Characteristics of Corn Cobs Waste Activated Carbon for Slow Release Micro Fertilizer Carrier

Abstract

<span>The problem of Fertilization, especially micro fertilizers</span><span lang="IN">,</span><span> is </span><span lang="IN">toxication </span><span>due to the excessive application. Using the concept of slow release fertilizer is a very possible solution to overcome the problem. The objectives of this study are 1) </span><span lang="IN">to characterize </span><span>corn cobs activated carbon for slow release micro fertilizer carrier, </span><span>2) </span><span lang="IN">to produce </span><span>and </span><span>t</span><span lang="IN">o test</span><span> of slow release micro fertilizer.</span><span>The research was carried out by converting corn cobs into activated carbon with an activation temperature of 600 ˚C and water vapor for 90 minutes. Production</span><span lang="IN"> of</span><span> slow release fertilizer was carried out by soaking activated carbon in a solution of CuSO₄, FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ 1N for 24 hours. The results of micro fertilizer were then characterized</span><span lang="IN">, then</span><span> the solubility test </span><span lang="IN">was </span><span>carried out. </span><span>The results of the characteristic analysis showed <span>that some parameters that could be used as fertilizer carriers include, iodine adsorption 404.21 mg g^-1,</span> <span>adsorption of methylene blue 16.88 mg g^-1, the pore volume of 0.19 cc mg^-1 and surface area of 315.77 m² g^-1.</span> While</span><span lang="IN">,</span><span> based on the results of micronutrient solubility test the highest nutrient content that can be absorbed by activated carbon (AA) is found in Cu, followed by Zn and Fe. </span><span lang="IN">It</span><span> relates to the characteristics possessed by activated carbon namely specific surface area, pore volume, and nutrient diameter size.</span><p> </p>