EFFECT OF AMELIORANT MATERIAL APPLICATION ON LEAF NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) SEEDINGS IN PEAT PLANTING MEDIA IN THE MAIN NURSERY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain a combination of types and doses of ameliorant materials including dolomite, rock phosphate, and mineral soils used on nutrient uptake of leaves of oil palm seedlings on peat planting media in the main nursery. The study was conducted for one year (May 2015 to April 2016) in the experimental garden in the Sijambi village, Tanjung Balai city, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The study used a non-factorial randomized  block design consisting of three treatments, each treatment had three different doses, including: dolomite (A1 = 0.45 kg polybag^-1; A2 = 0.90 kg polybag^-1; A3 = 1.35 kg polybag^-1), rock phosphate (A4 = 0.45 kg polybag^-1; A5 = 0.90 kg polybag^-1; A6 = 1.35 kg polybag^-1), and mineral soil (A7 = 0.45 kg polybag^-1; A8 = 0.90 kg polybag^-1; A9 = 1.35 kg polybag^-1). The results showed that mineral soil dose of 1.35 kg polybag^-1 (A9) in oil palm seedlings aged 16 months after planting (MAP) could increase the N, K, and Mg nutrient uptake of leaves. The highest P content of oil palm seedlings was found in dolomite treatment with a dose of 1.35 kg polybag^-1 (A3) which was 0.51% P. The P content in the leaves is in excessive condition in supporting plant growth, while other treatments are in optimal condition. The highest Ca nutrient uptake of leaves of oil palm seedlings were found in the treatment of dolomite and rock phosphate dose of 1.35 kg polybag^-1 (A3 and A6), which was 0.30% Ca.