Pelita Perkebunan 41.
2025, 86Ai100 DOI: 10.
22302/iccri.
Perdana & Sari ISSN: 0215-0212 / e-ISSN: 2406-9574 The Potential of Trichoderma sp.
as a Decomposer of Cocoa Pod HuskBased Compost on Degradation of Herbicide and Insecticide Residues Andrian Perdana1*) and Niken Puspita Sari.
Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI).
Jl.
PB Sudirman 90.
Jember.
Indonesia *)Corresponding author: andrianperdanaap@gmail.
Received: March 12, 2025 / Accepted: July 6, 2025 Abstract Compost, a final product of composting as a sustainable waste management strategy, contains a wide range of organic pollutants penetrating by deliberate input such as pesticide application in feedstock materials.
The involvement of Trichoderma in composting processes is expected to degrade pesticide compounds and enhance compost quality.
The study employed four treatments: P1D0 .
erbicide without Trichoderma sp.
P1D1 .
erbicide with Trichoderma sp.
P2D0 .
nsecticide without Trichoderma sp.
), and P2D1 .
nsecticide with Trichoderma sp.
The results of pesticide residue and compost quality were analyzed descriptively by comparing the effects of Trichoderma sp.
n degrading the herbicide and insecticide residue through the composting process.
Compost quality was monitored through initial, biweekly, and final analyses.
All compost fulfilled the minimum standards set by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture.
Incorporation of Trichoderma sp.
compost quality by increasing N content .
p to 37.
23%) and pH .
p to 5.
28%), while reducing the C:N ratio .
p to 50%).
Moreover, it effectively degraded glyphosate and cypermethrin residues by up to 99.
96% and 99.
48%, respectively.
These findings highlight the dual role of Trichoderma-enriched compost in improving compost quality and remediating pesticide residues, supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Keywords:
Trichoderma, glyphosate, cypermethrin
INTRODUCTION
Composting is a prominent sustainable waste management strategy.
The final product, compost, can be used as a soil amendment and organic fertilizer.
Thereby, recycling nutrients back to agriculture and increasing soil health by enhancing physical, biological, and chemical soil properties.
However, compost contains a wide range of organic pollutants (Bryndli et al.
, 2.
The organic pollutants penetrate the compost by deliberate input such as pesticide application.
Chemical pesticides, predominantly organic compounds, are widely used in developing countries to safeguard crop yields, including in cocoa plantations.
However, intensive pesticide applicationAi particularly herbicides .
5%), insecticides .
5%), and fungicides .
5%)Aihas led to significant plant and soil contamination (Sharma et al.
, 2.
While essential for plant protection, their persistent and bioaccumulative nature poses serious environmental risks (Chen et al.
, 2020.
Liu et al.
PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
Volume 41.
Number 2.
August 2025 Edition The potential of Trichoderma sp.
as a decomposer of cocoa pod husk-based compost on degradation of herbicide and insecticide residues Due to the large-scale application of pesticides, it becomes considerably related to the composting process.
Pesticide compounds are potentially present in initial feedstock materials that are routinely composted (Bryndli et al.
, 2005.
Cai et al.
, 2.
It can be found in every plant material of the cocoa plantation, such as cocoa pod husk, cocoa tree pruning waste, and shade tree pruning waste.
Based on the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia No.
261/KPTS/SR.
310//M/4/2019 concerning minimum technical requirements for organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and soil amendment, the organic fertilizer must not contain chemical composition in its processes.
Therefore, the presence of organic pollutants in pesticide compounds is prohibited according to the criteria for organic fertilizer.
It is considerably important that the pesticide compounds do not persist in the compost produced.
It is not only because of the possible toxicity of the pesticides to people handling the compost but also, pesticides may migrate from the compost to the environment.
Additionally, some compounds, particularly herbicides, may be harmful to the plants where the compost is applied or animals ingesting the compost (Byksynmez et al.
, 1.
