Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Coffee (Coffea canephora) Husk Waste for Corn (Zea mays L.) Seed Germination

Authors

  • Farid Nur Hidayat Universitas Negeri Semarang
  • Fidia Fibriana Universitas Negeri Semarang
  • Amnan Haris Universitas Negeri Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36423/agroscript.v8i1.2713

Keywords:

Coffee husk, Corn germination, Liquid organic fertilizer, Sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Coffee husk waste is one of the largest agro-industrial byproducts, often underutilized and contributing to environmental problems. Converting this waste into liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) offers a sustainable solution for waste management and agricultural productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of coffee husk LOF and its effect on corn seed germination and early growth. Fermentation was carried out anaerobically for two months using EM4 as a bioactivator and molasses as a nutrient source. The resulting LOF showed favorable properties, including a neutral pH, a sweet-acidic odor, a dark brown color, and a viscosity close to that of water, which makes it easy to apply. Nutrient analysis showed nitrogen (1.57%), phosphorus (0.14%), and potassium (0.23%), totaling 1.94%. These values indicate that the N-organic content meets the minimum requirement, while the total NPK is slightly below the Indonesian National Standard (2-6%). Application of LOF at concentrations of 0.3-0.5% (v/v) significantly accelerated germination and increased root length, while shoot height and leaf number were not significantly affected. The findings demonstrate that coffee husk waste can be transformed into LOF with acceptable quality and positive effects on early plant growth. Further optimization of fermentation conditions and nutrient enrichment is recommended to meet full quality standards and broaden its application potential in sustainable agriculture.

References

Afa, M., Irwansyah, I., & Junaedi, J. (2024). Quality test of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) made from chicken offal using local microorganisms (MOL) from fruit waste as decomposers. Tarjih Tropical Livestock Journal, 4(2), 45–52. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.47030/TROLIJA.V4I2.832

Agustina, R.M., Raksun, A., & Mertha, I.G. (2024). The effect of NPK fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer made from rice washing water on the growth of pakchoy (Brassica rapa L.). Jurnal Biologi Tropis, 24(4), 371–378. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.29303/JBT.V24I4.7657

Alkatiri, A., Handayani, R.T., Rosa, O., Bahruna, M.A., & Arum, D.P. (2024). Production of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) from household waste as an environmentally friendly solution for sustainable agriculture in Klurak Candi village, Sidoarjo. KARYA: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 4(2), 360–367. Retrieved from: https://jurnalfkip.samawa-university.ac.id/KARYA_JPM/article/view/795

Amini, H.W., Rizkiana, M.F., Palupi, B., Hidayati, N., Raharjo, S.H., Nurani, Y., Aziz, M.N.N., Saputri, O., Permatasari, I., Fandora, A.J., Adriansyah, M., Nurjannah, L., Rachman, D.A., Firmansyah, A., Zahirah, A., Devara, F., & Nisya, U.K. (2025). Training on making liquid organic fertilizer from coffee husk waste in Pakis Village, Jember. JURNAL TEPAT : Teknologi Terapan untuk Pengabdian Masyarakat, 8(1), 82–93. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.25042/JURNAL_TEPAT.V8I1.583

Andalia, N., Roza, T.A., Yusuf, H., & Ridhwan, M. (2025). Empowering communities around the Banda Aceh landfill through circular economy-based waste management education. Jurnal Ragam Pengabdian, 2(2), 467–478. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.62710/VHK6Z524

Aprilia, R.L., & Sukur, S. (2022). Study of physical, chemical, and biological properties of sandy soil in several areas of Indonesia. Jurnal Agroteknologi, 1(02), 71–79. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.53863/AGRONU.V1I02.475

Asad, F.A., Dwimartina, F., Carsidi, D., & Santoso, T.I. (2025). Quality testing of liquid organic fertilizer from biodigester waste from the Cimanuk Culinary Area, Indramayu, West Java. Jurnal Agro Wiralodra, 8(2), 51–56. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.31943/AGROWIRALODRA.V8I2.150

