The effectiveness of nano fertilizer from empty oil palm bunches on the growth of shallots

Abstract

Shallots are a strategic horticultural commodity with high economic value that requires an efficient and sustainable fertilization system to maintain production stability. The utilization of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) as a nano-based organic fertilizer has the potential to enhance nutrient absorption efficiency and promote sustainable plant growth. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OPEFB nano fertilizer doses on the growth of ten shallot varieties, namely Bima Brebes, Crok Kuning, Srikayang, Katumi, Kramat 1, Tajuk, Ambassador 4, Maja Cipanas, Violetta 3 Agrohorti, and Bauji. The experiment was conducted at the screenhouse of Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 60 treatment combinations. The parameters observed included plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, and specific leaf area. The results showed that the application of 104 kg ha⁻¹ of nano fertilizer EFB produced the best growth response, indicated by a plant height of 33.80 cm, a leaf number of 20.23 strands, and a stem diameter of 22.32 mm compared to other treatments. The 104 kg ha⁻¹ nano fertilizer effectively increased the growth of shallots and has the potential to be an environmentally friendly fertilizer alternative to support sustainable shallot productivity.