The involvement of vigorous biological activity in composting processes is expected to accelerate the decomposition of pesticide compounds and reduce pollutant bioavailability.
Specifically.
Trichoderma sp.
identified as key degraders of pesticides, with significant changes in microbial diversity (C et al.
, 2.
Trichoderma sp.
is used to degrade toxic substances and convert them into less toxic substances through the secretion of enzymes or metabolic processes .
ek et al.
, 2003.
Vidali, 2.
Additionally.
Trichoderma isolates have been documented to possess strong cellulase activity, aiding in organic matter decomposition, which is essential for composting efficacy (Lakshmi et al.
, 2024.
Thuy & TRAI, 2.
Therefore, it is a promising approach to enrich the microorganism activity by adding Trichoderma in the composting process to reduce pesticide residues.
The utilization of composting strategies in the biodegradation of organic pollutants has been seriously adopted recently.
However, there is still a lack of general information provided regarding the residue status of pesticides through the composting process.
Therefore, the finding about the potential of Trichoderma sp.
as a decomposer in the degradation of pesticide residue is considerably needed to support sustainable agriculture and waste management solutions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Research location and time description This research was carried out at the Kaliwining Experimental Station of the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI).
Jember.
East Java.
Indonesia.
It is located at an altitude of 45 m above sea level with an average temperature of 25-30 C and relative humidity of 75-90%.
The climate type of the research location is type D based on the classification of SchmidtFerguson.
This research was conducted for five months, starting from April to September The research began with the preparation of composting materials, the composting process, and the analysis of the quality and success rate of the composting process carried out.
Experimental design and treatments This research involved the initial feedstock materials with pesticide application PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
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erbicide or insecticid.
in cocoa pod husk (CPH) and the presence of a decomposer (Trichoderma sp.
Therefore, this research consisted of four treatments, namely: P1D0 .
nitial feedstock material with herbicide application and without Trichoderma sp.
P1D1 .
nitial feedstock material with herbicide application and Trichoderma sp.
P2D0
nitial feedstock material with insecticide application and without Trichoderma sp.
and P2D1 .
nitial feedstock material with insecticide application and Trichoderma sp.
The results of pesticide residue and compost quality were analyzed descriptively by comparing the effects of Trichoderma in degrading the herbicide and insecticide residue by conducting the composting process in every given treatment.
Materials and tools The material used consists of cocoa pod husk (CPH), livestock dung.
Leucaena leucocephala leaves.
Trichoderma sp.
ctive ingredient: cypermethrin 50 g/.
, herbicide .
ctive ingredient: glyphosate 486 g/.
, and water.
The tool used is a PVC pipe .
5Ae2 m, diameter 7Ae10 c.
which has holes in the sides, tarpaulin .
Ae4 .
made of flexible plastic, portable digital scales, manual scales, shovels, pots, buckets, thermometer liquid-in-glass, thermohygrometer digital, and plastic samples.
Composting process and treatment The initial stage of making CPH-based compost is done by selecting cocoa pod material that is still fresh .
as not changed color or blackene.
The aerobic technique uses a PVC pipe placed in the middle of the compost pile to be made.
The CPH is sprayed with insecticide and herbicide before the composting process.
Insecticide .
ctive ingredient: cypermethrin 50 g/L) and herbicide .
ctive ingredient: glyphosate 486 g/L) were applied at a dosage of 8 mL/kg .
L per 250 kg of compos.
, with a solution concentration 000 ppm.
Cocoa pod husk that will be composted is mixed with livestock dung.
leaves, and Trichoderma sp.
Compost is made in one mound consisting of three layers with an aeration pipe.
Each layer consists of all compost materials arranged from bottom to top in the form of CPH.
Trichoderma sp.
livestock dung, and L.
leucocephala leaves to cover each layer.
Two hundred and fifty kilograms of compost was made, consisting of 165 kg of CPH, mixed with 82.
5 kg of livestock dung .
atio 2:.
