Utilizing Melastoma Compost (Melastoma malabatrichum L.) as a Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizers in Shallot Cultivation

Aims: This study explores the potential of Melastoma compost (Melastoma malabatrichum L.) as a sustainable alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) cultivation.

Study Design: This study was conducted from July to October 2024 at the Green House of the Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Bengkulu University, Indonesia, at an altitude of 10 meters above sea level.

Methodology: The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments, each treatment was repeated 4 times. The treatments were: P0: No fertilizer; P1: 0% Melastoma compost (100% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P2: 25% Compost (75% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P3: 50% Compost (50% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P4: 75% Compost (25% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P5: 100% Compost (0% N, 100% P, and 100% K).

Results: The results indicated that plants receiving Melastoma compost exhibited improved growth characteristics, including greater plant height, greener leaves, and enhanced root dry weight. Additionally, yields were higher for plants treated with organic compost than those using synthetic fertilizers or without fertilization (control treatment). Soil analysis revealed increased nitrogen content and improved physical properties in Melastoma compost treatments. Melastoma compost significantly improved shallot growth and yield. Whether used alone or combined with synthetic fertilizers, Melastoma compost outperformed synthetic fertilizers applied without compost, which showed similar crop yield to control treatment. Melastoma compost can effectively replace or complement synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in shallot cultivation.

Conclusion: The study's findings indicated that Melastoma compost positively impacted both the growth and yield of shallots. Using compost, either by itself or combined with synthetic fertilizers, enhanced the growth and yield of shallots. Shallots that received only synthetic fertilizer, without adding Melastoma compost, exhibited growth and yield similar to those not fertilized plants (control treatment). Melastoma compost can be applied independently, without synthetic fertilizer, or in conjunction with synthetic fertilizers for growing shallots. Therefore, Melastoma compost can serve as a substitute for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in shallot cultivation.