The application of fertilizers on calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) seedlings from several populations in West Java

Abstract

Nutrient input on calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meiss.) seedlings is a necessity to increase productivity. The study has been carried out to evaluate the growth of calliandra seedlings from several populations in West Java after being treated with bio and chemical fertilizers. The treatment used 2 (two) types of biofertilizers, i.e., Rhizomax and PGPR, and chemical fertilizer from Cabriotop, as well as aqua dest as a control. Calliandra seeds were collected from 3 (three) populations of West Jawa, i.e., Sukabumi, Garut, and Cianjur. The findings showed a positive response to seedling growth after fertilization, either with bio or chemical fertilizer. Biofertilizer was more responsive than chemical in the variables of leaf number, stem segment number, shoot dry weight, diameter, and root dry weight. Seedlings from Garut mainly showed the best growth compared to the Sukabumi and Cianjur seedlings.