Budianto, T.M., Wilisiani, F., & Avianto, Y. (2025). The effect of liquid organic fertilizer from leucaena leaf and biochar on the growth of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery. AGROFORETECH, 3(3), 1599–1606. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.25181/JPPT.V23I2.2726

Chalisty, V.D., & Baharudin, M. (2024). The effect of adding propunic bioactivator on the quality of liquid organic fertilizer from cow urine and liquid tofu waste. Jurnal Sains Peternakan Nusantara, 4(02), 13–24. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.53863/JSPN.V4I02.1308

Chasanah, R., Sholihah, A., & Sugianto, A. (2020). The effect of agricultural waste compost on the growth and nitrogen absorption of corn (Zea mays L.) Plants. Folium : Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian, 4(1), 83–95. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.33474/FOLIUM.V4I1.6426

Dohona, N.H. (2025). The effect of natural fertilizer from banana peel water on corn seed germination (Zea mays). Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian Dan Perikanan, 2(2), 72–77. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.70134/PENARIK.V2I2.617

Edy, E., Rabiaty, T., & Aminah, A. (2023). The effect of concentration and frequency of liquid organic fertilizer application on the growth and production of corn (Zea mays L.). AGrotekMAS Jurnal Indonesia: Jurnal Ilmu Peranian, 4(2), 174–182. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.33096/AGROTEKMAS.V4I2.333

Elly, S., & Maitimu, C.V. (2025). Soil characteristics based on macro nutrient content, organic c, and pH in red snake fruit (Salacca edulis Reinw.) cultivation in Rumahsoal, Taniwel, West Seram Regency. JUSTE (Journal of Science and Technology), 5(2), 151–161. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.51135/3HX7Q265

Elpira, E., Okalia, D., & Marlina, G. (2022). THE effect of application of rice husk biochar and NPK phonska fertilizer (15:15:15) on the growth and production of corn (Zea mays L.) in ultisol soil. Green Swarnadwipa : Jurnal Pengembangan Ilmu Pertanian, 11(2), 202–208. Retrieved from: http://ejournal.uniks.ac.id/index.php/GREEN/article/view/2203

Farhamni, D., Hulu, Y., Hasan, A.M., & Uno, W.D. (2025). Utilization of goroho banana peel waste (Musa acuminata) as a material for making liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). Inovasi Pendidikan Nusantara, 6(3). Retrieved from: https://ejurnals.com/ojs/index.php/ipn/article/view/2636

Halimatusa’diyah, E., Fadilla, A., & Rahma, A. (2024). How to manage coffee waste. El-Mujtama: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 4(2), 743–750. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.47467/ELMUJTAMA.V4I2.4337

Heryana, H., Priyadi, P., & Nuryanti, N.S.P. (2025). Corn plant growth response to application of liquid organic fertilizer from agricultural waste. Agriprima : Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 9(1), 81–91. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.25047/AGRIPRIMA.V9I1.712

Hia, A. (2025). The effect of soaking time on the germination process of corn seeds (Zea mays). Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian dan Perikanan, 2(2), 152–157. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.70134/PENARIK.V2I2.643

Holifah, S., & Ekalaturrahmah, Y.A.C. (2025). Formulation and testing of anchovy boiled waste poc for plant productivity. Jurnal Teknologi Pertanian Gorontalo (JTPG), 10(1), 1–7. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.30869/jtpg.v10i1.1441

Hsin, K.T., Lee, H.T., Huang, Y.C., Lin, G.J., Lin, P.Y., Lin, Y.C.J., & Chen, P.Y. (2025). Lignocellulose degradation in bacteria and fungi: cellulosomes and industrial relevance. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1583746. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3389/FMICB.2025.1583746/FULL

