Surface charge change of inceptisol ameliorated with closed house chicken coop waste compost

Abstract

Increasing the potential of closed house chicken coop waste (CHCCW) as a soil ameliorant can be done through composting utilizing microorganisms that break down organic matter through composting techniques from several activators which are then aplicated on Inceptisol. This research focuses on assessing the maturity of compost and its effect on the charge of the soil. The characteristics of compost will affect the charge exchange in the soil in its ability to absorb and exchange cations as nutrients for soil fertility and plant growth. This study aims to evaluate the properties of compost from multiple activators and identify the optimal formulation to be applied to soil. This research was conducted by composting CHCCW with activators: Tricoderma sp.; Local Microorganisms (MOL), Stardec, and EM4. The result of treatment using Tricoderma sp. is faster in weathering the raw material so that the composting process is faster (pH 8.45, CEC 46.8 Cmol Kg−1, organic carbon 5.58%, Total N 2.06%). Testing through application on soil (0; 20; 40; 60; 80 tons/ha) found that a dose of 60 tons/ha of CHCCW compost with Tricoderma sp. activator could increase pH from 5.33 to 6.17 units, CEC from 61.99 to 68.80 Cmol.Kg−1, and point of zero charge (PZC) from 4.67 to 5.29 units. Amelioration technology using CHCCW compost with Tricoderma sp. activator is more effective in terms of composting time than other treatments and a dose of 60 tons/ha is recommended to increase the surface charge change on Inceptisol.