DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i5.125

Keywords: Elemental analyses, FT-IR, green waste compost tea, non-aerated, physicochemical properties

Abstract

Rising concern over environmental impacts of excessive agrochemical fertilizer use has drove to surge in interest of converting waste into compost and compost tea, a sustainable alternative offering diverse physicochemical and biological interactions. This study characterizes the physicochemical properties of non-aerated green waste compost tea prepared from anaerobically composted green waste such as bamboo shoot (BS), banana peels (BP), green vegetables (GV) and leaves of java ginger (JG), Curcuma xanthorrhiza. Physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, ORP, salinity), nutrient concentrations (ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus), and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) were determined alongside elemental (C, H, N, S) and FT-IR analyses. Results revealed a significant variation among feedstocks. BP consistently exhibited the most favourable composition, with significantly higher nutrient content (ammonium nitrogen 0.33 mg/L; phosphorus 11.07 mmol/L), ionic strength (EC 16.58 mS/cm; TDS 8204 mg/L), phenolic concentration, and antioxidant activity (77% inhibition). In contrast, GV and JG teas showed comparatively lower nutrient and bioactive profiles. Elemental and FT-IR analyses confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins and phenolics, underscoring the chemical diversity contributed by different green wastes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that feedstocks selection strongly influences nutrient dynamics and antioxidant potential of compost tea. This study highlights dual function of compost tea as both a nutrient source and bio-stimulant, supporting its application as an eco-friendly agriculture input.