Volume 6, Issue 10, October – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Administration of Azolla Compost Fertilizer on the
Growth of Cocoa Seeds (Theobroma cacao L) with
Different Dosages
Yuanita , Daryono dan Haryatie Sarie
Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Samarinda
Kampus Gunung Panjang Jl. Samratulangi Samarinda 75131
Abstract:- Azolla compost is an organic fertilizer that
contains very high nitrogen (N) elements. Azolla compost
can be used as a substitute for urea fertilizer which has the
same ability to improve soil structure to become loose, add
nutrients and can increase the growth of cocoa seedlings.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of
applying Azolla compost on the growth of cocoa seedlings
and to determine the appropriate dose of Azolla compost
to increase the growth of cocoa seedlings. The research
was carried out at the Agronomy Laboratory of the
Plantation Cultivation Study Program at the Samarinda
State Agricultural Polytechnic for 4 months using a simple
Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 levels of
treatment and 10 replications, namely no treatment (K0),
100 g of azolla compost/polybag (K1). , 200 g of azolla
compost/polybag (K2) and 300 g of azolla compost/polybag
(K3). The results of the study of giving Azolla compost to
the growth of cocoa seedlings with different doses can be
concluded that all parameters observed at the age of 4, 8
and 12 WAP had the best growth and significantly
different was in the K3 treatment with a dose of
200g/polybag, than the K0 treatment, K1 and K2. The
most appropriate dose for the growth of cacao seedlings is
200g/polybag
Keywords:- Compost, Azolla, Cocoa Seeds.
I. INTRODUCTION
Compost is the result of fermentation or decomposition
of organic matter such as plants, animals or organic waste.
Naturally, compost can be interpreted as soil particles that are
negatively charged so that they can be coagulated by cations
and soil particles to form soil granules. Compost can be made
from very young materials found around our environment,
such as household waste, leaves, straw, reeds, grass, corn
husks and animal waste (Djuarnani, et al 2008).
Azolla plants can be used as organic materials that can
be petrified in improving the physical, chemical, and
biological conditions of the soil, so that it is beneficial for
plant growth, especially in rice plants (Hadi, 2010).
IJISRT21OCT517 www.ijisrt.com
Azolla compost is an organic fertilizer that can save on
the use of inorganic fertilizers and helps in improving the
physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil so that
it is very beneficial for plant growth (Kustiono et al., 2012).
Azolla compost is a fertilizer that comes from good organic
matter, because it contains higher nutrients than other organic
fertilizers, so its use is less, and this fertilizer is not
contaminated with heavy metals that harm plants, is not
contaminated with plant-destroying organisms/bacteria, and is
not contaminated with plants. harmful to humans (Ronal
2008).
The cocoa plant is a plant in the form of a tree
originating from South America and produces fruit with the
main product being seeds which are used for various industrial
and other fields. Cocoa plants as plantation crops, in general
cocoa plants are grouped into three types, namely Forestero,
Criolo da Trinitario. This plant can be propagated by
generative or vegetative means, generally lindak cocoa (which
is resistant to pests and diseases) with seeds from selected
parent clones. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) is a prima donna
plantation commodity, this is illustrated by the large number
of requests for quality cocoa seeds from farmers in order to
obtain optimal production (Yuanita, 2018). Cocoa cultivation
is largely determined by the availability of good seeds to
ensure the availability of quality seeds. (Indonesian Coffee
and Cocoa Research Center, 2004).
Seeds are plant material derived from seeds that have
been sown and have germinated for the next process of plant
growth and development. Characteristics of the seeds are
already growing roots, leaves and stems.
Efforts that can be made to increase cocoa productivity
are to pay attention to the cultivation aspect of the cocoa plant
which starts from the nursery. The planting media factor in
nurseries is very important because it also affects the success
of the nursery. Good seed growth will support vegetative
growth and generative in cocoa plants. Good cocoa seeds are
able to produce healthy plants, not easily attacked by disease
and more responsive to fertilization so as to produce quality
cocoa seeds, one of which is by applying the right fertilizer
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Volume 6, Issue 10, October – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
(Balutan et al, 2016). Fertilization is one of the efforts to
maintain cocoa plants in nurseries with the aim of improving
soil fertility Factors that affect cacao seedling are water,
sunlight, nutrients, temperature and humidity.
Seedling growth is divided into leaf, stem and root
growth. Leaf growth and stem expansion determine leaf
surface area and crown structure which are very important in
connection with the photosynthesis process. While the
expansion of roots determines the number and distribution of
roots that will function as organs for absorbing mineral
nutrients (Rahayu 2014).