Irawan, S., Tampubolon, K., Elazhari, & Julian, J. (2021). Training on making organic liquid fertilizer from coconut water and molasses, stale rice, goat manure, and EM4 product activator. Journal Liaison Academia and Society, 1(3), 1–18. Retrieved from: https://j-las.lemkomindo.org/index.php/J-LAS/article/view/685

Nurjakiah, N., Harahap, M.S., Fauzi, R., Elindra, R., Lubis, R., Nasution, F.H., Nasution, H.N., Wahyuni, S., Nasution, S.W.R., Nasution, N.F., & Tanjung, S.R. (2022). Processing coffee fruit skins into organic fertilizer: an alternative to dependence on inorganic fertilizers in Aek Sabaon Village. Jurnal Abdimas PHB, 5(1), 112-117. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.30591/japhb.v5i1.2854

Kartini, T., Kristiana, A.I., Imsiyah, N., & Safrida, L.N. (2024). Village potential development through processing and value enhancing coffee waste in Pakis Village, Jember Regency. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Khatulistiwa, 7(1), 54–60. Retrieved from: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&oe=ASCII&user=R-lQrXoAAAAJ&pagesize=100&sortby=pubdate&citation_for_view=R-lQrXoAAAAJ:SP6oXDckpogC

Karyanto, S.A., Pungut, P., & Widodo, W. (2022). Liquid organic fertilizer from vegetable waste (water kingswater, spinach, mustards). WAKTU: Jurnal Teknik UNIPA, 20(01), 49–54. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.36456/WAKTU.V20I01.5142

Kusuma, M.E., Gunawan, G., & Tina, T. (2024). Growth and production response of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) to liquid organic fertilizer application on sandy soil. Jurnal ilmu hewani tropika (Journal of tropical animal science), 13(1), 1–6. Retrieved from: https://unkripjournal.com/index.php/JIHT/article/view/229

Mandamdari, A.N., Rohmah, I., Murniatun, T., Oktafiana, R., Rahmawati, D.A., Putri, A.S., Fadhlan, A.M., Aditya, R., Nareswari, K.D., Hussain, A., Fadiyah, V.N., Nazilatul, I.F., Andini, I.A., & Amalia, D.P. (2025). Empowerment of women farmers groups through liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) innovation from household vegetable waste in Sokawera Village, Somagede District, Banyumas Regency. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Inovasi Indonesia, 3(5), 389–398. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.54082/JPMII.913

Mangardi, M., Aprillianti, W., Sukasih, N.S., & Kartana, S.N. (2023). THE effect of cow dung compost fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt). PIPER, 19(1). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.51826/PIPER.V19I1.776

Meo, M.M. (2024). Assistance in making liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) from kepok banana stem waste with EM4 (Effective Microorganism 4) bioactivator for SMKN I Kota Komba internship students at STIPER Flores Bajawa. Jurnal pengabdian kepada masyarakat, 14(2), 276–281. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.30999/JPKM.V14I2.3315

Mustikarini, N., Ikaromah, A., Supriyadi, A., Nugraha, T.A., & Ma’ruf, N.A. (2022). The effect of variations in the composition of EM4 and molasses decomposers on the production of liquid organic fertilizer from catfish cultivation waste. Jurnal Pengendalian Pencemaran Lingkungan (JPPL), 4(1), 47–52. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.35970/JPPL.V4I1.1100

Nada, D.H., Abi, F.D.Y.P., & Nadut, A. (2025). The effect of fermentation time and method on the C, N, P, and K content in liquid organic fertilizer from old coconut water waste, fruit waste, and molasses. Agroteknika, 8(1), 54–64. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.55043/AGROTEKNIKA.V8I1.498

Naufal, M.A., Wulandari, S., Rozan, A., Rahmawati, M., Putri, A.A.W., & Haris, A. (2025). Strengthening the competitiveness of processed coffee products through a packaging, marketing, and branding workshop in Peron Village. Bakti Sekawan : Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 5(2), 190–198. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.35746/BAKWAN.V5I2.873

