Utilization of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to Improve Growth and Quality of Kangkong (Ipomoea reptans Poir.)

Abstract

The Indonesian government provides fertilizer subsidies to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector and the welfare of farmers. However, the farmers in Indonesia use inorganic fertilizers more. Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers is harmful to the environment and human health. The use of organic fertilizers as a healthier alternative to inorganic fertilizers needs to be increased to avoid sustainable negative impacts. One solution that can be done is by using liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). Previous studies have shown the use of LOF with various concentrations has a different effect on the growth of kangkong. This research aims to determine the effect of differences in LOF concentrations on the growth and quality of kangkong. This research uses an experimental method with a Randomized Block Design (RBD) using six treatments (P0: 0% (negative control), P1: 1%, P2: 2%, P3 : 3%, P4: 4%) and the positive control used NPK 16-16-16. Each treatment consists of five replicates. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 followed by Duncan's test if there were data with significant differences at the 5% test level (P≤0,05). The results showed that the application of LOF significantly affected the growth of root compactness and stem diameter at 21 DAP and 28 DAP, but had no significant effect on other parameters. Based on this study, it was found that the use of LOF concentrations that could increase root compactness and stem diameter was 1%.