The effectiveness of the interval of liquid organic fertilizer application of goat urine and different planting media on the growth and yield of goat asiatica (Centella asiatica L.)

¹ Agricultural Production Department, Politeknik Negeri Jember
² Agricultural Technology Department, Politeknik Negeri Jember

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The medicinal plant Centella asiatica L. (gotu kola) is widely known for its benefits and high economic potential with demand for simplicia reaching 126 tons/year, so efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation innovations are needed. Optimal production of this plant requires the availability of balanced nutrients and a growing medium that supports growth. This study aims to analyze the effect of the frequency of application of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) of goat urine along with a combination of growing media on the growth and productivity of gotu kola. The study was conducted at the Green House of the Plant Laboratory of Jember State Polytechnic. The design used was a two-factor factorial RAL, namely (1) a combination of growing media (soil: rice husk charcoal: cow manure) with a ratio of 1:1:1, 1:2:1, and 1:1:2, and (2) the interval of goat urine LOF application with treatments every 4, 7, and 14 days. Each treatment was repeated three times. Based on the analysis of variance, the two treatment factors separately did not show a significant effect on all growth parameters or yield of pegagan plants, but the interaction of the two significantly affected the number of leaves in the 8th week with the best treatment P0I1 (1:1:1, interval of 4 days) producing an average of 6.92 leaves. The conclusion of this study is that the use of a combination of 1:1:1 media with a LOF interval of 4 days can increase leaf growth, although in general there is no significant difference in other parameters. The implications of this study indicate the need for an assessment of the appropriate LOF concentration to maximize the growth and production of sustainable pegagan.