Replacement of Fertilizers with Latex Sludge for Oil Palm Seedlings at Pre-Nursery Stage

Abstract

Replacement of fertilizer with latex sludge as nutrient sources for oil palm seedlings (3 months) was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of control, chemical fertilizer, and latex sludge 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 grams per kilogram soil. The result showed that applying with latex sludge 10 and 30 grams per kilogram soil increased plant nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and magnesium significantly (p <≤ 0.05). While the growth of pre-nursery oil palm including number of leaves, leaf width and length, stem girth, and height, are the same as applied with chemical fertilizer. But, using latex sludge over 30 grams per kilogram soil have an effect on oil palm seedlings by reducing growth. So, in conclusion, Latex sludge at the rate of 10-30 grams per kilograms soil can be replaced fertilizers as nutrient sources for pre-nursery oil palm seedlings