The Effect of Giving Azotobacter Chroococcum on the Growth of Two Palm Oil Varieties in Ultisol Soils in Pre Nursery

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 38 views

The Effect of Giving Azotobacter Chroococcum on the Growth of Two Palm Oil Varieties in Ultisol Soils in Pre Nursery

Introduction

In recent years, the cost of urea fertilizer production has continued to increase due to depletion of the availability of raw materials and the surge in the price of natural gas. This has led to a growing awareness of the need for more environmentally friendly fertilizers, such as biological and organic fertilizers. One type of biological fertilizer that has gained attention is Azotobacter Chroococcum, which is believed to make a positive contribution to plant growth. This article will discuss the effect of giving Azotobacter Chroococcum on the growth of two palm oil varieties planted in ultisol soil at the pre nursery stage.

Background

Palm oil is one of the most widely produced and consumed oils in the world, with Indonesia and Malaysia being the largest producers. However, the cultivation of palm oil is facing several challenges, including environmental problems and increasing production costs. Ultisol soils, which are common in tropical regions, are known to have low fertility characteristics, making it difficult to grow palm oil. The use of synthetic chemical fertilizers has been a common practice in palm oil cultivation, but it has several drawbacks, including environmental pollution and health risks.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the experimental land of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, with a height of +32 m above sea level, from May to August 2018. The research method used was a factorial random group (rack) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was a palm oil variety consisting of V1 (D x P that is) and V2 (D x P simalungun), while the second factor was the dose of Azotobacter Chroococcum per plant consisting of 0, 20, 40, and 60 ml per seed.

Results

The results showed that the application of Azotobacter Chroococcum had a significant effect on some parameters of oil palm plant growth. Giving this fertilizer increased the height of the plant, the wet weight of the canopy, and the dry weight of the canopy. However, there was no significant effect on the number of leaves, total leaves, root wet weight, and root dry weight. In addition, the effect of interaction between two palm oil varieties and the dose of Azotobacter Chroococcum on all observation parameters was also not significant.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that Azotobacter Chroococcum has the potential to be an alternative fertilizer in palm oil growth, especially in ultisol soils which are known to have low fertility characteristics. Good growth in plant height parameters and canopy weight can be an initial indicator that the use of biological fertilizers such as Azotobacter Chroococcum can improve plant health. This is important, given the challenges in the cultivation of palm oil today, including environmental problems and production costs that continue to increase.

Conclusion

From a broader perspective, the use of biological fertilizer not only contributes to plant growth, but also supports efforts to maintain environmental sustainability. By switching to environmentally friendly fertilizer, farmers can play an active role in reducing the negative impact of the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Therefore, further research and the application of biological fertilizers such as Azotobacter Chroococcum on other agricultural land are highly recommended to explore the potential and benefits of further.

Recommendations

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

Further research is needed to explore the potential and benefits of using Azotobacter Chroococcum as a fertilizer in palm oil cultivation.
The use of biological fertilizers such as Azotobacter Chroococcum should be promoted as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Farmers should be educated on the benefits and proper use of biological fertilizers to improve plant growth and reduce environmental pollution.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Investigating the effect of Azotobacter Chroococcum on other agricultural crops.
Exploring the potential of using Azotobacter Chroococcum as a biofertilizer in other regions with different soil types and climate conditions.
Developing new formulations and delivery systems for Azotobacter Chroococcum to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.

Limitations of the Study

This study had several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single location, which may not be representative of other regions.
The study only investigated the effect of Azotobacter Chroococcum on two palm oil varieties.
The study did not investigate the long-term effects of using Azotobacter Chroococcum as a fertilizer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that Azotobacter Chroococcum has the potential to be an alternative fertilizer in palm oil growth, especially in ultisol soils which are known to have low fertility characteristics. The use of biological fertilizers such as Azotobacter Chroococcum can improve plant health and reduce environmental pollution. Further research is needed to explore the potential and benefits of using Azotobacter Chroococcum as a fertilizer in palm oil cultivation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Azotobacter Chroococcum

Q: What is Azotobacter Chroococcum?

A: Azotobacter Chroococcum is a type of bacteria that is capable of fixing nitrogen from the air, making it available to plants. It is a biological fertilizer that can be used to improve plant growth and health.

Q: How does Azotobacter Chroococcum work?

A: Azotobacter Chroococcum works by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. This process is called nitrogen fixation. The bacteria also produce other beneficial compounds that can help to promote plant growth and health.

Q: What are the benefits of using Azotobacter Chroococcum?

A: The benefits of using Azotobacter Chroococcum include:

Improved plant growth and health
Increased crop yields
Reduced need for synthetic fertilizers
Improved soil fertility
Reduced environmental pollution

Q: Is Azotobacter Chroococcum safe to use?

A: Yes, Azotobacter Chroococcum is safe to use. It is a natural, non-toxic, and non-pathogenic bacteria that is commonly used as a biological fertilizer.

Q: How do I apply Azotobacter Chroococcum?

A: Azotobacter Chroococcum can be applied to plants in a variety of ways, including:

Direct application to the soil
Mixing with water and spraying on the plants
Incorporating into compost or other soil amendments

Q: Can I use Azotobacter Chroococcum on all types of plants?

A: Yes, Azotobacter Chroococcum can be used on a wide range of plants, including crops, trees, and ornamentals. However, it is always best to consult with a gardening expert or conduct further research to ensure that it is safe and effective for your specific plant.

Q: How long does it take to see results from using Azotobacter Chroococcum?

A: The time it takes to see results from using Azotobacter Chroococcum can vary depending on the specific plant, soil conditions, and application method. However, in general, you can expect to see improvements in plant growth and health within 1-3 weeks of application.

Q: Can I use Azotobacter Chroococcum in combination with other fertilizers?

A: Yes, Azotobacter Chroococcum can be used in combination with other fertilizers, including synthetic and organic fertilizers. However, it is always best to consult with a gardening expert or conduct further research to ensure that it is safe and effective for your specific plant.

Q: Is Azotobacter Chroococcum a substitute for synthetic fertilizers?

A: While Azotobacter Chroococcum can be used as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers in some cases, it is not a direct substitute. It is a biological fertilizer that works in a different way than synthetic fertilizers, and it may not provide the same level of immediate results. However, it can be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option in the long run.

Q: Where can I buy Azotobacter Chroococcum?

A: Azotobacter Chroococcum can be purchased from a variety of sources, including gardening stores, online retailers, and agricultural suppliers. It is also available in some countries as a commercial product.

Q: How do I store Azotobacter Chroococcum?

A: Azotobacter Chroococcum should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It is best to store it in a sealed container to prevent contamination and spoilage.

Q: Can I use Azotobacter Chroococcum on lawns and turf?

A: Yes, Azotobacter Chroococcum can be used on lawns and turf to improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth. However, it is always best to consult with a gardening expert or conduct further research to ensure that it is safe and effective for your specific lawn or turf.

Q: Can I use Azotobacter Chroococcum on indoor plants?

A: Yes, Azotobacter Chroococcum can be used on indoor plants to improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth. However, it is always best to consult with a gardening expert or conduct further research to ensure that it is safe and effective for your specific indoor plant.