Effect of EM Sandwich Compost on the Enzymatic Activities of the Soil Planted with Bok Choy (<i>Brassica rapa</i> subsp. <i>chinensis</i>)

Abstract

Soil enzymes secure our food security; however, they are sensitive to abiotic stresses. Solving the global issues of food waste by implementing Sandwich compost can be a great solution to secure food security. Food waste Sandwich compost substrate (as soil treatment) and leachate (as seed priming agent and liquid fertilizer) were used to grow Bok Choy for four cycles, where soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), moisture content, aggregate stability and enzyme activity were determined. All variables were positively corelated except catalase activity. Sandwich compost treatment significantly increased soil pH close to neutral and CEC. Anaerobic Sandwich compost-treated soil significantly reduced soil catalase activity. However, it gradually increased throughout the growing cycle. Sandwich compost treatment significantly maintained the aggregate stability along growing cycles. Hence, Sandwich compost substrate is recommended to improve soil quality in the aspects of pH, CEC and urease activity.

Keywords

• plant and animal-based food waste
• cook and raw food waste
• soil amendment
• Bokashi
• urease activity
• catalase activity