DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL AMENDMENT FROM CHICKEN FEATHERS COMPOSTED WITH SUGAR FILTER CAKE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/lsej.2026.14Keywords:
feather waste, filter cake, soil amendment, organic fertilizer, compostingAbstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of composting feather waste in combination with filter cake from sugar factories for the development of soil amendments, and to assess its feasibility for future application as organic fertilizer. A total of 11 composting formulations were designed using different ratios of feather waste and filter cake, and the composting process was conducted over a period of 90 days. The results indicated that the formulation consisting of 100% feather waste exhibited the highest decomposition efficiency (215.59%), along with elevated levels of organic matter and potassium (48.40% and 12.17%, respectively). In contrast, the formulation with a feather waste to filter cake ratio of 2:3 produced the highest total nitrogen content (0.49%) and the most suitable carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (47:1) for soil amendment applications. Although none of the composted materials met the official standards for organic fertilizers established by the Department of Agriculture, all formulations demonstrated favorable properties as soil amendments, particularly in enhancing organic matter and essential nutrient content in soil. These findings highlight the potential utilization of locally available agricultural waste materials for the production of value-added soil amendments, with prospects for further development into standardized organic fertilizers. This approach not only contributes to environmental waste management but also promotes sustainable economic development at the community level.
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