PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH DAPUR SEBAGAI PUPUK ORGANIK UNTUK CABAI RAWIT DESA EMPUS

Abstract

Abstract

The utilization of kitchen waste as organic fertilizer is one approach to reducing household waste while utilizing local resources to support community agriculture. This activity aimed to build community knowledge and skills in processing kitchen waste using EM4 and applying the product to chili cultivation in Empus Village, Bahorok District, Langkat Regency. The activity employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach with a descriptive-evaluative design involving 15 participants consisting of farmers and local residents. It comprised education, demonstration and practice of kitchen waste processing using EM4, and the application of the fermented fertilizer in chili planting. Data were collected through direct observation and analyzed descriptively and quantitatively based on the percentage of participants achieving each indicator. All participants understood the basic concepts of kitchen waste utilization and organic fertilizer (100%), 12 participants could process kitchen waste independently using EM4 (80%), and all participants took part in planting chili with the fermented fertilizer (100%). Readiness to produce and use organic fertilizer routinely and independently reached 67%. The activity established an initial community capacity to utilize kitchen waste as an agricultural resource; however, sustainability still requires skill strengthening, repeated practice, mentoring, and fermentation facilities.