorescene may also be useful against these diseases as well. Bacillus subtilis has been used

to suppress seedling blight of sunflowers which caused by Alternaria helianthi. A number of

bacteria have been commercialized worldwide for disease suppression (Burh, 2011).

7

2.1.1.2 Microorganism as a Decomposer

Microorganism such as bacteria, algae and fungi in the compost serve as a decomposer and

helps to accelerate nutrient availability and assimilation by break down organics waste into

plant available nutrients to maintain the fertility of soil and improve the health of plants

(Venuturupalli, 2010). In addition, some microorganisms convert nitrogen from the air into a

plant available nutrient. As an example, nitrogen fixing bacteria supply nitrogen to plants

through nodules on the roots of plants. The necessary nutrients included nitrogen,

phosphorous and potassium is supplied with the help of microorganisms present in the

compost. Bacteria play an important role in decomposition of organic materials especially in

the early stages of decomposition when moisture levels are high (Bloem et al., 2006). In the

later stages of decomposition, fungi tend to dominate. Microorganism such as Bacillus subtilis

and Pseodomonas fluorescens are among examples of decomposer bacteria which widely use

in field production of biofertilizer.

2.1.2 Disadvantages of Biofertilizer

The most common complaint about composting application is odor nuisances. Odors in

compost attract flies and may be an annoyance but generally do not pose a health problem.

Excess nitrogen lost as ammonia gas also caused undesirable odors. Proliferation and

dispersion of potentially pathogenic and allergenic microorganisms might be present in

mature compost in the market.

8

Foodborne causing diseases and waterborne pathogen such Escherichia coli, Shigella

and Salmonella is a common pathogenic microorganism in compost. These microorganism

also cause contaminated surfaces, including human hands that come in contact represent

potential points of cross-contamination throughout the food system. Meanwhile, heavy metal

contamination in compost is a critical because of their toxicity and threat to the environment,

animal, plant and consequently in human being (Mohd et al., 2007). In addition, accumulation

of heavy metals for a long period of time totally cannot be degraded (Liang et al., 2011).

The process manufacturing of biofertilizer is involved long period of time to decay

uniformly and properly in order to produce high quality biofertilizer. In large scale

agricultural industry, biofertilizer is difficult to be stored and must be packed carefully in cool

and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat because biofertilizer is a living product and

require good care during the storage.

2.1.3 Nutrient Content in Biofertilizer

Plant growth is generally regulated by the amount of nutrient uptake by the plant from the soil

environment. The nutrient that plant consumes to generate its energy would be divided in to

macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are nutrients that are required in relatively

large amount, where micronutrients are nutrient that are required in only small amount.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are essential primary plant macronutrients

needed in higher quantities by plants than other nutrients. Meanwhile, the essential

9

micronutrients will be the iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum

(Mo), boron (B), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) (Fidanza and Beyer, 2005).

N is a key nutrient in manipulating the plant growth (Adegunloye et al., 2007). When

N is deficient in plants, restricted growth of tops and roots and especially lateral shoots may

occur and become spindly with chlorosis. The element N is usually supplied to plants via

chemical fertilizer. However, this fertilizer may eventually not very effective and possible to

bring environmental damage. Therefore, the implementation of compost that enhances the N

uptake from the nodules of roots promotes the growth of the plant (Nustorova et al., 2006).

Compost is a natural organic source of N and released slowly by soil microbial

decomposition. Plants use N for growth and development, especially for amino acid and

protein synthesis also for chlorophyll production. P is needed in plants for cell energy transfer

and electron transport and for DNA and RNA synthesis. In addition, P is essential for seed

germination and emergence. Meanwhile, K is used by plants for enzyme reactions and the

osmotic regulation of cells.

Micronutrients such as Ca are important in plants for cell membrane structure and

function. Mg is a central component of chlorophyll and vital for photosynthesis and S is

important for amino acid synthesis. In plants, chlorophyll synthesis (Fe), formation of oxygen

during photosynthesis (Mn), cellular respiration (Cu) and enzyme functions (Zn) are

supported by these micronutrients.

