Utilization Effects of Asystasia intrusa Compost Toward the Growth Performance of Elaeis guineensis Seedling

Abstract

Asystasia intrusa was recognized as the most problematic weed in oil palm estate. Manual and chemical processes were required to eradicate the weed. Composting of A. intrusa not only controlled weed but also could be used as organic compost due to the great potential of nutrient. The study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of A. intrusa compost toward the growth performance of Elaeis guineensis seedling. There were six different rates of compost applied: 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 g. Commercial fertilizer was used as positive control while without compost application was used as negative control. A randomized complete block design was employed as experimental design with eight replications. Compost application of 1000 g indicated the highest value of plant height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf number but only plant height and stem girth showed a significant difference. Thus, utilization of 1000 g of A. intrusa compost significantly affects the growth performance of E. guineensis seedling, where it was unrivaled by the commercial fertilizer in this study. Application of A. intrusa compost also reduced the acidity of the soil.