Utilization of Compost and Zeolite as Ameliorant on Quartz Sand Planting Media for Caisim (Brassica Juncea) Plant Growth

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of zeolite, compost and its combination on some of the chemical properties of soil sand and the growth of caisim plants. The experiment used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications, where the treatment consisted of various level of zeolite (Z0 = without treatment (control), Z1=1.25 gr polybag-1, Z2=2.50 gr polybag-1, Z3=3.75 gr polybag-1), various level of compost (K0=0 gr polybag-1, K1=10 gr polybag-1, K2=20 gr polybag-1, K3=30 gr polybag-1), and a combination of zeolite and compost level (ZK0=0 gr polybag-1, ZK1=1.25 gr zeolite+10 gr compost polybag-1, ZK2=2.50 gr zeolite+20 gr compost polybag-1, ZK3=3.75 gr zeolite+30 gr compost polybag-1). Observation parameters consist of plant height and number of leaves, as well as chemical analysis parameters of planting media consisting of pH, CEC, organic-C, and P-available. The results showed that the use of ameliorant material in the form of zeolite, compost and a combination of compost and zeolite could improve the chemical properties of the planting medium in the form of quartz sand, and affect the growth of caisim.