10

2.2 The Composting Process

2.2.1 Composition of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Malaysia is one of the main palm oil industry player and known as one of the world’s largest

producers of palm oil. Oil palm has become the most important economic plantation crop in

this country. A significant challenge in oil palm processing is the efficient management of the

large amount of waste generated during the process. The most valuable part of oil palm is

edible oil which extracted from fruits. Unfortunately, the remainder of the oil palm left huge

amount of waste materials such as oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), oil palm fronds

and trunks (Bakar and Hassan, 2003).

Approximately per ton of oil palm fresh fruit bunch (OPFFB) processed in oil palm

mill produce the residue contains 7.0 million tons of oil palm trunks, 26.2 million tons of oil

palm fronds and 23% of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). Currently, oil palm mills

typically use the shell and drier part of the fiber product stream rather than OPEFB, to fuel

their boiler as the raw OPEFB contain approximately 60% water. Accumulation large amount

of unused OPEFB could serve as an alternative and cheaper biofertilizer (Abdullah et al.,

2011).

If recycled properly, the waste or biomass can significantly reduce carbon emissions to

the atmosphere and contribute towards mitigation initiatives of global climate change. The

development of technologies to utilize the waste product of the palm oil industry as a source

for energy and chemicals will contribute significantly to the quality of the environment and

economic development of Malaysia.

11

2.2.2 Manufacturing of CMS Compost

The process of manufacturing compost can be carried out in many different ways, ranging

from using small scale to huge commercial or industrial operations that process many tons of

organic matter in long piles called windrows. CMS Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. manufactures

compost through the open windrow method which is traditional and proven way to produce

quality compost. The process of decomposition of compost relies on microorganisms which is

largely consist of bacteria and fungi. Interactions between these components lead to the

production of heat, carbon dioxide and humic substances. Besides, others prerequisites to

composting are organic wastes, sawdust and OPEFB. In these systems, successful composting

depends on creating conditions that are favorable to the growth and activity of microbial

communities which can be achieved by monitoring aeration, moisture content and

temperature regularly.

Microbial activity during composting produce heat and compost systems will become

hot if there are no sufficient supply of adequate aeration and moisture. Temperature readings

of compost pile are taken weekly and windrows are turned repeatedly to ensure uniform

maturity within the appropriate time. In addition, regular testing of compost samples by

independent labs is carried out to determined nutrient content, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N

ratio), organic matter, pH levels, moisture content, and microbial succession for detection

present of E. coli, Shigella and Salmonella (Al-Turki, 2010). A double-mixer is used to ensure

proper mixing and prevent compost to be clumping and fine loose finished compost. Before

entering line marketing, mature compost are packing in various sizes of bag such as 5, 10, 30

and 50 kg.

12

2.3 Marketing of Biofertilizer

Marketing is the most important stages in composting operation where the compost products

is supplied and distributed to the consumer. To develop long term markets, the compost

products must be of consistently high quality. Other essential marketing factors such as

systematic in planning, knowledge about consumer needed, basic marketing principles and

overcoming possible regulatory barriers need to be employed which is significant to the

composting operation (Biala and Wynen, 1998).

Compost characteristics desired by consumer is vary with intended uses. Commonly

most of the compost must possess the following criteria such as characteristic of compost in

term of moisture, odor, feel, particle size, stability, nutrient concentration, product consistency

and a lack of weed seeds, phototoxic compounds and other contaminants to meet the standard

quality. In addition, appearance of compost such as uniform texture, relatively dry and earthy

color can be important during marketing because it can attract consumer to buy the compost

product. Labeling the information about the compost ingredients, products benefits, nutrient

content, pH value and application rates and procedures is must be included in the packaging

of the compost. Finally, the price of compost should be competitive with other composts and

reliable of consistence supply compost in the market (Cramer, 2000).

13

CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Sample Collection

Samples of mature compost were collected from the CMS Agrotech Sdn. Bhd located in

Kuching’s Bintawa Industrial Estate, Jalan Utama, Pending, Kuching, Sarawak.

