Asha Embrandiri - Environmental Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
Rajeev Pratap Singh
Mahamad Hakimi Ibrahim - Environmental Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia

Background: Decanter cake is produced in large amounts, and its disposal is a major concern in palm-producingcountries. Growth morphology and biochemical responses of lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants grown onsoil 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 withthe control. There was a significant difference in ascorbic acid content with the increase in treatment ratio. Phenolcontent 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 forinorganic fertilizers with respect to lady's finger (A. esculentus) plants due to high nutrient content, yield andbiomass, as well as morphological characteristics. However, there were observable negative effects after 10%decanter cake amendment ratios.

Decanter cake, Amendment ratios, Phenol content, Specific leaf area, Chlorophyll, Lady’s finger