Growth and yield responses of pak choi to application of water hyacinth-based compost and banana stem PGPR in alluvial soil

Abstract

Pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) is a very popular vegetable, but its productivity is still low in West Kalimantan’s alluvial soils because of low soil fertility. Plant productivity and soil quality may be improved by adding plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to water hyacinth-based compost and banana stems. This study aimed to evaluate the application of water hyacinth-based compost and banana-stem-originated PGPR on the growth and yield of pak choi in alluvial soil. The experiment was conducted in Pal IX, Kubu Raya, using a two-factor completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The first factor was compost level (0, 50, and 100 g per polybag), and the second factor was PGPR concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mL L^-1). Plant height, leaf number, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and root volume were evaluated. Results showed there was an interaction effect of treatments on plant height, while other variables were mainly influenced by compost. Application of water hyacinth-based compost significantly improved plant growth and chlorophyll content, indicating its potential to enhance pak choi performance. On the other hand, PGPR concentrations did not produce significant differences in plant growth and chlorophyll content. Compost application at levels of 50 and 100 g per polybag improved pak choi growth and biomass as compared to the control treatment.

Keywords: leafy vegetables; plant growth; Pontederia crassipes; soil fertility; sustainable agriculture