3.2 Chemical Analysis

3.2.1 Carbon and Nitrogen Analysis (C:N ratio)

The amount of carbon relative to the amount of nitrogen is an indicator of compost maturity

and suitable for plant growth. Carbon content was determined by using the dry combustion

method (Trautmann and Krasny, 1997). Meanwhile, nitrogen content of compost was

determined by the Kjeldahl method (Boraste et al., 2009).

3.2.1.1 The Dry Combustion Method

Approximately, 1 g of compost was added and dried for 48 hours in oven at 80°C. The

crucible was then cooled down in a desiccator and weighed again. The sample was ignited

using a hot plate until the sample turned red. The compost was stirred occasionally and

14

continued until the sample is light in colored and no more rising of vapors. The compost

samples was weighed again at the final combustion. The percentage of organic matter was

calculated. The percentage of organic matter was divided by 1.8 (a number derived through

laboratory measurements) to get an estimate of the percentage of carbon in compost samples.

3.2.1.2 Kjeldahl Method

The Kjeldahl method is the standard method of nitrogen determination in compost (Janssen

and Koopmann, 2005). The method consist of three basic steps which are; 1.Digestion of the

sample in sulfuric acid with a Kjeldahl catalyst result in conversion of nitrogen to ammonia;

2.Distillation of the ammonia into a trapping solution; and 3.Quantification of the ammonia

by titration with a standard solution. Calculation of nitrogen percentage was based on the

following formula:

Organic matter (%) = Oven dried weight – Combusted weight

Oven dried weight

The percentage of carbon in the sample is calculated using the following equation:

Percentage of carbon (%) = % Organic matter

1.8

× 100%

Percentage of N (%) = (Titre volume × 0.1 × 1.4007)

Sample weight (g)

15

3.2.2 Porosity of Compost

Porosity of compost was determined by using method by Trautmann and Krasny (1997).

Approximately, 100 ml graduated cylinder was filled to half full with compost. The cylinder

was tapped to settle down the compost and the settle volume was recorded. Samples was

poured out and saved for the next steps. The graduated cylinder was then filled with 70 ml

water before filling the previous compost samples in the cylinder (glass rod was used to stir

the compost sample in the cylinder). The mixture was let to settle down for five minutes. The

final volume of the compost and water mixture was recorded. The percentage of compost

porosity was calculated by using the following equation:

3.2.3 Water Holding Capacity

Water holding capacity was determined by using the method describes by Trautmann and

Krasny (1997) with some modification. The funnel was layered with Whatman filter paper.

Approximately, 100 ml of the air-dried of compost was then placed in the funnel. A volume

of 100 ml of water was measured by using a graduated cylinder and poured into the funnel

gradually to cover the compost sample. The amount of water added was recorded. Sample

was stirred gently until the sample was saturated. When dripping stops, the amount of water

Volume of solids in compost (ml) = Volume of compost and water mixture (ml) – 70 ml water

Volume of pores space (ml) = Volume of packed soil (ml) – volume of solid (ml)

Percentage of pores = Volume of pore space

Volume of packed soil × 100%

16

Percentage of moisture content = W2 – W3

W3 – W1

Where:

W1 = Weight of crucible (g)

W2 = Weight of moist compost (g) + W1

W3 = Weight of dried compost (g) + W1

× 100 %

drained in the graduated cylinder was recorded. Water holding capacity was calculated by

using the following equation:

3.2.4 Moisture Content

Moisture content was determined and it should be in range of 60% to 80%. The empty

porcelain crucibles were weighed. Approximately, 3 g of air-dried compost was added into

the crucible and dried for 48 hours in oven at 80°C. The crucible was cooled in a desiccator

and reweighed. The percentage of moisture content was calculated according to the following

equation:

3.2.5 pH Value

Most of the compost has a pH in range of 6.5 to 7.5 (Trautmann and Krasny, 1997).

Approximately, 15 ml of distilled water was measured and poured into three conical flasks. A

volume of 3 g of air-dried compost was weighed and added into all conical flasks containing

15 ml of distilled water. The mixture of water and compost was then stirred, mixed gradually

Water retained (ml) = water added (ml) – water drained (ml)

Water holding capacity (ml/l) = 10 × water retained (ml)