, and 2.
5 kg of leucocephala leaves.
Trichoderma sp.
added as much as 250 g .
omparison 1 g Trichoderma and 1 kg of compost The second and third layers of compost to be made consist of 60 kg of CPH, 90 g of Trichoderma, 27.
5 kg of livestock dung, and 1 kg of L.
leucocephala leaves.
The third layer consists of 45 kg of CPH, 70 g of Trichoderma sp.
, 27.
5 kg of livestock dung, and 5 kg of L.
leucocephala leaves.
The mixture of ingredients is then added with water to each layer until the humidity reaches around 50Ae60% and then covered with tarpaulin.
The compost turning process is conducted every two weeks.
Every time it is turned over, water is added to the compost until it reaches a water content of 50Ae60% to maintain compost Data collection Compost nutrient content analysis consists of initial analysis of the feedstock materials, biweekly analysis, and final analysis at the end PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
Volume 41.
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as a decomposer of cocoa pod husk-based compost on degradation of herbicide and insecticide residues of the composting process.
Compost nutrient content analysis was carried out to determine the quality of the CPH-based compost that has been produced.
Insecticide and herbicide residue analysis consists of initial analysis before the composting process and final analysis at the end of composting process.
Initial samples of compost material are analyzed to determine the initial nutrient content of all compost materials used.
Initial feedstock material analysis consists of analysis of N.
Ca.
Mg.
C-organic content.
C:N ratio.
CEC, pH, initial insecticide, and herbicide Compost samples are taken biweekly along with the compost turning schedule to determine the progress of the composting process that has been carried out.
Biweekly analysis consists of analysis of N content.
C-organic.
C:N ratio, pH, and water content.
The final sample of mature compost is analyzed to determine the nutrient content, the quality level of the compost that has been made, and to compare the quality level of the compost between the treatments given.
The final analysis consists of analysis of N.
Ca.
Mg.
C-organic content.
C:N ratio.
CEC, pH, final insecticide, and herbicide residue.
The compost temperature is measured every two days.
Temperature measurements were carried out at four different points on the compost pile using a thermometer.
Temperature measurements are carried out before the weekly turning schedule of the compost because the temperature of the compost will change drastically after the compost turning process.
The ambient temperature is also observed using a digital thermohygrometer which has been installed in accordance with the compost temperature observation schedule.
The composting process takes 55 days.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Phase of the composting process Based on the daily temperature observations (Figure .
, the composting that has been conducted adheres to the theory of temperature changes during the composting Whereas the composting of CPH is a dynamic process that transitions through distinct phasesAimesophilic, thermophilic, cooling, and maturationAidominated by various microorganisms with specific environmental The initial phase of composting is the mesophilic stage, which typically occurs at temperatures between 20 AC and 45 AC.
this research, the mesophilic stage temperatures range between 40Ae45 AC.
During this stage, mesophilic microorganisms become active and decompose easily degradable organic matter found in the CPH.
This phase lasts several days and wasmarked by moisture retention and the breakdown of proteins and sugars, which are abundant in CPH due to the presence of polysaccharides and nitrogenous materials (Ogunlade et al.
, 2.
Previous research indicates that the incorporation of additional materials such as manure enhances microbial colonization and degradation rates, optimizing the mesophilic phase in CPH composting (Ogunlade et al.
, 2019.
Praveena et al.
, 2.
Following the mesophilic phase, a signiAe ficant temperature rise indicates the onset of the thermophilic phase, where temperatures exceed 45 AC and can reach up to 70 AC (Nartey et al.
, 2017.
Vitinaqailevu & Rao.
During this phase, thermophilic microAe organisms, which thrive in hot conditions, take over the decomposition process.
This phase is particularly important for pathogen and weed seed destruction, as the increased temperatures can lead to effective sanitation PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
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August 2025 Edition Perdana & Sari of the compost (Nartey et al.
, 2.
