Growth response of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) seedlings to the application of lamtoro, calliandra, and sengon leaf compost fertilizers

Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: trirana_sarah@apps.ipb.ac.id

Abstract

The patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) is a natural source of essential oil. It can grow in shaded areas, making it suitable for cultivation in agroforestry systems. Trees such as lamtoro, calliandra, and sengon can serve as components in patchouli-based agroforestry. This research was conducted to assess the impact of compost fertilizers made from three types of leaf litter and to identify which treatment most effectively supported the growth of patchouli seedlings. This study utilized a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with compost fertilizer as the sole experimental factor, which included four treatment variations. A total of 20 experimental units were obtained by applying five replications for each treatment. The results showed that compost fertilizer had no significant effect on the height of patchouli plants. However, it significantly affected stem diameter, number of leaf blades, number of secondary leaf branches, and both the fresh and dry biomass of the crown and root system. Among all treatments, lamtoro leaf compost yielded the most favorable effect on patchouli seedling growth.