Using several types and doses of manure to increase the productivity of Konjac plants (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume)

Abstract

Amorphophallus muelleri (known as "porang" in Indonesia) can be used as a high-value alternative food source and potentially be a glucomannan production source. Due to its limited production, Indonesia has yet to meet the Amorphophallus muelleri (konjac) flour demand. During growth, konjac plants require sufficient fertilization to increase production and yield large tubers. This study aims to determine the appropriate types and doses of manure fertilizers to enhance konjac plant productivity. The research employed a randomized complete block design with ten treatments using sheep, chicken, and cow manure, as well as a control, with doses of 1.5, 1, and 0.5 kg per plant, repeated four times. The results showed that using manure fertilizers significantly affected the growth of konjac plants, including plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, canopy diameter, and yield. The best dry weight results were obtained using chicken manure at 1 kg per plant (61.33 g) and 1.5 kg per plant (47.64 g). Using sheep, cow, and chicken manure increased konjac tuber yield by 94.95%, 93.55%, and 66.96%, respectively.