The thermophilic phase is characterized by a rapid decrease in organic matter as it is converted to heat and microbial biomass.
CPH, when composted with nitrogen-rich materials or co-composted with other agricultural wastes, such as shade tree pruning waste, can sustain these high temperatures and optimize the breakdown of lignocellulosic compounds (Nartey et al.
, 2017.
Ogunlade & Orisajo.
Herbicide Herbicide Day Day Day Herbicide Herbicide Trichoderma Trichoderma Temperature (OOC) Temperature (OC) The final phase is the maturation phase, also known as the curing phase, during which further decomposition occurs at relatively low temperatures .
elow 40 AC).
This phase occurred from the 29th day to the last day of composting process, with the temperature below 40 AC.
The biochemical changes in this stage lead to the stabilization of compost as microbial activity slows down significantly.
The resulting material is rich in nutrients and has a fine texture, which is ideal for agricultural applications.
This maturation process allows for the development of complex organic structures and the enhancement of humic substances, which are crucial for soil fertility (Ogunlade & Orisajo, 2020.
Praveena et al.
, 2.
Furthermore, maturity can be assessed by measuring the C:N ratio.
a mature compost typically has a C:N ratio Temperature (OC) Temperature (OC) As the readily available substrates are depleted, the temperature in the compost begins to decline, signaling the start of the cooling This phase sees a transition back to mesophilic conditions as thermophilic microorganisms die off or become dormant due to cooling.
The activity during this phase is primarily from mesophilic bacteria and fungi, which continue to break down more resistant organic materials, including lignin and cellulose present in the CPH.
This phase is critical for enhancing the compostAos microbial diversity and improving its overall quality as it matures (Praveena et al.
, 2.
Insecticide Herbicide Day Insecticide Trichoderma Herbicide Trichoderma Figure 1.
Daily temperature observations of composting process PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
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as a decomposer of cocoa pod husk-based compost on degradation of herbicide and insecticide residues below 20, indicating that it has reached a stable state suitable for agricultural use (Ogunlade & Orisajo, 2.
Effect of Trichoderma sp.
glyphosate residue .
Trichoderma species have been recognized for their ability to facilitate composting and potentially degrade glyphosate residues in organic waste.
Based on the result of residue analysis, compost with Trichoderma capable to degrade the glyphosate up to 96% (Figure .
Among various microorganisms, the genus Trichoderma has emerged as a viable candidate for degrading glyphosate (Sviridov et al.
, 2.
The introduction of Trichoderma into composting processes offers multiple benefits, including accelerated decomposition rates and the detoxification of harmful substances such as glyphosate (Arfarita et al.
This dual role has significant implications for organic waste management and ecological sustainability.
Research has identified several pathways through which Trichoderma sp species can enzymatically break down glyphosate, often utilizing it as a source of carbon and phosphorus.
When Trichoderma sp.
were incorporated into compost with glyphosate residues, they exhibited the ability to utilize glyphosate as a carbon source, indicating their potential in bioremediation (Asitok & Ekpenyong.
Trichoderma sp.
exhibits a unique ability to degrade glyphosate via mechanisms that involve the cleavage of the carbon-phosphorus (C-P) bond, which is pivotal in the degradation pathways described in studies involving other microorganisms.
For instance, it has been shown that Trichoderma harzianum can effectively utilize glyphosate as a nutritional source, converting it into less harmful metabolites such as aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) (Espinoza-Montero et al.
, 2.
Trichoderma harzianum has been documented to possess significant AMPA-degrading activity, achieving up to 69% degradation efficiency of AMPA within 10 days under controlled conditions (Espinoza-Montero et al.
, 2.
Further insights reveal that the enzymatic activities can include glyphosate oxidoreductase and C-P lyase, driving the cleavage of glyphosate into metabolites that are less toxic or can be further utilized by the organism (Ezaka et al.
, 2.
