Afri Irawan
Department Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, West Java 40154

Published : 2 Documents Claim Missing Document
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 2 Documents
Search

Ecoenzymes as an alternative nutrient for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) in wick hydroponics: Supporting circular agriculture through organic waste recycling Jihan Bilqis; Hertien Koosbandiah Surtikanti; Wahyu Surakusumah; Afri Irawan
Holistic: Journal of Tropical Agriculture Sciences Vol. 4 No. 1: July (2026)
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science, Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/hjtas.v4i1.2026.3828

Abstract

Background: This study aims to determine the optimal concentration of ecoenzymes as an alternative nutrient in the cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) using a wick system hydroponic medium. This effort aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). Amid the growing challenges of food security and land conversion, the utilization of ecoenzymes derived from organic waste offers an environmentally friendly solution for sustainable agriculture. Methods: This quantitative study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments: negative control (water), ecoenzyme at 1% concentration (10 ml/L), 1.5% (15 ml/L), 2% (20 ml/L), 2.5% (25 ml/L), and positive control (AB mix 0.5%). Measured parameters included leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, leaf color, as well as fresh and dry weight. Findings: Laboratory analysis results showed that the macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrient content in the ecoenzyme was below that of commercial nutrient standards such as AB mix. Overall, the AB mix treatment yielded the highest growth results. Nevertheless, the use of ecoenzyme at a concentration of 10 ml (1%) showed the most optimal results among the other ecoenzyme treatments as a supplemental nutrient for increasing leaf surface area, plant height, number of leaves, as well as fresh and dry weights. Furthermore, the 15 ml (1.5%) concentration proved most effective for minimizing leaf yellowing. Conclusion: In conclusion, organic ecoenzymes have strong potential for use as biostimulants and supplemental nutrients that support the sustainability of hydroponic agriculture. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study established specific concentration thresholds for ecoenzymes derived from organic waste as effective hydroponic biostimulants, while also demonstrating their ability to support lettuce growth and promote waste-free circular agriculture and the achievement of SDG targets.
Application of ecoenzymes for the growth of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) growth in a wick hydroponic system toward sustainable agriculture Fikrah Fadhilah Janitra; Hertien Koosbandiah Surtikanti; Kusdianti; Afri Irawan
Holistic: Journal of Tropical Agriculture Sciences Vol. 4 No. 1: July (2026)
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science, Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/hjtas.v4i1.2026.3839

Abstract

Background: Pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) is an important leafy vegetable in Indonesia, and sustainable nutrient management remains essential for improving its production. The use of eco-enzymes as an environmentally friendly alternative to liquid organic fertilizers for pak choi nutrition shows promising potential, whether grown in soil or hydroponically, to support sustainable agriculture. This study aims to identify the optimal ecoenzyme formulation as an alternative nutrient source for pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) grown in a wick-type hydroponic system (without water flow). Methods: This study used six treatments, including E0 (hydroponics without nutrients/using water only as the negative control), E1 (1% ecoenzyme), E2 (1.5% ecoenzyme), E3 (2% ecoenzyme), E4 (2.5% ecoenzyme), and E5 (0.5% AB mix). Observations were conducted over eight weeks, with water and nutrient changes performed once a week. The vegetative parameters measured included the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, leaf color and shape, fresh weight, and dry weight. Findings: The results showed that a 2.5% concentration was the most optimal among the other ecoenzyme treatments for vegetative parameters, including the number of leaves, plant height and the percentage of yellowing leaves. The results indicate an upward trend with increasing concentration until the pH tolerance threshold was reached, revealing the potential of ecoenzymes as an alternative nutrient for pak choi in wick-system hydroponics. Conclusion: This study concluded that a 2.5 % ecoenzyme concentration was suggested for additional nutrition to support pak choi growth in hydroponic wick system, since the result shown still differ significantly from ab mix treatment. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study evaluated ecoenzyme as a standalone nutrient source rather than a fertilizer additive and identified its optimal concentration for supporting vegetative growth of pak choi in a wick hydroponic system.