Application of Trichoderma sp in pineapple biomass composting

Background: Pineapple litter has great potential as an organic source and if it can be decomposed properly it can turn into organic fertilizer. Pineapple biomass is difficult to decompose due to high lignin and cellulose content which slow down the decomposition process. Thus the addition of auxiliary microbes such as decomposer fungi is thought to increase the rate of decomposition.

Aim: The aim of this research is determine the effect of Trichoderma sp. inoculum grown on rice substrate on pineapple litter composting

Method: This study was in a completely randomized design (CRD) method consisting of 6 treatments with two stages of testing, there are fungal inoculum productivity test and application on pineapple litter. The spore density and viability (CFU) values were calculated for the inoculum that was incubated for 14 days to determine the productivity level of the inoculum. The pineapple litter given the inoculum is then subjected to a decomposition process for seven weeks. Pineapple litter compost was analyzed at the fourth and seventh week with the parameters observed were C-organic content and C/N ratio.

Result: The results showed the spore density was 2.0 x10⁷ spores / ml and the CFU value was 10.6x10⁸ cfu / ml with 100% viability. The best compost had the lowest C-organic and C/N ratio value, there are P3 compost obtained 12,5% C-organic and P2 compost obtained 9,6 C/N ratio.

Conclusion: The use of rice media as an inoculum medium for the Fungi Trichoderma sp. can increase the level of productivity of Fungi Trichoderma sp. with a viability percentage of 100% at 14 days of inoculum age.