The metabolic processes of Trichoderma sp.
not only degrade glyphosate but can also mitigate ecological risks posed by its residues through microbial bioremediation (Asitok & Ekpenyong, 2.
In addition, the presence of Trichoderma can stimulate microbial populations in compost, leading to enhanced biodegradation mechanisms (Ros et al.
, 2.
Other studies corroborate these findings, suggesting that different strains of Trichoderma, including T.
viride and T.
can adapt and exhibit tolerance to varying concentrations of glyphosate, thus facilitating their role in composting processes that may involve herbicide-laden residues (Asitok & Ekpenyong, 2019.
Carro Huerga et al.
, 2.
These strains often rely on their enzymatic capabilities, including cellulases and chitinases, which not only assist in degrading glyphosate but also contribute to the overall decomposition process in compost systems (Mukesh et al.
, 2.
Effect of Trichoderma sp.
cypermethrin residue .
The potential of Trichoderma sp, particularly in the biodegradation of pesticide residues such as cypermethrin in compost production, has drawn considerable attention.
Based on residue analysis of compost produced, compost with Trichoderma was capable PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
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(Figure .
The degradation of cypermethrin residues during the composting process is influenced by the activity of Trichoderma.
Trichoderma sp.
has demonstrated effectiveness in the bio-remediation of pesticide residues.
Studies have indicated that certain strains, such as Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride, possess the ability to degrade various pesticides, suggesting a mechanism through which they can contribute to the detoxification of cypermethrin residues in compost (Ros et al.
, 2017.
Sun et al.
, 2.
The mechanism by which Trichoderma degrades cypermethrin in compost primarily involves its lignocellulolytic enzymes, such as cellulases and hemicellulases, which facilitate the breakdown of various organic Furthermore, studies have shown that Trichoderma can enhance the production of enzymes like chitinases, which may aid in breaking down complex organic structures, including those found in pesticide residues (Brzezinska et al.
, 2.
The enzymatic pathways employed by Trichoderma in the degradation of these chemical compounds often involve oxidative enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of complex pesticide molecules into less toxic or non-toxic byproducts (Sun et al.
, 2.
HAng et al.
reported that Trichoderma contributes to the breakdown of lignin-rich materials, thus enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients and promoting microbial activity essential for degrading complex organic pollutants like cypermethrin (HAng et al.
, 2018.
HAng et al.
, 2.
Furthermore.
Bohacz discussed the potential of Trichoderma species in degrading aromatic compounds, including pesticide residues, highlighting its potential in bioremediation, particularly for compounds like cypermethrin that have a complex aromatic structure (Bohacz, 2.
Reduction of glyphosate residue .
ith Trichoderm.
Reduction of cypermethrin residue .
ith Trichoderm.
-20% -40% -60% -80% Initial residue .
g/k.
Final residue .
g/k.
-10 0% -40% -80% -10 0% Initial residue .
g/k.
Reduction of cypermethrin residue .
ithout Trichoderm.
Final residue .
g/k.
Reduction (%) Reduction of glyphosate residue .
ithout Trichoderm.
-60% Reduction (%) -20% -20% -40% -60% -20% -40% -60% Initial residue .
g/k.
Final residue .
g/k.
Reduction (%) -80% -10 0% -80% -10 0% Initial residue .
g/k.
Final residue .
g/k.
Reduction (%) Figure 2.
The effect of Trichoderma on glyphosate and cypermethrin residue PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
Volume 41.
Number 2.
August 2025 Edition The potential of Trichoderma sp.
as a decomposer of cocoa pod husk-based compost on degradation of herbicide and insecticide residues Moreover, the research by Nguyen et al.
indicates that the introduction of Trichoderma into compost can enhance the mineralization of nitrogen compounds, thus creating conditions favorable for the microbial degradation of contaminants such as cypermethrin during composting (Nguyen et al.
, 2.
Mazen emphasized that combining compost with Trichoderma can increase microbial activity against plant pathogens, which may also apply to pesticide degradation, indicating a broader role of Trichoderma in enhancing the microbial ecological balance necessary for effective bioremediation during composting (Mazen.
