Nutrient analysis of fermented chicken feather fertilizer waste using Bacillus subtilis on the growth of green spinach (Amaranthus tricolor)

Abstract

Introduction: Farmers generally provide NPK chemical fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) to provide nutrients for green spinach plants. However, the use of NPK chemical fertilizers harms the environment. Nowadays, chicken feathers are known as beneficial for fertilizing plants, similar to NPK chemical fertilizers. Fermentation of chicken feathers by Bacillus sp. can improve the quality of protein in chicken feather fertilizers which can be used as a supplement in renewing soil conditions.  Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate the nutrient component of fermented chicken feather fertilizer waste using Bacillus subtilis on the growth of green spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. In this study, we used a total sampling technique. In this study, three groups got different chicken father fertilizers, and two groups of standard and did not get the chicken father fertilizer. Data from the research will be statistically analyzed descriptively. The descriptive data will provide in the table. Results:  In the first treatment group, the value of nitrogen (N) was 2.439, phosphorus (P) was 2.225%, and potassium (K) was 2.408%. In the second treatment group, the nitrogen (N) value obtained 2.866%, the phosphorus (P) value was 2.174%, and the potassium (K) value was 2.477%. In the third treatment group, the nitrogen (N) value was 3.291%, the phosphorus value was 3.082 %, and the Potassium (K) value was 3.135%. Conclusion: According to the results, the higher the chicken feather fermented fertilizer dose, the higher the NPK content. This is certainly good for the growth of spinach.