Characteristics of Corn Cobs Waste Activated Carbon for Slow Release Micro Fertilizer Carrier

Abstract

The problem of Fertilization, especially micro fertilizers, is toxication due to the excessive application. Using the concept of slow release fertilizer is a very possible solution to overcome the problem. The objectives of this study are 1) to characterize corn cobs activated carbon for slow release micro fertilizer carrier, 2) to produce and to test of slow release micro fertilizer.The research was carried out by converting corn cobs into activated carbon with an activation temperature of 600 ˚C and water vapor for 90 minutes. Production of slow release fertilizer was carried out by soaking activated carbon in a solution of CuSO₄, FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ 1N for 24 hours. The results of micro fertilizer were then characterized, then the solubility test was carried out. The results of the characteristic analysis showed that some parameters that could be used as fertilizer carriers include, iodine adsorption 404.21 mg g^-1, adsorption of methylene blue 16.88 mg g^-1, the pore volume of 0.19 cc mg^-1 and surface area of 315.77 m² g^-1. While, based on the results of micronutrient solubility test the highest nutrient content that can be absorbed by activated carbon (AA) is found in Cu, followed by Zn and Fe. It relates to the characteristics possessed by activated carbon namely specific surface area, pore volume, and nutrient diameter size.