Combined application of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob liquid organic fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer enhances peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield and forage quality
Abstract
The Batang Kuranji Watershed (202.7 km²), comprising five sub-watersheds, generally has low soil fertility, indicating theneed for improved soil and nutrient management to enhance agricultural productivity. Peanuts are well suited to theseconditions because they can meet much of their nitrogen requirement through biological fixation. This study aimed toevaluate the effects of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and phosphatefertilizer on peanut growth, yield, and forage quality in slightly acidic soil, while also identifying key yield-determiningvariables. The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors:LOF concentrations (0, 25, and 50 mL L-¹) and SP36 phosphate fertilizer doses (0, 100, and 200 kg ha-¹), each replicatedthree times. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (Univariate) followed by LSD tests at a 5% significance level. Multipleregression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between agronomic variables and yield. Results showedthat LOF and phosphate application did not significantly alter soil pH, which remained within the optimal range for peanutcultivation. However, LOF - either alone or combined with phosphate - significantly improved root nodulation, pod formation,nitrogen uptake, and crude protein content in straw. The highest yield and forage quality were achieved with 25 mL L-¹LOF applied biweekly from two weeks after planting until flowering, alongside 100 kg ha-¹ phosphate fertilizer. Nitrogenuptake positively influenced yield, while a higher shoot-to-root ratio (SRR) had a negative effect. This integrated nutrientapproach offers dual benefits for peanut production and forage quality improvement.
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