Effect of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) Derived from Azolla pinnata on the Growth and Productivity of Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.)

Marni Putri Gea; Putra Hidayat Telaumbanua; Dian Agung Sanora Laia; Natalia Kristiani Lase

doi:10.59651/cceria.v20i4.479

Authors

Marni Putri Gea Universitas Nias, Indonesia
Putra Hidayat Telaumbanua Universitas Nias, Indonesia
Dian Agung Sanora Laia Universitas Nias, Indonesia
Natalia Kristiani Lase Universitas Nias, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59651/cceria.v20i4.479

Keywords:

Azolla pinnata, Growth, Liquid Organic Fertilizer, Productivity, Red Spinach

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of applying liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from Azolla pinnata on the growth and productivity of red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.), as well as to determine the most effective application rate. The study was motivated by the high reliance on inorganic fertilizers, which have the potential to degrade soil quality; therefore, an environmentally friendly organic fertilizer alternative capable of providing nutrients particularly nitrogen is needed. The study employed a quantitative experimental method using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of four treatments: P0 (control), P1 (100 mL/L), P2 (150 mL/L), and P3 (200 mL/L), with three replicates, resulting in 12 experimental units. The observed parameters included plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, root length, and fresh plant weight. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Honest Significant Differences (HSD) test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that the application of Azolla pinnata based LOF had a significant effect on all growth and productivity parameters of red spinach plants, Treatment P3 (200 mL/L) yielded the best results, with an average plant height of 34.60 cm, 24.29 leaves, a leaf area of 48.96 cm, a root length of 12.63 cm, and a fresh weight of 30.60 g. Thus, the application of Azolla pinnata based LOF at a dose of 200 mL/L was the best treatment among those tested for enhancing the vegetative growth and productivity of red spinach.

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