The Utilization of Vegetable Waste as a Nutrient Addition in Hydroponic Media for the Growth of Green Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

Waste is a source of environmental pollution because it causes unpleasant odors, polluting water and soil and is seen as aesthetically reducing the beauty of the environment. This study aims to determine the effect of using vegetable waste as a nutrient addition to hydroponic media on the growth of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.). The method used in this study was an experimental method with a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of 5 treatments with 6 repetitions, namely P0 (control), P1 (20ml POC + 40ml AB mix), P2 (30ml POC + 30ml AB mix), P3 (40 ml POC + 20 AB mix), and P4 (60 ml POC). This research was conducted at the Center for Agricultural Mechanism Development-Tangerang, Banten, and was conducted in March-July 2018. The observation variables were plant height, fresh weight, and plant dry weight. The research data were analyzed using the normality test and homogeneity test as a prerequisite. It was then tested with ANAVA test and the Leastest Significant Difference test 5% (LSD 5%). The results of this study indicated that the application of liquid organic fertilizer from vegetable waste to P2 with a dose of 30 ml POC + 30 ml AB mix gave the best results on plant height parameters with an average of 36.93 cm, fresh weight with an average of 41, 79 grams, and dry weight with an average of 2.34 grams. From this study, it can be concluded that the utilization of vegetable waste as an addition of nutrients to hydroponic media has an effect on the growth of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.).