THE USE OF SOIL STABILIZER FROM MECHANICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WASTE TREATMENT OF UDON THANI MUNICIPALITY FOR MARIGOLD CULTIVATION

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fermenting soil stabilizer by EM bacteria and the application rate of soil stabilizer on the growth and yield of marigold (F1), 'Devi'. The experimental design employed in this study involved the utilization of a factorial arrangement inside a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) framework, specifically in the context of planting pots. Factor A refers to the process of fermenting soil stabilizer using effective microorganisms (EM), which is characterized by two distinct levels: the first process involves the fermentation of soil stabilizer with EM, whereas the second process pertains to the non-fermentation of soil stabilizer. Factor B represents the rate of application, which consists of two distinct levels. The first level involves the application of 200 g of soil stabilizer per 5 kg of mixed soil, while the second level involves the application of 400 g of soil stabilizer per 5 kg of mixed soil. The experimental group consists of a control treatment with a quantity of 5 kg of soil that has been mixed. The findings indicated that there were comparable characteristics observed in the soil stabilizers derived from the mechanical and biological waste treatment conducted by the Udon Thani Municipality, as well as those obtained from organic fertilizers. The composition of the soil stabilizer exhibited a significant concentration of organic matter and macronutrients, aligning with the organic fertilizer guidelines set by the Land Development Department. The utilization of soil stabilizer derived from mechanical and biological waste treatment in Udon Thani Municipality has the potential to be employed in the development of marigold plants. The marigold plant, when treated with a soil stabilizer, exhibited increased plant height, plant canopy, number of branches, number of flowers per plant, size of flowers, as well as average fresh and dry weight per flower, compared to the control treatment. The utilization of soil stabilizers in marigold production, without the need for fermentation, presents potential applications. The recommended treatment rate for optimal results is 200 g per 5 kg of mixed soil or approximately 2,000 kg per rai. This dosage has been found to effectively stimulate growth and enhance production in marigold plants.