The Effect of Adding Organic Fertilizer Additives on the Microbial Activity of Biofertilizers Muhammad Jabbar Ramdhani, Yatti Sugiarti, Farhan Ilham Wira Rohmat*
Agroindustial Technology Education, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*Email: farhanrohmat[at]upi.edu
Abstract
An environmentally friendly organic agro-input, biofertilizers increase microbial activity and soil quality, thereby improving crop nutrient availability. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be used for biofertilizer production but requires enhancement with various organic fertilizers to increase microbial content. This study aims to explore how organic fertilizer additives could affect the microbial activity on biofertilizer. The experimental design in this study consisted of five treatments, with constant additive proportions (4:1) between SMS and organic fertilizer additives as followings- P0 = SMS (control), P1 = SMS and BSFL compost & frass, P2 = SMS and vermicompost, P3 = SMS and chicken manure composted (CHMC), and P4 = SMS and floral compost. The Total Plate Count (TPC) analysis method was used with 6 dilution levels. The total microbial population was measured on days 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. In general, based on the results, it can be concluded that organic materials used as fertilizer additives can increase microbial populations compared to the SMS control, but this increase depends on the type of organic fertilizer additives used. The highest microbial populations were found in P2 and P4 treatments, while P1 and P3 showed intermediate outcomes compared to P2 and P4 but has better results than the control. Overall, SMS with specific organic fertilizer additives boosts microbial activity in biofertilizers, enhancing soil sustainability and supporting sustainable agriculture. P2 and P4 are the most promising formulas for improving soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture because they have the most significant increase in bacteria.
