<![CDATA[Silage is an anaerobic fermentation method for forage preservation that effectively improves nutritional quality and extends the shelf life of feed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an organic waste-based fermentation starter on the quality of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage. The study was conducted over 35 days using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of P0 (control, 5% EM4), P1 (5% LPLS), P2 (10% LPLS), and P3 (15% LPLS), in which LPLS was a fermentation starter formulated from banana corm and dairy milk-can rinse water waste. The observed parameters comprised chemical quality, namely pH, lactic acid, Fleigh value, dry matter, organic matter, and ash content, as well as physical quality, namely color, aroma, texture, and mold presence. The results showed that LPLS addition significantly affected (P<0.05) pH, Fleigh value, aroma, and mold presence, but had no significant effect (P>0.05) on lactic acid, color, and texture. All treatments produced a pH within very good category (3,39–4,04) with uniform lactic acid content. LPLS suppressed mold growth more effectively than EM4, whereas the 5% dose (P1) retained the highest dry matter content (13,53%) and a very good Fleigh value. Increasing the LPLS dose reduced dry matter content and Fleigh value but increased ash content. LPLS is potential as an alternative fermentation starter to replace EM4 in elephant grass silage production, with the 5% dose being the most effective overall.]]>
