Effectiveness of Using Organic Waste Fermentation as Eco-Enzyme Fertilizer on the Growth of Water Spinach Plants (Ipomoea Aquatica)

Abstract

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture can damage soil structure and health. Eco-enzyme, a fermentation product of organic waste such as fruit peels, offers a solution as an environmentally friendly, nutrient-rich liquid organic fertilizer. This study aims to investigate the effects of eco-enzyme on the growth of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). Eco-enzyme was produced from pineapple peels, orange peels, and water spinach stems, fermented for 60 days. The testing was conducted in the Health Microbiology Laboratory of Universitas Islam Lamongan with varying concentrations of eco-enzyme (0%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, and 17%). The observed parameters included plant height, fresh weight, and leaf count. The results showed that higher concentrations of eco-enzyme led to better growth outcomes across all three parameters. The 17% concentration produced the highest average height, fresh weight, and leaf count. In conclusion, eco-enzyme effectively enhances the growth of water spinach and holds significant potential as an alternative organic fertilizer in agriculture.