Determination of optimum levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of oil palm seedlings in solution culture

Abstract

Balanced nutrient elements in fertilizer play a critical role in oil palm seedling successful growth and development, and at the same time reduces of fertilizer losses in the environment. This study examines the effect of different levels of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O for oil palm seedlings in solution culture on growth traits, nutrient uptake in plant tissues and biomass accumulation under nursery conditions. Five concentration levels of N (50, 100, 300, 600 and 900 mg L ) were used in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications for each. Parameters measured during the growing period include -plant height, leaf number/plant, stem diameter, SPAD chlorophyll value, and at harvest -total leaf area, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry weight. Different levels of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O showed significant effects on all the parameters studied. The highest values for diameter, plant height, leaf number/plant, total leaf area, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry biomass were obtained using 100, 90 and 300 mg/L levels of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O, respectively. Most of the growth parameters, declined with lower levels of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O. The results of this study provide a new knowledge to produce oil palm plant with better nutrient management at the nursery under solution culture.

Barely Plants Response to Nitrogen and Boron Applications Under Water Culture Technique

“…For roots, at all levels of N and B, K concentration and uptake were increased (Table 5). In this respect, Mohidin et al(2015) obtained similar results.…”

Soil Mounding Practices Towards Yield Performances of Oil Palm on Peat Soil

“…The function of N is to increase the growth rate and fruiting rate of the oil palm [8] and also act as carbohydrate supplier [9]. Even the amount of N is high in peat area, but the pH of that soil is very low around 2.8-4.5 which are acidic [9] and not suitable for oil palm production. The N that present in the organic soil is mostly in organic form and very high in the shallow peat soil.…”

“…The function of Potassium (K) is to help to maintain the osmotic balance, photosynthesis process and also the phloem transport system [9]. Fig.…”

“…The Nitrogen contents are high in the shallow peat soil [13]. The most crucial element that needs by the plant is Nitrogen; it will enhance the growth of the palm tree and act as carbohydrate supplier [9]. The second element that important in the plant is Phosphorus.…”

“…It will help to transfer the energy and storage. Next is Potassium and it will help to maintain the osmotic balance, photosynthesis process and also the phloem transport system [9]. The yield of oil palm is highly dependent on the nutrient content in the plant.…”