Additionally.
Trichoderma has demonstrated the ability to biotransform pesticides and similar compounds, as reported by Wu et al.
emphasizing its potential in degrading synthetic compounds, including This highlights the importance of Trichoderma in not only improving the conditions in compost but also in impacting the integrity of problematic residues, facilitating their degradation under optimized composting conditions (El-Tahlawy et al.
The influence of Trichoderma sp.
nitrogen content The role of Trichoderma as a composting decomposer influences the nitrogen content in the resulting compost (Figure .
Compost with Trichoderma as decomposer resulted in higher nitrogen content in compost produced.
Trichoderma in compost with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with N content of 2.
58% and 2.
While compost without Trichoderma with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with N content 15% and 1.
88%, respectively.
Thus.
Trichoderma enhances the N content up to Trichoderma sp.
, known for their enzymatic capabilities, enhance the decomposition of organic materials, facilitating the release of nutrients including nitrogen.
Trichoderma sp.
actively participate in the composting process by degrading complex organic compounds, which improves microbial efficiency in mineralizing nitrogen.
Studies have shown that Trichoderma sp.
, through their decomposition mechanisms, enhance compost quality and foster biological nitrification processes.
this results in increased availability of nitrate nitrogen (N-NO.
in the compost (Komolafe et al.
, 2020.
Nguyen et al.
, 2.
This enhancement is crucial since nitrates are one of the most readily absorbable forms of nitrogen for plants, thereby improving growth when such compost is utilized.
When Trichoderma sp.
is employed synergistically with compost materials, it promotes more rapid nutrient release.
The presence of Trichoderma sp.
accelerates the breakdown of organic matter and enhances the overall nutrient dynamics within the soil ecosystem (Komolafe et al.
, 2020.
Komolafe et al.
, 2.
Research has indicated that the application of Trichoderma sp.
improve nitrogen mineralization rates and increase humic acid content in mature compost which typically correlates with higher nitrogen retention (HAng et al.
, 2018.
Mazen.
The influence of Trichoderma sp.
C:N ratio Trichoderma sp.
as a decomposer in composting processes influences the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, which is a critical parameter for the efficiency of compost as a soil amendment.
Compost with Trichoderma has lower C:N ratio compared to compost without Trichoderma sp.
(Figure .
Trichoderma in compost with insecticide and PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
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While compost without Trichoderma with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with N content of 16 and 21, respectively.
Therefore.
Trichoderma sp.
reduces the C:N ratio up to 50%.
The ideal C:N ratio should be maintained between 10 and 20.
ratios below this threshold can lead to nitrogen loss through volatilization, while higher ratios can inhibit microbial activity and lead to nitrogen immobilization (Wang & Liang, 2.
The effectiveness of Trichoderma sp.
enhancing compost quality is primarily attributed to its ability to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter and improve nutrient availability, thus affecting the dynamics of the C:N ratio during composting.
Trichoderma sp.
wasknown for their capacity to decompose organic materials efficiently through the production of enzymes that break down cellulose and lignin, which are complex organic compounds (Gaind et al.
, 2.
This enzymatic activity promotes the degradation of carbon-rich materials, thereby lowering the C:N ratio while also increasing nitrogen availability.
Studies have shown that the incorporation of Trichoderma asperellum into compost increases the rate at which organic materials are broken down, resulting in a more rapid decline in the C:N ratio compared to uninoculated compost (Komolafe et al.
This is particularly important for achieving a desirable C:N ratio for mature compost, which is essential for optimizing nutrient release for plant uptake.
The influence of Trichoderma sp.
C-organic The application of Trichoderma sp.
composting decomposers influences the composition of organic carbon in the produced Compost with Trichoderma sp.
has lower C-organic compared to compost without Trichoderma sp.
(Figure .
Trichoderma sp.
in compost with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with C-organic content of 33.