Therefore, this study uses Azolla compost as a growing
medium for the growth of cocoa seedlings to add nutrients to
plants so that the seeds can grow well and produce healthy
plants that are resistant to pests and diseases. This study aims
to determine the effect of applying Azolla compost on the
growth of cocoa seedlings and to determine the appropriate
dose of Azolla compost to increase the growth of cocoa
seedlings.
II. RESEARCH METHODS
A. Time and Place
1. Research Time This research was carried out for 4 months,
from September to December 2019
2. Research Place This research was carried out at the
Samarinda State Agricultural Polytechnic Pilot Garden.
B. Tools and Materials
The tools used are a meter, micro caliper, hoe, gembor,
bucket, hand sprayer, sieve, cater knife and stationery. The
materials used in this study were Ferestero or lindak cocoa
seeds aged 1 month, polybags, top soil, Dithane M-45 and
water.
C. Research Design
This research was arranged in a completely randomized
design (CRD) with treatment with azolla compost with 4
levels and 10 replications. Treatment consists of :
1. KO = Control / without treatment
2. K1 = Azolla compost 100 g/polybag
3. K2 = Azolla compost 200 g/polybag
4. K4 = Azolla compost 300 g/polybag
D. Research Procedure
1. Preparation of planting media
The soil used is topsoil or topsoil. The soil is cleaned of
roots, weeds. after that it was crushed with a hoe and sieved.
The sifted soil is put into polybags with a height of 25 cm and
a diameter of 30 cm, each polybag is filled with 3 kg of soil
media.
IJISRT21OCT517 www.ijisrt.com
ISSN No:-2456-2165
2. Treatment of growing media
Azolla compost treatment was first carried out by mixing
evenly between the soil according to the specified dose, after
being mixed it was put into a polybag and left for 1 week, so
that the treatment given could be mixed and reacted with the
soil media.
3. Planting.
Before planting, first make a planting hole in the
prepared polybag growing media. Planting was done very
carefully by tearing the polybag with a kater knife before
being transferred to the growing media. To prevent cacao
seedlings from collapsing, the media near the base of the stem
is compacted by hand. After that, the initial measurements of
the plant were carried out, measuring plant height, number of
leaves and stem diameter.
4. Maintenance.
Watering is done twice a day, namely in the morning and
evening or adjusted to the condition of the soil in the polybag.
Embroidery is done if there are seeds that die, that is, one
week after planting. Pest and disease control is carried out if
the plant looks eaten and shows symptoms of illness.
E. Data Processing
1. Increase in plant height (cm)
Plant height was measured from the base of the stem 1
cm above the soil surface marked with a permanent marker to
the point of growth of the highest shoot tip using a meter.
Plant measurements were carried out at the beginning of
planting, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP).
2. Increase in rod diameter (mm)
The diameter of the cacao seedling stem was measured at
the base of the stem 1 cm above the soil surface which was
marked with a permanent marker using a micro caliper.
Measurement of stem diameter was carried out at the
beginning of planting, at 4.8 and 12 WAP.
3. Increase in the number of leaves (strands)
The number of leaves observed were leaves that had
fully opened, counted at the beginning of planting, ages 4, 8
and 12 WAP.
F. Data Analysis
The data obtained were analyzed using variance, if there
was a significant difference in the treatment, then proceed
with the smallest significant difference test (BNT) at the 5%
level.
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Volume 6, Issue 10, October – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION showed that the height of the plants at the age of 4, 8 and 12
WAP was significantly different.
