Optimizing the Growth and Yield of Kale (Brassica oleracea Var. Acephala) by providing Eggshell Liquid Fertilizer and Water Hyacinth Bokashi

Abstract

This study investigated the optimal concentration of liquid organic fertilizer from chicken eggshells and the effective dose of water hyacinth bokashi for enhancing kale (Brassica oleracea var. Acephala) growth and yield. Conducted in Bontomanai Village, Bungaya Subdistrict, Gowa Regency, the research utilized a factorial randomized block design with two factors: concentration of liquid fertilizer (0 ml, 100 ml/L, 300 ml/L) and bokashi dose (0 kg, 1 kg, 2 kg). The study included 9 treatment combinations, each replicated 3 times, resulting in 27 experimental units. Key parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight per plant, fresh weight per plot, consumable weight per plot, root weight per plot, and yield per hectare. Findings revealed that neither the interaction of liquid fertilizer concentration and bokashi dose nor their individual effects significantly influenced kale growth or yield. The concentration of 100 ml/L liquid fertilizer produced the highest number of leaves (23.29), fresh weight per plant (73.67 g), and yield per hectare (5.50 tons). The 2 kg/plot bokashi dose resulted in the highest number of leaves (23.81), fresh weight per plant (72.98 g), and yield per hectare (5.60 tons).