IMPACT THE IMPACT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER USE ON SOIL FERTILITY CASE STUDY IN GAJAH VILLAGE, SIMPANG EMPAT DISTRICT, KARO REGENCY

Abstract

Organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer made from natural materials, such as plant residues, animal waste, compost, and other organic materials. This fertilizer functions to increase soil fertility by providing nutrients needed by plants slowly and sustainably. Unlike chemical fertilizers that provide nutrients instantly, organic fertilizers work by improving soil structure and increasing the activity of microorganisms in it. The use of organic fertilizers has several advantages, including: Increasing Soil Fertility: Organic fertilizers increase the soil's capacity to retain water and nutrients, and improve soil structure so that it is looser and more fertile. Environmentally Friendly: Because it is made from natural materials, organic fertilizers do not pollute the environment and are safe to use in the long term without damaging the soil ecosystem. Balancing Plant Nutrition: Organic fertilizers provide a variety of nutrients, including macro and micro, which are important for healthy plant growth. Increasing Soil Microorganism Activity: The organic material in this fertilizer supports the growth of microorganisms that are beneficial to plants, such as bacteria and earthworms. Although it takes longer to show results compared to chemical fertilizers, the continuous use of organic fertilizers can provide long-term benefits for soil and plant health. This makes organic fertilizer an ideal choice for sustainable and organic farming practices. This study aims to determine the impact of Organic Fertilizer Use on Soil Fertility Case Study in Gajah Village, Simpang Empat District, Karo Regency. The study was conducted in September - October 2024. In this study, data collection was carried out using the case study method so that the main method of collecting data from respondents was carried out using direct interview techniques using a list of questions or questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with respondents who were members of the Gajah Village farmer group.