UTILIZATION OF ECO-ENZYME FERTILIZER FROM FRUIT WASTE TO IMPROVE THE GROWTH OF GLUTENOUS CORN PLANTS (Zea mays L. var. Ceratina)

This study aimed to determine the effect of the eco-enzyme on waxy corn growth. The research was conducted at the Field Laboratory of Experimental Garden 2, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University, from August to November 2025. The experiment was arranged using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with a single factor. The factor consisted of five levels of eco-enzyme concentration (E), namely: 0 mL + 1000 mL water (E0), 10 mL + 990 mL water (E1), 20 mL + 980 mL water (E2), 30 mL + 970 mL water (E3), and 40 mL + 960 mL water (E4). Each treatment was replicated four times, resulting in 20 experimental units. Each unit consisted of 30 plants, giving a total of 600 plants. The observed variables included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, total leaf area, number of stem segments, stem segment length, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and total dry weight. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% confidence level. The results showed that the eco-enzyme concentration of 20 mL + 980 mL water (E2) produced better growth in terms of number of leaves, total leaf area, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and total plant dry weight compared to other concentration treatments.