Enhancing Nitrogen Uptake and Rice Productivity in Inceptisols Through Moringa oleifera and Golden Snail-Based Liquid Organic Fertilizers

¹ Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Jebres 57126, Surakarta, Indonesia
² Undergraduate of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A Kentingan, Jebres, Surakarta, 57026, Indonesia
³ Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Islam Batik University, Surakarta 57147, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, Lambung Mangkurat University, Jl. A. Yani Km. 35, Banjabaru, Indonesia
⁵ Agrotechnology Study Program of Warmadewa University. Jl. Terompong No.24 Tanjung Bungkak Denpasar, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: widyatmanisih@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

Nitrogen deficiency remains a major constraint to organic rice productivity in Inceptisols. This study introduces a novel liquid organic fertiliser (LOF) derived from fermented Moringa oleifera leaves and golden snails (Pomacea canaliculata) to enhance nitrogen uptake and improve crop performance. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using a completely randomised design with two factors: LOF formulation (100% moringa, 100% snail, and a 50:50 mix) and LOF concentration (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mL/L), applied weekly over a 16-week period. Results revealed a significant interaction between formulation and concentration on nitrogen uptake. The highest uptake, 161.2% above control, was achieved with 100% moringa LOF at 60 mL/L, which also enhanced grain yield and quality. Meanwhile, the combined formula (50% moringa + 50% snail) promoted soil health, indicated by the highest population of non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of moringa- and snail-based LOFs as sustainable, locally sourced alternatives to chemical fertilizers, particularly for nutrient-poor soils. Future research should evaluate their field-scale performance and long-term effects on soil microbial dynamics.