Effect Of Growing Media Mixture And NPK Fertilizer Dosage (16:16:16) On Cocoa Growth (Theobroma Cacao L.)

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Introduction

Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao L.) is one of the leading plants that has a high economic value, with a global market demand that continues to grow. To support its growth, the selection of planting media and the right dose of fertilizer is very important. This study aims to determine the effect of a mixture of growing media and NPK fertilizer dosage (16:16:16) on cocoa growth in nurseries. The research was conducted under the supervision of Ir. Asil Barus, MS and Ir. Irsshal, MP, using a random block experimental design set in factorial with two factors.

Materials and Methods

The first factor in this study was the type of planting media consisting of several combinations, namely:

  • 100% Ultisol subsoil
  • 75% subsoil ultisol + 25% EOPB compost
  • 50% Ultisol subsoil + 50% EOPB compost
  • 25% subsoil ultisol + 75% compost EOPB
  • 0% subsoil ultisol + 100% EOPB compost

The second factor is the NPK fertilizer dose (16:16:16) consisting of four treatments, namely:

  • 0 g/polybag
  • 4 g/polybags
  • 8 g/polybags
  • 12 g/polybags

The parameters observed in this study include:

  • Plant height (cm)
  • Number of leaves (strands)
  • Stem diameter (mm)
  • Total leaf area (cm²)
  • Fresh and dry weight (g) and roots (g)

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the planting media had a significant effect on the number of leaves, total leaves, as well as fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots. The addition of compost is also proven to have a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, total leaves, as well as fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots.

The interaction between the planting media and the fertilizer dose also has a significant effect on the diameter of the stem in the 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th week after planting, as well as the total leaf area.

Analysis of the Effect of Growth Media and Fertilizer Dosage

Planting media is a crucial factor in the growth of cocoa plants. Ultisol, which is a subsoil soil, is well known to hold water and provide nutrition for plants. The combination with EOPB compost increases soil fertility, thereby increasing growth results. This study emphasizes the importance of a mixture of soil and compost in supporting optimal cocoa growth.

Meanwhile, NPK fertilizer (16:16:16) functions as a source of macro nutrition which is very important for plants. The right dose will ensure that cocoa plants get enough nutrition for growth. Increased dose of fertilizer is not always directly proportional to growth; Therefore, the selection of the right dose is key. This study shows that the appropriate dose of fertilizer can increase the diameter of the stem and the number of leaves, the factors that are very important in supporting the success of cocoa nurseries.

Conclusion

Overall, this research provides important insights for farmers and researchers in agriculture, especially those engaged in cocoa cultivation. By understanding the effect of growing media and fertilizer doses, they can optimize the practice of cocoa cultivation to increase productivity and quality of agricultural products. This knowledge can also be applied on a broader scale, so it is expected to support the sustainability of cocoa agriculture in Indonesia.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Farmers should use a mixture of soil and compost as planting media to support optimal cocoa growth.
  • The right dose of NPK fertilizer (16:16:16) should be selected to ensure that cocoa plants get enough nutrition for growth.
  • Further research should be conducted to investigate the effect of other factors on cocoa growth, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in the field.
  • The study only investigated the effect of growing media and fertilizer doses on cocoa growth, and did not consider other factors that may affect growth.
  • The study only used a limited number of treatments, which may not be representative of the actual conditions in the field.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the effect of other factors on cocoa growth, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity. Additionally, further research should be conducted to investigate the effect of different types of fertilizers on cocoa growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides important insights into the effect of growing media and fertilizer doses on cocoa growth. The results of this study can be used to optimize the practice of cocoa cultivation and increase productivity and quality of agricultural products. Further research should be conducted to investigate the effect of other factors on cocoa growth and to develop more effective strategies for cocoa cultivation.

Q: What is the importance of growing media in cocoa cultivation?

A: Growing media is a crucial factor in the growth of cocoa plants. It provides the necessary nutrients and water for the plants to grow. A good growing media can increase the growth rate and yield of cocoa plants.

Q: What is the role of NPK fertilizer in cocoa cultivation?

A: NPK fertilizer (16:16:16) functions as a source of macro nutrition which is very important for plants. The right dose will ensure that cocoa plants get enough nutrition for growth. Increased dose of fertilizer is not always directly proportional to growth; Therefore, the selection of the right dose is key.

Q: What are the benefits of using a mixture of soil and compost as growing media?

A: The combination of soil and compost increases soil fertility, thereby increasing growth results. This study emphasizes the importance of a mixture of soil and compost in supporting optimal cocoa growth.

Q: How does the interaction between growing media and fertilizer dose affect cocoa growth?

A: The interaction between the planting media and the fertilizer dose also has a significant effect on the diameter of the stem in the 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th week after planting, as well as the total leaf area.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

  • The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in the field.
  • The study only investigated the effect of growing media and fertilizer doses on cocoa growth, and did not consider other factors that may affect growth.
  • The study only used a limited number of treatments, which may not be representative of the actual conditions in the field.

Q: What are the recommendations for farmers and researchers based on this study?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Farmers should use a mixture of soil and compost as planting media to support optimal cocoa growth.
  • The right dose of NPK fertilizer (16:16:16) should be selected to ensure that cocoa plants get enough nutrition for growth.
  • Further research should be conducted to investigate the effect of other factors on cocoa growth, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity.

Q: What are the future research directions based on this study?

A: Future research should focus on investigating the effect of other factors on cocoa growth, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity. Additionally, further research should be conducted to investigate the effect of different types of fertilizers on cocoa growth.

Q: How can this study contribute to the sustainability of cocoa agriculture in Indonesia?

A: This study provides important insights into the effect of growing media and fertilizer doses on cocoa growth. The results of this study can be used to optimize the practice of cocoa cultivation and increase productivity and quality of agricultural products. This knowledge can also be applied on a broader scale, so it is expected to support the sustainability of cocoa agriculture in Indonesia.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the cocoa industry?

A: This study has implications for the cocoa industry, as it provides insights into the effect of growing media and fertilizer doses on cocoa growth. The results of this study can be used to optimize the practice of cocoa cultivation and increase productivity and quality of agricultural products.

Q: How can this study be applied in practice?

A: This study can be applied in practice by farmers and researchers who are interested in optimizing the practice of cocoa cultivation. The results of this study can be used to select the right growing media and fertilizer dose for cocoa plants, which can lead to increased productivity and quality of agricultural products.