Novita, E., Salim, M.B., & Pradana, H.A. (2021). Penanganan air limbah industri kopi dengna metode koagullasi-flokulasi menggunakan koagulan alami biji asam jawa (Tamarindus indica L.). Jurnal Teknologi Pertanian, 22(1), 13–24. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.jtp.2021.022.01.2

Nugroho, S., Maulana, R.A., Pusparani, A.M., & Wati, D.R. (2025). Forecasting Indonesian coffee production, export volume, and export value for 2025-2035. JAGO TOLIS : Jurnal Agrokompleks Tolis, 5(2), 178–185. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.56630/JAGO.V5I2.764

Nurhidayanti, M. (2025). The effect of agricultural practices on soil and water quality. Jurnal Pertanian Indonesia, 1(1), 22–28. Retrieved from: https://ojs.samudrailmu.com/index.php/jpi/article/view/48

Oktaviani, W., Khairani, L., & Indriani, N.P. (2020). The effect of various varieties of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) on plant height, number of leaves and lignin content of corn plants. Jurnal Nutrisi Ternak Tropis Dan Ilmu Pakan, 2(2). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.24198/JNTTIP.V2I2.27568

Phibunwatthanawong, T., & Riddech, N. (2019). Liquid organic fertilizer production for growing vegetables under hydroponic condition. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 2019 8:4, 8(4), 369–380. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1007/S40093-019-0257-7

Ribeiro, T.A., Sampaio, I.C.F., de Carvalho Tavares, I.M., de Moura, I.V.L., Silva, F.N., de Oliveira Sena, L., Costa, F.S., de Jesus, G.L.S., Emmerich, I.T., Cezar, K.S., Irfan, M., & Franco, M. (2024). Unlocking xylan’s potential: Coffee husk-derived xylanolytic blend for sustainable bioprocessing. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 15(6), 8203–8219. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1007/S13399-024-06150-8

Sahubauwa, L., Mau, E., & Mutmainnah, H. (2025). Effect of crab shell chitosan POC (Portunus pelagicus) on the growth of horse tooth corn (Zea mays sindetat). Biosel Biology Science and Education, 14(1), 37–44. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.33477/BS.V14I1.7809

Saputro, N.D., & Wiraguna, E. (2025). Aplikasi pupuk organik caiir berbasis limbah kulit kopi terhadap pertumbuhan vegetatif bibit kopi arabika. Hidroponik : Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian dan Teknologi Dalam Ilmu Tanaman, 2(2), 118–129. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.62951/HIDROPONIK.V2I2.413

Selim, S., Harun-Ur-rashid, M., Hamoud, Y. A., & Shaghaleh, H. (2025). Utilization of bacterial enzymes for cellulose and hemicelluloses degradations: medical and industrial benefits. BioResources , 20(3). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.15376/BIORES.20.3.SELIM

Semaun, R., Munir, M., & Rauf, J. (2024). Kualitas pupuk organik cair dengan penambahan bioaktivator limbah buat mengkudu pada waktu fermentasi yang berbeda. Journal Galung Tropika, 13(3), 452–460. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.31850/JGT.V13I3.1123

Setyawati, H., & Sari, F.R. (2025). Synthesis and characteristics of organic fertilizer from corn cob waste with the addition of bran and em4 composition. Jurnal ATMOSPHERE, 6(2), 8–15. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.36040/ATMOSPHERE.V6I2.15336

Sidabutar, A., Vyra, T., Ariyani, P., Putra, B. M., Prasojo, R.H., Ryan, S., Sunarto, H., & Yogaswara, R.R. (2024). Training on making liquid organic fertilizer from coffee fruit skin liquid waste to support plant growth. PRAXIS: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 3(1), 160–170. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.47776/praxis.v3i1.1087

Su, Y., Luo, Y., Xu, L., Xu, D., Yan, Z., & Wang, X. (2025). Preparation and evaluation of an organic value-added suspension fertilizer using liquid waste. Agriculture (Switzerland), 15(24), 2568. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3390/AGRICULTURE15242568/S1

