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Effective composting of empty fruit bunches using potential Trichoderma strains
Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee1, Saili Nur Shafawati1, Laila Naher2
1Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jln UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|March 30, 2017
Summary
Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) effectively composted with Trichoderma strains create nutrient-rich biocompost. This eco-friendly process enhances soil health and acts as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) are abundant lignocellulosic waste.
- Composting offers an eco-friendly disposal method for EFB.
- Biocompost can serve as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biocomposting of oil palm EFB using two Trichoderma strains.
- To evaluate the impact of EFB biocomposting on soil properties and nutrient content.
Main Methods:
- Composting of EFB with selected Trichoderma strains.
- Analysis of soil pH, electrical conductivity, C:N ratio, and NPK content.
- Quantification of Trichoderma propagules in the composted soil.
Main Results:
- Composting shifted soil pH from acidic to alkaline.
- Trichoderma propagules increased by 72% compared to other fungi.
- Compost A showed the highest NPK content (0.91:2.13:6.68) and C:N ratio (3.33).
Conclusions:
- Biocomposting of oil palm EFB with Trichoderma is a viable method for producing nutrient-rich organic fertilizer.
- The process enhances soil micronutrients, plant growth, and crop yield.
- EFB biocompost demonstrates potential as a sustainable soil amendment and pathogen control agent.
