Peat–Sand Media Enrichment with Organic Fertilizers for Swamp Jelutung Seedling Growth

Abstract

The propagation of jelutung rawa (Dyera lowii) seedlings currently relies on generative techniques using seeds, while vegetative methods such as cuttings and tissue culture have not yet been developed. The use of high-quality seedlings is crucial to achieving high productivity, and organic fertilization represents an important factor in seedling establishment. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and five replications, yielding a total of 25 experimental units. The treatments consisted of: control (peat + sand), compost, poultry manure, cattle manure, and goat manure. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% significance level. The results demonstrated that organic fertilization significantly affected leaf number, leaf area, and leaf dry weight, while no significant effect was observed on stem height and stem diameter. Compost treatment produced the most favorable outcomes, with an average of 10.2 leaves, a leaf area of 42.84 cm², and a leaf dry weight of 0.133 g, accompanied by dark green leaf coloration. Goat manure also showed strong performance, yielding an average of 8.8 leaves, a leaf area of 30.16 cm², and a leaf dry weight of 0.0936 g, with leaves ranging from sea green to dark green. In contrast, the control and cattle manure treatments resulted in lower leaf area and dry weight values. Overall, compost and goat manure were identified as the most effective organic fertilizers for enhancing early growth and physiological vigor of swamp jelutung seedlings. These findings highlight the potential of organic soil amendments to improve seedling quality and support the development of sustainable silvicultural practices for this valuable tropical species.