Sulfianti, S., Risman, R., & Saputri, I. (2021). Analisis NPK pupuk organik cair dari berbagai jenis air cucian beras dengan metode fermentasi yang berbeda. Jurnal Agrotech, 11(1), 36–42. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.31970/AGROTECH.V11I1.62

Sun, Y., Xu, Z., Zheng, Y., Zhou, J., & Xiu, Z. (2019). Efficient production of lactic acid from sugarcane molasses by a newly microbial consortium CEE-DL15. Process Biochemistry, 81, 132–138. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PROCBIO.2019.03.022

Sunaryo, S., & Rahmatiyah, R. (2024). Utilization of fermented tofu liquid waste using EM4, coconut water & sugar as liquid organic fertilizer. Hidroponik : Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian dan Teknologi dalam Ilmu Tanaman, 1(2), 35–49. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.62951/HIDROPONIK.V1I2.59

Waruwu, I.P., & Lase, N.K. (2025). The effect of water soaking time on corn germination. Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian dan Perikanan, 2(2), 110–115. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.70134/PENARIK.V2I2.633

Wibowo, A.W., Malis, E., & Ayun, Q. (2024). The effect of yeast variations, fermentation time and glucose on the production of vinegar from crystal guava (Psidium guajava). Jurnal Crystal : Publikasi Penelitian Kimia dan Terapannya, 6(2), 154–161. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.36526/JC.V6I2.4419

Widyabudiningsih, D., Troskialina, L., Fauziah, S., Shalihatunnisa, S., Riniati, R., Djenar, N.S., Hulupi, M., Indrawati, L., Fauzan, A., & Abdilah, F. (2021). Production and testing of liquid organic fertilizer from fruit peel waste with the addition of EM4 bioactivator and variations in fermentation time. Indonesian Journal of Chemical Analysis (IJCA), 4(1), 30–39. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.20885/IJCA.VOL4.ISS1.ART4

Yost, J.L., & Hartemink, A.E. (2019). Soil organic carbon in sandy soils: A review. Advances in Agronomy, 158, 217–310. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/BS.AGRON.2019.07.004

Yuliana, L. (2024). Kurva sigmoid pertumbuhan tanaman jagung pada beberapa tingkat penanaman. Panthera: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Sains dan Terapan, 4(1), 34–40. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.36312/PANTHERA.V4I1.248

Yuniati, R., Damayanti, M.E., & Wardhana, W. (2025). Effect of EM4 (Effective Microorganism 4) on growth and productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Al-Kauniyah: Jurnal Biologi, 18(1), 134–143. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.15408/KAUNIYAH.V1I1.37561

Ziliwu, Y.M., & Lase, N.K. (2025). The role of microorganisms in the organic material degradation process. Hidroponik : Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian dan Teknologi dalam Ilmu Tanaman, 2(1), 132–141. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.62951/HIDROPONIK.V2I1.235

Zulkoni, A., Rahyuni, D., & Nasirudin, N. (2020). The effect of organic materials and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi on the quality of sandy soil on the south coast of Yogyakarta as a growth medium for corn (Zea mays). Media Ilmiah Teknik Lingkungan (MITL), 5(1), 8–15. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.33084/MITL.V5I1.1348

Downloads

Published

2026-04-24

How to Cite

Hidayat, F. N., Fibriana, F., & Haris, A. (2026). Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Coffee (Coffea canephora) Husk Waste for Corn (Zea mays L.) Seed Germination. AGROSCRIPT: Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences, 8(1), 95–114. https://doi.org/10.36423/agroscript.v8i1.2713

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): June (In Press)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Farid Nur Hidayat, Fidia Fibriana, Amnan Haris

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

The Authors submitting a manuscript do so on the understanding that if accepted for publication, copyright of the article shall be transferred to AGROSCRIPT Journal of Applied Agricultural Sciences

This is an open-access journal in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.