Performance of Compost from Waterthyme (Hydrilla verticillata) in Bok Choy Growth (Brassica chinensis)

Abstract

Waterthyme (Hydrilla verticillata) has a rapid growth rate in freshwater, especially rivers and irrigation channels, hence it becomes a disturbing factor and needs periodic cleaning.Dry H. verticillata contains nitrogen of 3.29%, phosphorus of 0.52%, and potassium of 6.34%.The utilization of H. verticillata as compost has great potential, but there has not been found intensive research on the subject.This study aimed to examine the ability of H. verticillata as an alternative raw material for compost fertilizer in the bok choygrowth.This study used a Randomized Complete Block design (RCB) with a single factor by analyzing the data using ANOVA and continued with further tests u sing Least Significant Different (LSD).P0 (control) was 100% soil, P1100% cow manure, P2 100% waterthyme, and P3 50% waterthyme + 50% cow manure.Bok Choy have optimal growth (88 g plant mass, 5g root mass) in compost applications with a composition of 100% waterthyme (H. verticillata) with a moisture content of 21.24%, pH 8.50, C 9.09%, C/N ratio 4.07, N 2.25%, P 1.38%, K 1.38%, and organic matter 15.67%.