Use of mixed planting media

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 117 views

Response to the Growth of Cocoa Seeds (Theobroma Cacao L.) to the Mixing of Planting Media and Administration of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer

Introduction

Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao L.) is one of the main commodities in Indonesia that makes a significant contribution to the country's economy as the third largest foreign exchange earner after oil palm and rubber. In an effort to increase the growth of cocoa seeds, this study was conducted to study the response of cocoa seeds to mixing various planting media and the administration of nitrogen fertilizer (N) and phosphorus (P). The study took place on the land of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, with a height of ± 32 meters above sea level, from August to November 2018.

Background of the Study

Cocoa is a tropical crop that requires specific conditions to grow. The growth of cocoa seeds is influenced by various factors, including the composition of planting media and the administration of fertilizers. Planting media is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials that provide nutrients and support the growth of plants. Fertilizers, on the other hand, provide essential nutrients that promote plant growth. The administration of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers is a common practice in cocoa cultivation, but the optimal dosage and timing of application are still unclear.

Methodology

In this study, factorial random group (rack) was used with two factors. The first factor is the composition of planting media consisting of:

Top soil 100%: This is a control treatment where the seeds are planted in pure top soil.
Mixture of top soil, oil palm empty bunches (TKKS), solid decanters, and fiber with a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1: This treatment combines organic and inorganic materials to create a balanced planting media.
Mixture of top soil and sugarcane 1: 1: This treatment combines top soil with sugarcane to create a planting media rich in organic matter.
Mixture of top soil and cow manure 1: 1: This treatment combines top soil with cow manure to create a planting media rich in nutrients.

The second factor is the fertilization rates of N and P given, namely:

0: This is a control treatment where no fertilizers are applied.
1 N + 2g P: This treatment applies a low dose of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
2 N + 4g P: This treatment applies a moderate dose of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
3 N + 6g P: This treatment applies a high dose of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.

Research and Analysis Results

The results showed that the mixing of the proper planting media could significantly increase the growth of cocoa seeds, seen from parameters such as seeds, the number of leaves, stem diameter, wet and dry weight, and wet and dry weight of the canopy.

One of the interesting findings is a mixture of top soil planting media: TKKS: Solid Decanter: Fiber with fertilizing 3 N + 6G P gives the highest number of leaves. On the other hand, the planting media consisting of top soil and sugar cane requires 2 N + 4G P fertilization to achieve optimal results. This shows that the selection of planting media and the right dose of fertilizer is very influential on the success of seed growth.

However, interestingly, the administration of N and P fertilizer in some treatments did not show a significant response to the growth of cocoa seeds. In the treatment of planting media using top soil and cow manure, seeds do not even require additional fertilization of nitrogen and phosphorus. This indicates that the quality of planting media can play a more dominant role in the growth of seeds compared to additional fertilizer.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the selection of proper planting media composition is very important in supporting the growth of cocoa seeds. Mixed planting media consisting of organic and inorganic materials proved to be able to significantly increase seed growth. Meanwhile, the administration of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer does not always have a positive impact on the growth of seeds, especially if the planting media is of high quality. This emphasizes the importance of strategies in managing cocoa agriculture to maximize results without depending entirely on chemical fertilizers. Further research is still needed to explore further various combinations of planting media and fertilizer in supporting cocoa growth on a sustainable manner.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use of mixed planting media: The use of mixed planting media consisting of organic and inorganic materials is recommended to increase the growth of cocoa seeds.
Optimization of fertilizer application: The application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers should be optimized to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to negative impacts on the environment.
Selection of high-quality planting media: The selection of high-quality planting media is crucial in supporting the growth of cocoa seeds. Planting media rich in organic matter and nutrients can promote healthy seed growth.
Further research: Further research is needed to explore further various combinations of planting media and fertilizer in supporting cocoa growth on a sustainable manner.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited scope: The study was conducted on a limited scope, and further research is needed to explore the effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth in different environments.
Limited number of treatments: The study only examined a limited number of treatments, and further research is needed to explore the effects of different combinations of planting media and fertilizer.
Limited duration: The study was conducted over a limited duration, and further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth.

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth. Future directions for research include:

Exploration of different combinations of planting media and fertilizer: Further research is needed to explore the effects of different combinations of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth.
Long-term effects of planting media and fertilizer: Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth.
Effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa yield: Further research is needed to explore the effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa yield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Response of Cocoa Seeds to the Mixing of Planting Media and Administration of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer

Q: What is the importance of selecting the right planting media for cocoa seeds?

A: The selection of the right planting media is crucial in supporting the growth of cocoa seeds. Mixed planting media consisting of organic and inorganic materials can promote healthy seed growth and increase the yield of cocoa.

Q: What are the benefits of using mixed planting media for cocoa seeds?

A: The use of mixed planting media can increase the growth of cocoa seeds, improve the quality of the seeds, and increase the yield of cocoa. Mixed planting media can also reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and promote sustainable agriculture.

Q: What are the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on cocoa seeds?

A: The administration of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers can have both positive and negative effects on cocoa seeds. While fertilizers can promote healthy seed growth, over-fertilization can lead to negative impacts on the environment and reduce the quality of the seeds.

Q: How can I optimize the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers for cocoa seeds?

A: To optimize the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer that provides the right amount of nutrients for the seeds. It is also important to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to negative impacts on the environment and reduce the quality of the seeds.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a limited scope, limited number of treatments, and limited duration. Further research is needed to explore the effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth in different environments and over a longer period.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth?

A: Future directions for research include exploring different combinations of planting media and fertilizer, examining the long-term effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa growth, and investigating the effects of planting media and fertilizer on cocoa yield.

Q: How can I apply the findings of this study to my own cocoa farm?

A: To apply the findings of this study to your own cocoa farm, it is recommended to use mixed planting media consisting of organic and inorganic materials, optimize the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, and avoid over-fertilization. It is also important to monitor the growth of your cocoa seeds and adjust your farming practices accordingly.

Q: What are the implications of this study for sustainable agriculture?

A: This study has implications for sustainable agriculture, as it highlights the importance of using mixed planting media and optimizing the application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to promote healthy seed growth and increase the yield of cocoa. Sustainable agriculture practices can help reduce the environmental impacts of cocoa farming and promote the long-term health of cocoa crops.

Q: How can I get more information about this study and its findings?

A: To get more information about this study and its findings, you can contact the researchers involved in the study or access the study's publication through a reputable academic database.