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Abstract

Palm oil mill effluent digestate (POMED) has potential as a biofertilizer. However, its application is limited by unbalanced macronutrient composition, particularly low nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). This study investigated a laboratory-scale nutrient enrichment strategy for POMED using fish amino acid (FAA) as an organic nitrogen source and boiler ash (BA) as a potassium source. Nitrogen content was determined using a CHNS– O analyzer, while phosphorus and potassium were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Fertilizer quality was evaluated based on the standards and industrial research institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) and Indonesian national standard (SNI 2803:2010). FAA and BA were chosen because they have higher nitrogen and potassium contents compared to other materials. FAA contains 6.10% nitrogen, while BA contains approximately 40% potassium. After enrichment, N, P, and K concentrations increased from 2.13%, 2.0%, and 1.0% to 18.53%, 12.20%, and 42.20%. Respectively, achieving an NPK ratio of 2:1:4 that met the minimum requirements of both standards. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of the POMED nutrient enrichment technique using fish amino acids and boiler ash through an integrated nutrient recovery strategy within the framework of a circular economy on a laboratory scale. However, soil-based experiments and field-scale evaluations are required to assess agronomic performance, nutrient dynamics, and long-term environmental safety.

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