Utilization of Fly Ash as a Compost Amendment in Enhancing the Growth of Mustard Plants

Fly ash is the primary non-hazardous waste generated during the electricity production process in coal-fired steam power plants, such as thermal power stations (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Uap - PLTU) Paiton. Tests of fly ash characteristics have shown that it contains beneficial compounds, including silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K), which can serve as valuable nutrients for plants. This study aims to assess the advantages of incorporating fly ash into compost as a mixture for the growth of mustard plants. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research involved monitoring the height and leaf count of the test plants. The preparation of fly ash-based compost (FABA) was accomplished by blending fly ash with compost fertilizer in a 1:1 ratio. Five different compositions of planting media mixed with FABA compost were evaluated: K1 (0%) as the control, K2 (25%), K3 (50%), K4 (75%), and K5 (100%), with five replications for each. The results indicated that the most favorable plant height growth occurred with a mixture containing 25% compost-fly ash, yielding an average plant height of 11.45 cm and an average of 9 leaves per plant. An ANOVA test performed on the research data confirmed a significant difference attributed to the inclusion of fly ash in the compost mixture. When appropriately utilized, fly ash can provide farmers with a solution to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Keywords: fly ash, fertilizer, mustard, PLTU Paiton.