Production of Bio-Organic Liquid Fertilizer from FoodWaste for Chili Plants

The widespread use of inorganic fertilizers in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L) farming raises environmental concerns. This study explores a sustainable alternative: a bio-organic liquid fertilizer produced through the fermentation of food waste such as eggshells, spent coffee grounds, and banana peels. Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are known for their high nitrogen content (8.5% to 13.6%), with lower but beneficial amounts of phosphorus and potassium. In comparison, eggshells primarily provide calcium and trace amounts of phosphorus, while banana peels offer potassium. The research investigates the impact of varying fertilizer concentrations on plant growth. Weekly measurements of plant height, average leaf width, and stem diameter assessed the effectiveness of the fertilizer. Results showed that plants treated with the SCG-based mixture had a 20% increase in plant height and a 15% greater stem diameter compared to those treated with traditional inorganic methods. This research promotes an environmentally friendly approach to chili pepper farming by diverting food waste from landfills and reducing reliance on inorganic fertilizers