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Research has shown that oil palm decanter cake (DC) serves as a potential source of nutrients for plant growth. This study therefore investigated the applicability of decanter cake (DC) as an amendment to soil for the growth of Solanum melongena (brinjal) at three ratios 10, 20, 30 % DC and suitable controls (0 %). Seeds of brinjal were sown in soils amended with decanter cake at 10, 20, 30 % w/w and 0 % as control. Nutrient enrichment factors were calculated from the concentration of selected metals (Cu, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mg) in plant parts. The scanning electron micrographs were also taken to measure the stomatal opening/closing due to the effect of excess nutrients on the leaf structure. Enrichment factor (EF) values in this study were all below 3 indicating low enrichment of metal ions from soil to plants. SEM studies of the leaf epidermis of the test plants revealed the closure of guard cells with increasing decanter cake treatments. Decanter cake at 20 % amendments with soil could serve as a source of soil amendment for cultivation of S. melongena plants.

Man’s increased demand for food and better living conditions has led to over exploitation of resources and the consequent generation of enormous amounts of liquid and solid waste materials. This is one of the global challenges for mankind. In Malaysia, palm oil mill waste (POMW) contributes the highest proportion of industrial solid wastes produced yearly. Wastes from the mills include palm oil mill effluent, decanter cake, empty fruit bunches, seed shells and the fibre from the mesocarp. Direct application of POMW into agricultural soil has resulted in a number of problems such as water pollution, leaching. However, with application rates specific for targeted plant species, land application can be employed as a permanent solution to the problem of waste from palm oil mills. This review examines the characteristics of each of the palm oil wastes and their potential for use as a future fertilizer supplement.

Background: Decanter cake is produced in large amounts, and its disposal is a major concern in palm-producing countries. Growth morphology and biochemical responses of lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants grown on soil amended with different ratios of decanter cake (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were investigated. Results: The soil pH decreased (unamended soil), whereas the electrical conductivity increased as compared with the control. There was a significant difference in ascorbic acid content with the increase in treatment ratio. Phenol content was however highest in 20% of the amendment (13.197 ± 0.36mg g �1 ). Conclusions: The results indicate that decanter cake amendments of up to 10% may be a probable substitute for inorganic fertilizers with respect to lady's finger (A. esculentus) plants due to high nutrient content, yield and biomass, as well as morphological characteristics. However, there were observable negative effects after 10% decanter cake amendment ratios.