2024 iJURECON

Hair waste, an organic material commonly found in municipal solid waste, decomposes slowly due to its high keratin content. On average, individuals shed between fifty and hundreds of hairs daily, while barbershops generate significant amounts of this waste. Given that hair is rich in nitrogen—a nutrient essential for plant growth—this study aims to determine the nitrogen levels in soil mixed with decomposed hair. Hair was collected, treated, and left to decompose for four months. The nitrogen content in the soil-hair mixture was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method and measured with a spectrophotometer. Results indicate that the presence of decomposed hair significantly increases nitrogen levels in the soil, suggesting that decomposed hair has the potential to enhance soil fertility and serve as an organic fertilizer