37% and 28.
While compost without Trichoderma sp.
with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with C-organic content of 34.
33% and 39.
16%, respectively.
During composting.
Trichoderma sp.
mineralizes organic matter, which may result in altered C-organic levels.
Juwanda et al.
indicate that organic C content tends to decrease during composting as microbial activity rises, suggesting that carbon serves as a vital energy source for these microorganisms (Juwanda et al.
, 2.
The faster mineralization process that Trichoderma fosters suggests a quicker breakdown of organic matter, potentially resulting in lower organic carbon concentrations in the final compost product.
Nguyen et al.
noted that the use of Trichoderma in composting can enhance biological nitrification, contributing to higher nitrogen availability while facilitating the decomposition of organic carbon (Nguyen et al.
, 2021.
This relationship illustrates the trade-offs that occur during composting when Trichoderma was introduced.
nutrient retention may improve, the carbon content may decline.
Furthermore, analyses on thermal dynamics during composting have shown that increased temperatures can enhance organic matter breakdown (Juwanda et al.
, 2.
The ability of Trichoderma sp.
to promote temperatureinduced decomposition could lead to even lower organic carbon levels when included in the compost mixture.
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as a decomposer of cocoa pod husk-based compost on degradation of herbicide and insecticide residues N (%) C:N ratio Herbicide Herbicide Trichoderma Insecticide Trichoderma Insecticide Herbicide Herbicide Trichoderma C-organic (%) Insecticide Insecticide Trichoderma Herbicide Herbicide Trichoderma Insecticide Insecticide Trichoderma Herbicide Herbicide Trichoderma Insecticide Insecticide Trichoderma Figure 3.
N content.
C:N ratio.
C-organic, and pH of compost produced The influence of Trichoderma sp.
on pH The role of Trichoderma as a decomposer in composting processes impacts the pH of the compost produced.
Compost with Trichoderma has higher pH compared to compost without Trichoderma (Figure .
Trichoderma sp.
in compost with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with a pH of 8.
78 and 8.
49, respectively.
Compost without Trichoderma with insecticide and herbicide application produces compost with pH of 8.
34 and 8.
38, respectively.
Thus.
Trichoderma sp.
increases the pH up to 5.
Initial composting tends to lead to the production of organic acids due to microbial activity, resulting in a decrease in pH.
However, as composting progresses, particularly with the activity of Trichoderma, mineralization processes can lead to a gradual increase in pH, often stabilizing at neutral levels indicative of mature compost.
Studies reveal that during early decomposition stages, the growth of microorganisms like Trichoderma leads to acid accumulation, contributing to a drop in pH (Liu et al.
However, as composting proceeds.
TrichodermaAos enzyme activity, particularly the production of cellulases, tends to enhance the mineralization of nitrogen, which can stabilize and increase pH levels over time (Kumar et al.
, 2.
The neutralization process observed in several studies correlates well with the maturity of compost.
A study found that compost treated with Trichoderma exhibited a neutral pH, thus indicating a mature and stable compost suitable for use as an organic fertilizer (Alfadlli et al.
, 2.
Furthermore, the ability of Trichoderma to improve soil dynamics, such as enhancing nutrient availability, appears to be linked with the pH stabilization during composting (Komolafe et al.
, 2.
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August 2025 Edition Perdana & Sari Comparison of the quality of compost produced and standard minimum of organic fertilizer Based on the results of the analysis that has been conducted, all the compost produced has fulfill the minimum technical requirements (Figure 4 and Table .
This standard refers to the Decree of The Minister of Agriculture of The Republic of Indonesia No.
261/KPTS/SR.
310//M/4/2019 concerning minimum technical requirements for organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and soil The N P K content in the minimum technical standard is 2% at the lowest, while the N P K content of the compost produced ranges from 4.
79Ae8.
Compost with Trichoderma sp.
has a higher N P K content compared to compost without Trichoderma sp.
