PENGARUH PEMBERIAN PUPUK NPK DAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIRTERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN SEMANGKA(CITRULLUS VULGARIS L).

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of compound NPK fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer (Landaltonic) on the growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris L.), as well as to examine the interaction between both fertilizers. The research was conducted in Boroko Village, Kaidipang District, North Bolaang Mongondow Regency, from August to October 2016. The experiment used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was NPK compound fertilizer (0, 100, and 150 kg/ha), and the second factor was liquid organic fertilizer (0, 10 ml/L, and 25 ml/L of water). Observed variables included vine length at 20 and 35 days after planting (DAP) and fruit weight at harvest. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% level. The results showed that NPK fertilizer alone did not significantly affect growth and yield. Liquid organic fertilizer significantly affected vine length at 35 DAP and fruit weight. No significant interaction was found between NPK and liquid organic fertilizer on yield, although interaction appeared at the growth phase. The application of liquid organic fertilizer improved plant growth and increased watermelon production