Evaluation of organic liquid fertilizer concentration and planting media on growth and yield of red spinach (Amaranthus Tricolor L.) in hydroponic axis system

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of organic liquid fertilizers (OLF) and different planting media on the growth of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.). It was conducted in Kepuhsari sub-village, Kepuhrejo Village, Kudu district, Jombang regency, East Java between October and November 2019. Furthermore, a completely randomized design with two factors and triplicates observation was carried out. The First factor was the concentration of organic liquid fertilizer (OLF, which includes OLF 0% (K0), OLF 25% (K1), OLF 50% (K2), and OLF 75% (K3). The second factor included planting media such as 100% (M1) husk charcoal, 100% cocopeat (M2), and a mix of 50% of husk charcoal and 50% cocopeat (M3). The variables observed were plant height, number of leaves, area, stem diameter, root weight, wet and dry weight of stems and leaves. These parameters were analyzed by ANOVA and BNT test at a confidence level of 5%. The results showed that OLF 50% (K2) significantly influenced the growth of red spinach plants. Also, a mixture of 50% husk charcoal and cocopeat (M3) planting media induced a very significant effect on various observational variables.