Effects of Coconut-Pulp-Based Compost Rates on Growth And Fresh Biomass of Batik Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.)

Diane D. Pioh; Melisa Pascawati  Todingan; Rafli Irland Kawulusan

doi:10.35791/jat.v7i3.70371

Authors

Diane D. Pioh Agrotechnology Study Program, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia
Melisa Pascawati Todingan Agrotechnology Study Program, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia
Rafli Irland Kawulusan Soil Science Study Program, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35791/jat.v7i3.70371

Keywords:

Amaranthus tricolor, coconut residue, compost maturity, organic amendment, plant biomass

Abstract

Coconut-processing residues can be recycled into compost, but their agronomic response depends on compost formulation, maturity, application rate, and the fertility of the base growing medium. This study evaluated a coconut-pulp-based compost on the growth and fresh biomass of Batik amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in Kauditan 1 Village, North Minahasa, Indonesia. A completely randomized design consisted of six compost rates with four replications: P0 = 0, P1 = 150, P2 = 200, P3 = 250, P4 = 300, and P5 = 350 g plant⁻¹. The base medium of all treatments contained soil, chicken manure, and burnt rice husk; therefore, P0 was a control without additional coconut-pulp-based compost rather than an unfertilized control. The compost itself was prepared from 10 kg coconut pulp, 3 kg rice husk, 3 kg rice bran, 5 kg chicken manure, brown sugar solution, and EM4 for approximately three weeks. Plant height and leaf number were recorded weekly for three observations, and fresh whole-plant and root weights were measured at harvest. ANOVA showed no treatment effect on plant height in weeks 1 and 2 or on leaf number at any observation. Plant height differed in week 3 (F5,18 = 5.09, p = 0.004), with P0 showing the highest mean (86.0 cm). Fresh whole-plant weight also differed (F5,18 = 3.99, p = 0.013); P0 (159.75 g) was significantly greater than all compost-amended treatments according to Fisher's LSD at 5%. Fresh root weight was not affected (p = 0.349). Thus, increasing the tested compost rate did not improve Batik amaranth growth or fresh biomass under the nutrient-containing base medium. Compost maturity and chemical composition were not measured and should be verified before agronomic recommendations are made.

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