Effect of Organic Fertilizer Using Citrus Peel on Crop Growth

This study evaluated the effects of organic fertilizer derived from citrus peel, a by-product of citrus processing, on the growth of various crops. Citrus peel contains diverse components such as moisture, organic acids, sugars, minerals, and flavonoids. In this study, it was mixed with poultry manure and subjected to low-temperature aerobic fermentation to produce an organic fertilizer. The resulting citrus peel + poultry manure compost significantly promoted the growth of lettuce, pepper, perilla, tomato, radish, and cabbage compared to commercially available compost. Notable increases were observed in plant weight, size, and levels of beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids (p < 0.05). In particular, application to citrus trees tended to increase the sugar-acid ratio and antioxidant activity. These findings suggest the potential for effective recycling of citrus peel waste, contributing to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.