EFFECT OF SEEDLING SIZE AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH OF KELOR (Moringa oleifera)

Abstrak

Seedling size is a reflection of the quality of plant material that will produce good productivity if the
nutrients requirement for growth is met through fertilization. This study aimed to determine the effect
of seedling size and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of Moringa oleifera. The study used a completely
randomized design with a 3x3 factorial pattern with 3 replications. The first factor was seedling size (small,
medium and large) and the second factor was inorganic fertilizers (N; N and P; as well as N, P and K).
Seedling size improved plant height at the second harvest and the number of shoots at the first harvest
was affected by seedling size and the application of inorganic fertilizers to Moringa oleifera. Meanwhile,
there’s no interaction between seedling size and inorganic fertilizers on all variables observed. It was concluded
that medium and large seedling size and fertilization with a combination of more than one nutrient (combination
of N, P and N, P, K) resulted the best growth of Moringaoleifera.

Key words: Moringa oleifera, nitrogen, fosfor, kalium, seedling size