1. Increase in plant height of cacao seedlings aged 4, 8 and
12 WAP Table 2. The Effect of Azolla Compost Fertilizer on Average
Observation of the increase in plant height at the age of Stem Diameter Increase at Age 4, 8 and 12 WAP
4.8 and 12 WAP can be seen in table 1. The results of the Average (cm)
variance of Azolla compost treatment showed that plant height Treatment 4 WAP 8 WAP 12 WAP
at the age of 4 WAP was not significantly different, but K0 0.252a 0.74a 2.82a
significantly different at the age of 8 and 12 WAP. K1 0.252a 1.55b 3.42b
K2 0.415b 1.68b 3.52ba
Table 1. Effect of Azolla Compost Fertilizer on Average Plant K3 0.576c 2.27c 3.92c
Height Gain at 4, 8 and 12 WAP BNT 5% 0.069 0.190 0,217
Average (cm)
Treatment 4 WAP 8 WAP 12 WAP Effect of Azolla Compost Fertilizer on the average
K0 2.38 4.67ab 7.09a increase in stem diameter at the ages of 4, 8 and 12 WAP,
K1 2.63 5,86a 7.80ab showed that with the application of Azolla compost in the K3
K2 2.75 5.55ab 8.27ab treatment the increase in stem diameter was the highest
K3 3.00 5,86a 8.42ab compared to the K2, K1 and K0 treatments. It is suspected that
BNT 5% - 0.657 0,741 in the K3 treatment the presence of sufficient N, P and K
elements, the cocoa seedling growth process will be good,
In the parameter of plant height increase at the age of 4, especially in increasing stem diameter. According to Harjono
8 and 12 WAP, it showed that the increase continued to (2000), in general, macro elements (N, P and K) and micro
increase along with the age of the plant. It can be seen from nutrients are very important for the formation and growth of
the application of Azolla compost which resulted in the vegetative parts of plants such as stems, leaves and roots that
highest average plant height at the age of 4, 8 and 12 WAP in cause the process of cell division, cell elongation and the first
the K3 treatment, namely 3.00 cm, 5.86 cm and 8.42 cm. This stage. tissue-forming cell differentiation. With the addition of
is presumably because the needs of the elements needed by nutrients, it will produce a large amount of chlorophyll
cacao seed plants can be fulfilled by the gradual application of thereby increasing the results of photosynthesis, where the
azolla compost where at the beginning of plant growth it has carbohydrates produced from the photosynthesis process are
not shown significant numbers but at the age of 8 and 12 WAP used for cell division, enlargement and elongation of all plant
the numbers showed significantly different figures. In parts such as stems, so that the stem diameter increases. The
accordance with the opinion of Anna (1997), the availability process of cell division in the cambium and meristic cells
of nutrients in sufficient quantities can stimulate plant growth continues to divide and form new cells. These cells will
and plants can absorb nutrients in the soil. increase the diameter of the plant stem

According to Sutejo (2001), that in general, nutrients in 3. Increase in the number of plant leaves at the age of 4, 8
sufficient and available quantities can stimulate the formation and 12 WAP
or growth of plants, especially plant height and plants can Observations on the increase in plant stem diameter at
absorb nutrients in the soil. With the application of Azolla the age of 4.8 and 12 WAP can be seen in table 3. The results
compost in the K4 treatment, it was sufficient to increase the of the variance of the Azolla compost treatment showed that
nutrient content in the planting medium. As stated Lakitan the increase in the number of leaves at week 4 and 12 WAP
(2002) . that during the period of vegetative growth of plants, was not significantly different, but significantly different at the
the increase in plant weight or size was slow at first but then age of 8 WAP.
took place quickly because it was able to provide the nutrients
needed by plants. According to Sutejo (2002), fertilizer Table 3. The Effect of Azolla Compost Fertilizer on the
application requires knowledge of more appropriate dosages in Average Increase in the Number of Leaves at the Age of 4, 8
accordance with the needs of nutrients needed for plants, so and 12 WAP
that both plant growth and fertilizer application will be Average (cm)
beneficial. Treatment 4 MST 8 MST 12 MST
K0 3.90 7.30a 10.20
2. Increase in stem diameter of cacao seedlings aged 4, 8 K1 4.40 9.8b 11.00
and 12 WAP K2 4.30 10.20b 11.60
Observation of the increase in the diameter of the stems K3 3.70 10.80b 12.20
of plants at the age of 4.8 and 12 WAP can be seen in table 2. BNT 5% - 0.832 -
The results of the variance of Azolla compost treatment

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Volume 6, Issue 10, October – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
Effect of Azolla Compost Fertilizer on the average
number of leaves at the age of 4, 8 and 12 WAP, showed that
with the application of Azolla compost in the K3 treatment,
the increase in the number of leaves was the highest compared
to the K2, K1 and K0 treatments. This is presumably due to
K3 treatment because Azolla compost is able to provide good
availability of nutrients, especially N, P and K elements which
can increase the number of leaves, stem diameter and plant
height. The elements N, P and K are essential nutrients needed
for plants, especially in the element N which is needed for
vegetative growth, especially in increasing the number of
leaves.
In accordance with the opinion of Lakitan (2002), that
element N is one of the constituent elements of chlorophyll,
amino acids, proteins and enzymes. The increase in the
number of leaves is influenced by the environment, one of
which is the availability of nutrients, the optimal availability
of nutrients will affect the number of leaves formed.
According to Lakitan (2007), environmental factors that affect
leaf growth and development include light intensity,
temperature, water availability and nutrients.
IV. CONCLUSION
The results of the study of giving azolla compost to the
growth of cocoa seedlings with different doses can be
concluded that all parameters observed at ages 4, 8 and 12
WAP had the best growth and significantly different was in
the K3 treatment with a dose of 200g/polybag, than the K0
treatment. . K1 and K2. The most appropriate dose for the
growth of cacao seedlings is 200g/polybag, because it can give
the best effect on the growth of cacao seedlings
ISSN No:-2456-2165
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