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Abstract
The continuous use of chemical fertilizer affects the environment and soil fertility. Bio-fertilizer helps in safeguarding soil fertility and reduce environmental pollution. This research focuses on the optimization of production of bio-fertilizer from watermelon peels. Central Composite Design (CCD) under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of the Design Expert software version 6.0 was used to optimize the retention days and water ratio, (factors), while Nitrogen(N), Phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) were the responses. Watermelon peel was blended and fermented for different days based on the experimental design obtained. The optimum values obtained after optimization for retention days and water ratio are 20 days and 400 ml respectively, while N. P and K contents are 26.2824, 94.5099 and 0.0005, respectively. The use of Bio-fertilizer will be more economical and safer for farming activities.
