Effects of different doses of NPK fertilization on growth and productivity of Cichorium intybus

Abstract

This research was aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of NPK fertilization on growth and productivity of Cichorium intybus. The study was carried out in the farm facility of Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadjah Mada. There were three treatments: 0 kg/ha (P0), 45 kg/ha (P1), and 60 kg/ha (P2) (3 replications for each). Seeds were planted in a plot of 1 x 1.5 m. Fertilization was performed once prior to cultivation period (day-15). The height and length of plants were recorded once a week for 30 d. Defoliation was conducted when the plant's height reached 5 cm (day-30). Data observed including plant's height and length, number of leaves, fresh production, dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) production. Data were evaluated by using one-way ANOVA and followed by Duncan's New Multiple Range test for significant difference. The results showed that P2 significantly increased (P<0.05) the fresh, DM, and OM of Cichorium intybus, resulting 260.8 tons/ha/year of fresh production, 35.53 tons/ha/year of dry matter, and 28.12 tons/ha/year of organic matter. To conclude this study, the increasing dose of NPK fertilized is able to increase the fresh, DM, and OM production of Cichorium intybus.