The Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Reduced the Required Dose of Compound Fertilizer for Oil Palm ( Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) in Nursery

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to increase nutrient availability for the plant as well as improve the soil quality. However, the effectiveness of AMF is affected by soil fertility. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the best dose of compound fertilizer for oil palm seedlings with and without AMF application. The factorial experiment (2 × 5) with four replication was carried out with the first factor was AMF inoculation, consisting of 2 levels: without AMF inoculation (m0) and with AMF inoculation (m1). The second factor was compound fertilizer dose, consisting of 5 levels: 0 mg polybag-1 (f0), 250mg polybag-1 (f1), 500 mg polybag-1 (f2), 750 mg polybag-1 (f3), and 1000 mg polybag-1 (f4). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The data obtained were tested using analysis of variance and means separation tested using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at α 5%. The result showed that oil palm seedlings' response towards AMF inoculation was influenced by the dose of compound fertilizer based on plant height, leaf surface area, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. The best dose of fertilizer compound for oil palm seedlings inoculated with AMF was 500 mg polybag-1, whereas without AMF inoculation was 1000 mg polybag-1. In other words, the AMF application reduced 50% of compound fertilizer needed for oil palm seedlings.