Effectiveness of BSF (Black Soldier Fly) Compost and N, P, Growth and Production of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) in Saline Soil

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of vermicompost (liquid decomposition of earthworms) and BSF (Black Soldier Fly) compost in increasing nutrient uptake of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), growth, and production of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) on saline soils. . Saline soil is often an obstacle in crop cultivation because the high salt content can inhibit plant growth and nutrient uptake. The research method used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments: control treatment (saline soil without treatment), vermicompost treatment, BSF compost treatment, and a combination of vermicompost and BSF compost treatment. Each treatment was repeated three times. Data collected included N and P nutrient uptake by plants, plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, fruit weight per plant, and total fresh weight. The results showed that applying vermicompost, BSF compost, or a combination of vermicompost and BSF compost significantly increased cherry tomato plants' N and P nutrient uptake on saline soils. In addition, this treatment also had a positive effect on plant growth, as seen from the increase in plant height, number of leaves, and number of flowers. Cherry tomato fruit production also experienced a significant increase due to the application of vermicompost, BSF compost, and a combination of vermicompost and BSF compost.