The Effect of Different Concentration of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on the Growth of Sea Grape (Caulerpa lentillifera)

Abstract

Sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) have potential economic value and need to be conserved in their natural environment. The growth and distribution of C. lentillifera depend on physical (such as substrate) and chemical (nutrient) factors of the marine environment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of different concentrations of liquid organic fertilizers on the growth of C. lentillifera in a closed culture system. This research was done from April to June 2022. The culture of C. lentillifera was done under a closed culture system using a fiber cage (50 x 50 x 60 cm) inside a (plastic) greenhouse. The experimental design used a complete randomized design of 5 treatments with three replications each. Variables observed during this study were length, weight, and sea grape ramuli quantity. The data was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA. The results show that adding liquid organic fertilizer with different concentrations has an impact on the sea grape weight (F value 3.764 > F tab 3.48) and an increase in the quantity of sea grape ramuli (F value 3.608 > F tab 3.48). The optimum concentration of liquid organic fertilizer for the growth of sea grapes was 20 ml.L−1. The culture of C. lentillifera can be done in a closed system and give good results in its growth. Further study still needs to be done by applying different treatments such as salinity and temperature in order to get exactly good conditions for C. lentillifera to grow in culture conditions and give a good quality that can be consumed and a good economic value.