Increasing Growth, Production and Nutrient Uptake of Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L) Plant on Peat Soil by Applying Polyvalent Cation Ameliorant Cu2+, Fe3+, Zn2+ and Palm Front Compost

Abstract

The development in Riau has led to converting agricultural land to non-agricultural use, impacting the cultivation of vegetable crops on peatlands that require intensive treatment to achieve maximum productivity. The research aims to assess the effects of ameliorants and oil palm frond compost application on the growth, production, and nutrient uptake of pakcoy plants (Brassica rapa L). The experiment utilized a Completely Randomized Factorial Design with 2 factors. The first factor involved ameliorants with 4 treatment levels: without ameliorant, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Zn2+. The second factor included oil palm frond compost with 4 treatment levels: without compost, 12. 24. and 36 g/plant. Parameters observed were plant height, leaf count, fresh weight, dry weight, and nutrient uptake of N, P, and K. Results showed significant interaction effects between ameliorants and oil palm frond compost on plant height, leaf count, fresh weight, and nutrient uptake of N, P, and K, with the best treatment being Cu2+ ameliorant and 24 g/plant oil palm frond compost. The primary effect of ameliorants significantly influenced all observed parameters, with Cu2+ being the best treatment. The primary effect of oil palm frond compost significantly influenced all observed parameters, with 12 g/plant being the best treatment.