Potential of Indigofera tinctoria Natural Dyes Compost on Maize Vegetative Growth

Abstract

Expanding sustainable agriculture approaches is critical to increase crop growth and productivity. This farming system should involve organic fertilization and not neglect the recycle of organic waste. One of the organic wastes that can be used as compost is Indigofera tinctoria natural dye waste. The research objective was to examine the vegetative growth response of corn plants to Indigofera tinctoria compost. The design used was a complete randomized block design with one factor of fertilization doses with 3 six levels namely 2.91; 5.83; 8.75; 11.67; 14.58 tons/ha, and chemical fertilizers as controls. Indigofera tinctoria compost meets the standards as organic fertilizer according to the Ministry of Agriculture with characteristics of 18.2% water content, 52.48% organic C, 90.48% organic matter, 2.84% total nitrogen, 1.54% total phosphate, total potassium 2.44%, 1.30% available nitrogen, 0.92% available phosphate, 1.52% available potassium and 60 cmol/kg cation exchange capacity. The dose of compost significantly affected on plant height of 2-4 WAP, stem diameter of 2 WAP, and root biomass of 2 WAP. The compost dose of 5.83 tons/ha has increased root growth and plant height.