Minimum technical standard stipulates that the C:N ratio is a minimum of 25, while the compost produced has a C:N ratio ranging from 14Ae21.
The lowest C:N ratio resulted from compost with Trichoderma sp.
to compost without Trichoderma sp.
The C-organic content specified by the minimum technical standard is a minimum of 15%.
N P K content (%) C:N ratio (Max.
(Min.
Herbacide Herbacide Trichoderma Insecticide Compost produced Insecticide Trichoderma Herbacide Standard .
* Herbacide Trichoderma Insecticide Compost produced Standard .
* C:N ratio Insecticide Trichoderma (Max.
Herbacide Herbacide Trichoderma Insecticide (Min.
(Min.
Herbacide Herbacide Trichoderma Compost produced Insecticide Insecticide Trichoderma Standard .
* Compost produced Standard .
* Insecticide Trichoderma Standard .
* Figure 4.
Comparison of the quality of compost produced and minimum technical standard of organic fertilizer Table 1.
Comparison of compost quality between the minimum technical standards and produced compost
Parameter Minimum
Compost
Trichoderma
Compost
Trichoderma
N P K (%)
C 2.
C:N ratio
C 25
18 -2 1
14 -1 7
C-organic (%) C15.
12-39 .
29-34 .
Remarks Both exel standard.
with Trichoderma Both meet standard.
with Trichoderma All exceed standard.
slightly lower with Trichoderma All within range.
slightly higher with Trichoderma PELITA PERKEBUNAN.
Volume 41.
Number 2.
August 2025 Edition The potential of Trichoderma sp.
as a decomposer of cocoa pod husk-based compost on degradation of herbicide and insecticide residues while the C-organic content of the compost produced ranges from 28.
29"39.
Although the C-organic content of compost with Trichoderma sp.
is lower than compost without Trichoderma sp.
, the C-organic content still exceeds the established minimum technical standards.
Technical standards stipulate a minimum pH of 4 and a maximum of 9, while the compost produced has a pH ranging from 8.
34"8.
The highest pH is produced from compost with Trichoderma sp than compost without Trichoderma sp.
CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating Trichoderma sp.
into the composting process presents a promising biological strategy for addressing glyphosate and cypermethrin residues, with the reduction up to 99.
96% and 99.
48%, respectively.
Through their enzymatic activity and enhancement of microbial dynamics.
Trichoderma sp.
can facilitate the breakdown of complex organic contaminants.
The involvement of Trichoderma sp.
simultaneously enhances N content .
p to 23%) and pH .
p to 5.
28%), while reducing C:N ratio .
p to 50%), thus promoting improved compost quality.
This multifaceted role in degrading pesticide residue and enhancing compost quality is critical for sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to environmentally friendly waste management Asitok.
& M.
Ekpenyong .
Comparative analysis of determination methods of glyphosate degradation by Trichoderma asperellum strain JK-28: A multivariate statistical approach.
Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 1Ae14.
https://doi.
org/10.
jaeri/2019/v19i130070.
Bohacz.
Archives of Environmental Protection.
https://doi.
org/10.
Bryndli.
Bucheli.
Kupper.
Furrer.
Stadelmann & J.
Tarradellas .
Persistent organic pollutants in source separated compost and its feedstock materialsAiA review of field studies.
Journal of Environmental Quality, 34.
, 735Ae760.
https://doi.
org/10.
Brzezinska.
Kaczmarek.
Dabrowska.
Michalska Sionkowska.
Dembiyska.
Richert.
Pejchalovy.
Kumar & A.
Kalwasiyska .
Application potential of Trichoderma in the degradation of phenolic acid-modified Foods, 12.
, 3669.
https:// org/10.
3390/foods12193669 Byksynmez.
Rynk.
Hess & Bechinski.
Occurrence, degradation and fate of pesticides during Compost Science & Utilization, 7.
, 66Ae82.
https://doi.
1080/1065657X.
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