Improving the growth of clove seedlings by the application of seaweed waste as organic fertilizers

Abstract

One of the problems in providing quality clove seedlings is slow growth of clove seedlings and the unavailability of technology that can accelerate seedling growth for planting. Based on this, research has been carried out which aims to obtain the concentration and frequency of providing appropriate seaweed organic fertilizer to accelerate seedling growth. The experiment was arranged in a two-factor factorial design, four replications. The first factor were 7 concentrations of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF): 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, and 1500 ppm, and the second factor were frequency of application of 2 and 3 times every 4 weeks. The parameters observed were seedling growth (seedling height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, root length and root volume), chlorophyll content, wet and dry biomass weight (leaves, stems, and roots). The results showed that seaweed from Euchema cottonii can improve the growth of clove seedlings. The E. cottonii seaweed in 1250 ppm concentration and two times every 4 weeks can improve the growth of clove seedlings